What Can a General Dentist Do?

General dentists play an essential part in maintaining good oral health. These dental specialists are qualified to offer a broad range of preventative, therapeutic, and diagnostic dental care services. A general dentist provides comprehensive care to patients of all ages, including routine check-ups and complicated procedures. This blog will discuss various roles and duties of a general dentist and what a general dentist does in promoting the best oral health for individuals and families.

What are the Duties of a General Dentist?

What a general dentist does includes:

• Identifying and treating oral health problems.
• Carrying out dental procedures like fillings and extractions.
• Conducting routine check-ups and cleanings.
• Advising on preventive care and oral hygiene.

General Dentist Education Requirements

After earning a bachelor’s degree, candidates must attend dental school for four years before becoming general dentists. The knowledge and abilities needed for identifying and treating conditions relating to oral health are provided by this education. To work as a general dentist, one must obtain a dental license after graduating.

What Does a General Dentist Do?

A general dentist is the main source of dental care for individuals and families. What a general dentist does is emphasizing the prevention, early detection, and treatment of various dental conditions. General dentists receive extensive education and training to develop the abilities and expertise needed to provide complete dental care.

Regular Dental Check-ups

Keeping your mouth healthy requires routine dental exams. Regular check-ups should be scheduled at least twice a year, according to general dentists. What a general dentist does includes spotting potential problems during these visits and treating them appropriately before they worsen. Professional cleanings are another routine check-up component that removes plaque and tartar buildup to stop gum disease and tooth decay.

Preventive Dentistry

Maintaining oral health and averting dental issues are the main goals of preventive dentistry. General dentists provide various preventive services to ensure their patients’ well-being. These consist of:

• Dental hygiene instructions. Dentists instruct their patients on good oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing.
• Dental sealants. Dental sealants prevent decay on the chewing surfaces of back teeth.
• Fluoride therapies. The strengthening of tooth enamel and prevention of cavities through fluoride use.
• Nutrition counseling. Advice on eating a balanced diet to maintain good oral health.

Dental Cleanings and Examinations

Essential elements of preventive dental care include routine dental cleanings and exams. What a general dentist does is cleaning the teeth by removing tartar and plaque. Additionally, they polish the teeth to remove surface stains and leave them shiny and clean. To find any signs of dental problems, dentists simultaneously thoroughly examine the teeth, gums, and other oral tissues.

Dental X-rays and Imaging

General dentists use dental X-rays and imaging methods to identify and track oral health conditions. X-rays offer important information about the mouth’s structures that are not visible during a routine examination. Dentists use X-rays to detect impacted teeth, evaluate the jawbone’s health, and plan orthodontic or dental implant procedures.

Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry aims to replace or repair missing or damaged teeth. To enhance oral health and reestablish functionality, what a general dentist does provides a range of restorative procedures. Typical restorative techniques include:

• Dental bonding and dental fillings. Dental fillings are used to restore teeth that have minor fractures or signs of tooth decay. Commonly used by general dentists, tooth-colored composite fillings perfectly match the natural tooth structure. A similar process called dental bonding utilizes a tooth-colored resin to enhance the appearance of teeth that have chips or are discolored.
• Dental bridges and crowns. Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that go over weak or damaged teeth to strengthen and improve the tooth’s appearance. Conversely, bridges are utilized to replace one or more missing teeth. They are made up of fake teeth attached to nearby natural teeth or dental implants.
• Root canal treatment. This treatment is necessary when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed. General dentists carry out this procedure to eliminate the infected pulp, clean the root canal, and seal it to stop the spread of infection. Root canal therapy relieves pain and discomfort while preserving the natural tooth from extraction.

Cosmetic Dentistry

It is concerned with improving the appearance of the smile. What a general dentist does provides a range of cosmetic dental procedures to enhance tooth appearance and increase self-confidence. Several common cosmetic procedures include:

• Teeth whitening. A brighter smile results from teeth whitening procedures that successfully remove stains and discoloration. To achieve the best results safely, general dentists use the highest caliber whitening products.
• Dental veneers. Dental veneers are small, bonded shells made of porcelain or composite resin and placed over the fronts of teeth. They can make a smile more aesthetically pleasing by addressing problems like tooth discoloration, chips, or gaps.

