If I ask you what was your worst nightmare as a child. I know most of your answers will be visiting a dentist. Almost all of us were afraid of those dangerous tools of dentists. 

Unfortunately, no matter what we feel about taking a dental service, we cannot avoid it. Lack of oral care causes gum diseases, infections, and even oral cancer. Therefore, visiting a general dentist should be on your priority list.  

This article contains detailed information on general dentistry, its qualifications, and services. So, let’s dive in. 

What is general dentistry? 

General Dentistry serves as the backbone of oral healthcare. It provides dental checkups to people with a wide range of dental needs. 

General dentistry is your go-to solution whether you need routine dental care, basic dental treatments like a pesky cavity filled, or brightening up a smile. 

You can also say general dentistry is your preventive dentistry as it lies in its preventive approach. It’s not only about fixing problems but also about preventing them from happening in the first place. It’s like a service that gives your teeth a regular tune-up to keep them in perfect shape. 

To get the best general dentistry service, your general dentist plays the main role. They are the ones who do all your dental examinations. 

But general dentists do not only work on maintenance. They also fix your complicated dental issues. From filling cavities to fixing broken teeth, your general dentist can fix all your dental problems. 

To maintain your dental hygiene, your general dentist is your one-stop solution. So, if you still don’t have a general dentist, find the best one for you now. 

How do general dentists differ from specialists?

General dentists are like your family doctors of general dentistry. As you go to your family doctor first for any health issue, your general dentist is your first stop for your oral health issues. General dentists serve a wide range of services to keep your smile bright. You see them for routine checkups, cleaning, and all basic treatments like fillings and root canals. 

On the other hand, specialists are the doctors who get extra training in specific areas. Specialists are trained to tackle more complicated dental issues. For example, if you want to apply braces to straighten your teeth, you are required to visit an orthodontist.

 Endodontists come to your service when you need to deal with a complicated root canal. And if you want to replace missing teeth with implants, you need to see a prosthodontist. 

So, while general dentists provide a wide range of services, specialists go deeper into particular areas, mastering their craft to provide specialized care. 

Both general dentists and specialists are necessary to maintain your oral health. Together, they form a dynamic team dedicated to keeping your smile in top shape. 

What qualifications do general dentists have?

To serve general dentistry, dentists need to achieve a solid educational background. After completing four years of dental school, they need to earn a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree. 

During their graduation program in dental school, they study various aspects of dentistry, including preventive care, fixing cavities, and even some basic surgeries. From this four-year program, they developed the skills needed to tackle most dental issues. 

Some dentists go the extra mile and get training in specific areas like braces or oral surgery. This helps them become a specialist in a particular area of dentistry. 

General Dentistry Services:

Some general dentistry services are: 

• Dental exams:  Regular checkups to assess oral health and detect issues early.
• Teeth cleanings: Professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup for a healthier smile.
• X-rays: Diagnostic imaging to identify hidden dental problems such as cavities or bone loss.
• Oral cancer screenings: Regular screenings to detect signs of oral cancer for early intervention.
• Cavity fillings: Restorative treatment to repair decayed teeth and prevent further damage.
• Inlays and onlays: Custom-made restorations to repair moderately damaged teeth.
• Fluoride treatment: Application of fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
• Tooth sealants: Protective coatings are applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent decay.
• Bridgework: Dental prosthetics replace missing teeth by bridging the gap between adjacent teeth.
• Gingivitis treatment: Procedures addressing inflammation and early stages of gum disease.
• Orthodontics (braces and clear aligners): Treatment options to correct teeth misalignment and improve bite.
• Custom mouthguards: Personalized devices to protect teeth during sports or from grinding (bruxism).
• Dentures: Removable prosthetic devices to replace missing teeth and restore chewing function.
• Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) treatment: Therapies to alleviate pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint.
• Root canal treatment: Procedure to remove infected pulp from inside the tooth, preserving its structure.
• Sleep apnea treatment: Interventions to manage sleep-related breathing disorders and improve sleep quality.
• Teeth whitening: Its a cosmetic procedure to brighten stained or discolored teeth. 
• Porcelain veneers:  These are thin custom made shells that are applied to the front of teeth. This help improving their appearance. 
• Wisdom tooth removal: Surgical extraction of third molars to address overcrowding or prevent potential issues.
•  Tooth extractions: Remove severely damaged or problematic teeth to alleviate pain and prevent complications.

How often should you see a general dentist?

Seeing a general dentist is crucial for maintaining good oral health. Most dentists recommend visiting them at least twice a year for routine checkups and cleanings.

Thus your dentist can assess your oral health, catch any potential issues early on, and thoroughly clean your teeth to keep them in perfect shape.

The frequency of your visit depends on your personal need and any specific dental issues you may have. For example, if you’re prone to cavities or gum disease, your dentist may recommend more visits to monitor and manage these conditions effectively.

Ultimately, following your dentist’s recommendations based on your unique oral health situation is essential. Regular visits help prevent dental problems and save you time, money, and potential discomfort in the long run by addressing issues before they worsen.

So, whether it’s every six months or more often, as advised by your dentist, staying on top of your dental checkups ensures a healthy and happy smile for years.

Wrapping Up:

Maintaining good oral health is essential for overall well-being, and visiting a general dentist is key to achieving this. As highlighted throughout the article, general dentists play a crucial role in providing a wide range of dental services, from routine checkups to addressing complex dental issues.

Their qualifications ensure that they are equipped to handle various dental needs effectively.

Era Health is offering you a quality dental checkup in your city, Melbourne. If you are facing any issues regarding your dental health, Book an appointment now.