General dentistry services are designed to improve a patient’s long-term oral health. Although the services offered by general dentists vary, common services include routine cleanings, cavity fillings, scaling and root planing, dental crowns, and root canal therapy.
On the first visit with a general dentist, they will conduct an oral examination and determine what treatments are necessary. They can put together a long-term treatment and prevention plan to not only restore any issues with the patient's oral health but also reduce the risk of future complications.
A routine dental cleaning is one of the most common dental procedures. If the general dentist determines that there are no oral health concerns that require treatment after examining the patient’s mouth and their dental X-rays, then they typically recommend a routine cleaning. This involves gently removing plaque and tartar build-up on the surface of teeth enamel and along the gum line. Routine cleanings are recommended once every four to six months.
Doing cavity fillings is relatively common among general dentistry practices. This is necessary when teeth enamel weakens and eventually erodes away. For weakened enamel only, the dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment. For more severe cavities, the dentist may recommend a root canal procedure. However, most cavities are treated through dental fillings, which involve removing the decay, filling the tooth with a tooth-colored material, and hardening the material.
Scaling and root planing, also called a deep dental cleaning, is necessary if periodontitis develops and threatens the patient's long-term oral health. The procedure involves cleaning below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar build-up, whereas a routine cleaning only involves cleaning at and above the gum line.
A dental crown can restore a severely weakened or damaged tooth for the long term. Different types of crown material can be chosen based on the location of the tooth and the patient’s preference. It is a relatively non-invasive procedure and can save a tooth from becoming lost. Crowns can last for more than a decade with proper care.
Root canal therapy is performed in general dentistry to treat deep tooth decay or an oral infection that extends to the tooth root. The procedure involves drilling to access the root of the tooth, removing the infected pulp inside the pulp chamber found in the tooth root, and filling the cavity with a material known as gutta-percha. The general dentist then places a dental crown on the tooth to protect it from further harm and restore its appearance.
If you have not been to the dentist in more than six months, then contact our general dentistry practice today to arrange a visit. We would be glad to determine what your treatment needs are for ideal oral health and answer any questions or concerns that you may have about caring for your oral health between visits.
Request an appointment here: https://www.smilesaheadfamilydentistry.com or call Smiles Ahead Family Dentistry at (614) 340-8240 for an appointment in our Columbus office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry in Columbus, OH.
Our general dentist recommends brushing with a toothpaste that contains fluoride to give your teeth the highest level of protection possible against tooth decay. Fluoride is a naturally occurring chemical that helps to re-mineralize and strengthen teeth enamel.Fluoride can be found in natural bodies of water, as well as many fruits and vegetables like grapes…
Visits to your general dentist are done routinely, which for most people is twice per year or every six months. Sometimes, your dentist may recommend a deep dental cleaning. What is that? In this article, we will review what a dental cleaning is and when you might be due for one.Just like spring cleaning in…
Clear aligners are a great way to straighten misaligned teeth and achieve a better smile overall, but there are other orthodontic treatment options which are worth considering as well. One of the hardest decision for those who want teeth straightening treatment is determining which option is best, and having more information about clear aligners can…
Looking into teeth straightening treatments? Read on to learn more. Very few of us are born with flawlessly straight teeth. However, with recent technological advancements in dentistry, crooked teeth can be turned into a well-aligned, attractive smile. All you need to do is consult an experienced dental professional for the right advice.While offering you professional…