Orthodontics

What a general dentist does is offering orthodontic procedures to correct crooked teeth and irregularities in the jaw. These procedures can enhance the teeth’s appearance and functionality. Typical orthodontic techniques include:

• Aligners and braces. Brackets, wires, and bands make up orthodontic appliances known as braces. They correct bite issues and gradually straighten teeth. Invisalign clear aligners provide a more covert orthodontic treatment option as an alternative to braces.

Is It Hard to Be a General Dentist?

Becoming a general dentist is a difficult journey that takes years of education and training. It entails finishing a bachelor’s degree and four years of rigorous coursework covering a range of subjects in dental school. Important first steps include clinical training and obtaining a dental license. To keep up with developments in dentistry, it is imperative to pursue continuing education.

The challenges become worse by managing patients and running a dental office. The rewarding aspect of being a general dentist is that professionals can enhance smiles and improve oral health through hard work and ongoing education.

What are the Most Common Procedures Done by a General Dentist?

What a general dentist does is carrying out a variety of procedures to meet different dental needs. Among the most frequent procedures carried out by a general dentist are:

• Dental cleanings. Prophylaxis, another name for routine dental cleanings, is removing tartar, plaque, and stains from the teeth. Gum disease and tooth decay are prevented as a result.
• Fillings. General dentists frequently treat dental cavities by removing the decayed portion of the tooth and then filling the space with composite material that matches the tooth. Both the structure and function of the tooth are restored.
• Dental check-ups. General dentists conduct thorough dental exams to evaluate oral health, identify problems or abnormalities, and create effective treatment plans.
• Root canal treatment. A general dentist may perform a root canal procedure when the dental pulp becomes infected or inflamed. To prevent the tooth from being extracted, this entails removing the infected pulp, cleaning the root canal, and sealing it.
• Teeth extractions. A general dentist can remove a tooth when it is severely decayed, impacted, or damaged. They could also have any problematic wisdom teeth removed.
• Dental crowns. To restore the strength, shape, and appearance of weak or damaged teeth, dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are placed over the affected teeth. General dentists frequently use crowns to protect and restore teeth that cannot be properly treated with fillings.
• Dental bridges. To replace missing teeth, dental bridges are used. Pontics, which are artificial teeth, are used, and they are attached to nearby dental implants or natural teeth.
• Dentures. General dentists offer removable dentures to replace several missing teeth. Dentures are made-to-order devices that enhance appearance, speech, and chewing ability.
• Teeth whitening. For a whiter, more vibrant smile free of stains and discoloration, general dentists provide professional teeth whitening procedures.
• Teeth sealants. To stop tooth decay, dental sealants and thin protective coatings are placed on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars).

Can a General Dentist Do Implants?

General dentists can carry out dental implant procedures, yes. Many general dentists are qualified to complete simple implant placements, though more complicated cases may be referred to specialists. They can determine suitability, plan treatment, and set up implant fixtures. Comprehensive care for complex cases is ensured through collaboration with specialists.

FAQs on What a General Dentist Does

How often should I visit a general dentist?

A general dentist should be seen at least twice yearly for regular examinations and cleanings. Nevertheless, the frequency may change based on personal requirements and oral health issues.

Can a general dentist perform oral surgeries?

While general dentists are trained in various dental procedures, oral surgeons or other specialists in particular fields typically perform complex oral surgeries.

Are general dentists qualified to treat children?

Yes, general dentists are qualified to treat patients of all ages, including children, for dental issues. They can monitor a child’s dental development and attend to their oral health needs.

Does dental insurance cover the services provided by general dentists?

Most dental insurance policies pay for a sizable portion of general dentists’ services. However, based on the particular insurance plan, the scope of coverage may differ.

Are the procedures performed by a general dentist painful?

General dentists prioritize patient comfort and employ various methods, including local anesthesia, to guarantee a pain-free procedure. The majority of dental procedures are carried out with little pain or discomfort.

Best General Dentistry Services Near Me in Ahwatukee, Phoenix, Arizona

The best oral health for individuals and families is largely maintained by general dentists. What a general dentist does is providing comprehensive services to ensure healthy smiles, from preventive care to restorative and cosmetic treatments. People can achieve and maintain excellent oral health throughout their lives by seeing a general dentist regularly and following their advice.

Looking for exceptional general dentistry services in Ahwatukee, Phoenix, Arizona? Visit Atrium Dental Clinic today for comprehensive dental care and a healthy, beautiful smile. To discuss your dentistry options, schedule a consultation at (480) 940-4321, and fill out our online appointment form.