General dentistry encompasses a wide range of services to meet the various common concerns patients have in regard to their oral health and the appearance of their smiles. This article discusses the four most common types of general dentistry services and how each type can help you with your oral health, function, and smile.
The four primary areas of general dentistry are diagnostic, preventive, restorative, and cosmetic. Every general dentist offers their own set of services according to where they specialize and focus their attention. However, most general dentists offer some form of these service types, and there is a lot of overlap with certain services.
Before a general dentist recommends any treatment, they conduct a series of diagnostic services to determine what oral health concerns the patient needs to address. The most common diagnostic services are:
The two most common are oral examinations and dental x-rays. Oral examinations are performed on almost every visit, and dental x-rays are encouraged annually to ensure there are no underlying changes that need addressing. Diagnostic services are typically non-invasive. They are important for understanding exactly how to help patients achieve optimal oral health.
Prevention is the primary oral health focus for general dentists. There are many ways they can reduce the risk of oral health concerns for their patients. Some of the more commonly offered general dentistry services aimed at preventing concerns include dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and educational services.
These are typically non-invasive procedures that are most commonly covered by dental insurance. They are designed to reduce the risk of needing more invasive dental care.
Restorative dentistry focuses on restoring the health and appearance of a smile after oral health concerns such as cavities, gum disease, and dental trauma develop. Common general dentistry services used to treat oral health concerns are:
The individual tooth replacement procedures include fixed bridges, removable dentures, and dental implants. Of course, there are many other restorative services a general dentist may offer or recommend, including root canal therapy, gum grafting, pocket reduction, and more.
General dentists focus primarily on good oral health for their patients, but they also understand the importance of showing off a beautiful smile. Consequently, they often provide cosmetic services such as in-office teeth whitening, dental veneers, and dental bonding.
Tooth replacement also offers important cosmetic benefits and can help patients feel more confident showing off their smiles each day. In addition, some general dentists also offer orthodontic treatment options such as clear aligners that aim to correct jaw and teeth misalignments.
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