General Dentistry

These help you maintain good oral health by stopping disease before it takes hold in your mouth. Regular exams (including diagnostic images such as x-rays) and professional teeth cleanings are a cornerstone of prevention. Your general dentist may give you detailed instructions to improve your at-home oral hygiene, and may also recommend preventive treatments such as sealants if needed. And if you lead an active lifestyle, you can be fitted with a custom-made mouthguard at your dentist’s office.

When a problem is found, your dentist will ensure you get timely and appropriate treatment. Probably the most common (and highly effective) dental restoration involves removing tooth decay and placing a filling in the affected tooth. But that is not the only restorative procedure general dentists provide. They offer you a place to go when you need prompt treatment for dental trauma—for example, a broken, loosened, or knocked-out tooth. General dentists can diagnose and treat the causes of tooth pain or periodontal (gum) disease. They may also offer treatments for missing teeth, place crowns or bridgework, and help you get fitted with dentures. Some provide more advanced treatments, such as root canal therapy, orthodontics services, and dental implants services, as well.

Many general dentists can help you get the sparkling smile you have always wanted with a range of cosmetic procedures. These include teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, lumineers, and cosmetic bonding. If a brighter smile is what you’re looking for, ask your general dentist about a smile makeover.

In many respects, your oral health is a mirror of your general health. Some dental problems may reflect issues in other parts of your body and vice versa. For example, untreated oral infections can lead to poor control of diabetes, an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease, and complications during pregnancy. General dentists are trained to identify these issues and offer appropriate treatment or referral when needed. One particular concern is obstructive sleep apnea, a potentially deadly condition that can sometimes be treated with an oral appliance. General dentists can also offer nutritional counseling, advice on tobacco cessation, and general health and wellness information.