A general dentist is the first dental practitioner you consult when you have oral health issues. They give you advice and treat your dental problems. Everyone entering the dental field starts as a general dentist. However, some pursue further specialization, becoming specialists.
Those who do not specialize remain in general dentistry and help address and diagnose oral problems. General dentistry helps identify and prevent diseases that affect your oral cavity. General dentists can handle most dental problems. In cases where the problem is beyond their scope of practice, they can refer you to specialists.
At The Hawthorne Dentist, our general dentists offer routine checkups, teeth cleaning, diagnosis, and treatment services. Our dental services include preventative care to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Understanding General Dentistry
General dentistry is a branch of dentistry that entails diagnosing, treating, and managing general oral health. It includes several dental services necessary for the aesthetics and well-being of teeth and gums. While specialists focus on one specific area in dentistry, general dentists deal with the general care of your oral cavity. General dentists offer oral cleaning, regular checkups, fillings, and crowning.
General dentistry is more than just fixing dental problems when they occur. It involves preventing those problems from happening in the first place. It also entails taking measures to ensure you have a healthy mouth.
General dentists can serve you from childhood till adulthood. They can make preventative and restorative plans in every stage of your life to ensure you are well taken care of. You should build a relationship with a general dentist for a lifetime of oral care.
Services Provided by a General Dentist
General dentistry involves various procedures for maintaining oral health, restoring damaged teeth, and enhancing your smile. General dentists offer their services to patients of all ages, ensuring that your teeth and gums stay healthy. Some of the common services provided by general dentists include the following:
Preventative Measures
General dentistry focuses on the care of your teeth and gums. It aims to prevent oral diseases from occurring. Therefore, you should visit your general dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. This ensures that most common dental issues do not develop and that you do not undergo costly procedures. Some of the preventative services general dentists perform include the following:
- Routine Dental Exams
Routine dental checkups help the dentist observe the state of your teeth and gums. They also diagnose diseases and tooth decay before they worsen and require special treatment. Undergoing these dental exams will help you detect any oral problem at its early stage when it is easy to address.
- Professional Teeth Cleanings
Teeth cleanings help eliminate plaque and tartar that may develop over time, even with regular brushing and flossing. These professional cleanings also help prevent periodontitis and dental caries.
- Fluoride Treatments
Your dentist may recommend fluoride treatments for you and your child. Fluoride fortifies tooth enamel and makes teeth more resistant to cavities. It is highly beneficial to children but can also be effective for adults.
- Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of molars, creating a barrier that prevents bacteria or decay from penetrating the teeth. Dental sealants are administered to children as a precaution. They also work for adults with deep grooves on the surfaces of their molars and premolars.
- Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer screening is part of your routine dental checkups. The probability of your oral cancer treatment being successful is the early detection of oral cancer. Your general dentist will look for unhealthy tissue or growth during an oral cancer screening. If any is established, they will recommend treatment measures promptly.
Restoration Services
General dentists perform vital services to treat teeth affected by caries or trauma. Your dentist can fix a cavity, a cracked tooth, or a missing tooth, restore it to its form and function, and close any gaps. Some of the vital services provided in general dentistry include the following:
- Cavity Fillings
Cavity fillings are one of the most common restorative dental works performed to restore damaged teeth. Today, fillings are created from material that can closely match the color of your teeth, restoring your beautiful smile.
- Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used when a filling alone cannot repair a damaged tooth. They are cemented directly onto the tooth surface, making them solid and durable.
- Crowns
A crown or ‘cap’ is cemented on a tooth that has been damaged or is weak enough to replace its shape, size, and color. Crowns are commonly applied after a root canal treatment or when your tooth is broken or badly decayed.
- Bridgework
Dental bridges fill one or more missing teeth by capping onto the adjacent natural teeth or implants. They aid in reconstructing your smile, enhance your bite, and prevent the movement of neighboring teeth.
- Root Canal Therapy
Root canals are performed when a tooth’s pulp is infected, but the outer shell can still be saved. The pulp is removed during this procedure, and the tooth canal is disinfected and clogged to avoid further infections.
- Dentures
If you have lost several teeth, full or partial dentures will restore the teeth’s oral functions, including chewing and speaking well. Full dentures can be made to match the shape of your mouth. They can also be functional and pleasing to the eye.
Minor Oral Surgeries
Minor oral surgeries are procedures that treat some dental conditions or problems that require surgical solutions. These procedures also prevent future issues. They are easy and are performed under local anesthesia to reduce the amount of pain. Some of the common minor oral surgeries offered in general dentistry include the following:
- Tooth Extractions
Your general dentist may recommend tooth extraction when a tooth is severely damaged, rotten, or impacted (such as an impacted wisdom tooth). Your dentist will perform a simple surgical removal of your teeth and also check on the health of the tissues surrounding those teeth.
- Wisdom Tooth Removal
Your general dentist may recommend the extraction of your wisdom teeth if they are causing pain, making your oral cavity crowded, or impacted. Extraction will prevent future problems associated with impacted or partially erupted teeth.
- Dental Implants (Initial Placement)
Although specialists might perform the final procedure, general dentists can handle the initial placement of the implant. They can also surgically insert the implant post into your jawbone to prepare for the placement of an artificial tooth or crown.
- Gum Surgery for Gum Disease
For severe periodontal disease, general dentists could perform scaling and root planing. The dentist scrapes off the plaque and bacteria beneath the gum line to stop the disease from spreading.
- Biopsies
A general dentist may perform a biopsy if they identify abnormal growths or lesions in your mouth. The procedure involves using a small tissue sample to help determine the state of your oral health. The results obtained from the procedure are used to diagnose or eliminate any oral health problems.
Overall Health Concerns
General Dentistry also contributes to general well-being. Many mouth conditions are connected to body conditions. A problem in your oral cavity may be caused by or indicate a disease in your body.
General dentists are equipped with the knowledge to diagnose any potential systematic health problems early on. Some of the ways general dentistry can support your overall health include the following:
- Gum Disease and Systemic Health
Gum disease can be related to many systemic diseases, such as heart ailments, diabetes, and even stroke, at an advanced level. During your routine checkup, your general dentist will examine and treat any gum disease you may have. After that, they may recommend that you see a specialist. That is if they see that your gum disease may cause or has been caused by other diseases in your body.
- Oral Health and Diabetes
Gum disease is a common infection in people with diabetes. General dentists recommend that people with diabetes attend regular dental checkups to monitor and manage gum disease. They also help prevent complications if blood sugar levels are uncontrolled.
- Sleep Apnea and TMJ Disorder
General dentists can detect and treat sleep apnea and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. These conditions can have a detrimental impact on your life. However, with customized oral appliances for sleep apnea or reducing jaw discomfort caused by TMJ, your dentist can improve the quality of your life.
- Detecting Nutritional Deficiencies
Nutritional deficiencies may appear as mouth sores, inflammation, or color changes to your gums or tongue. A general dentist will help identify these deficiencies and encourage you to change your diet. They could also recommend visiting your primary care provider to correct underlying nutritional deficiencies.
- Early Signs of Diseases in the Mouth
Early symptoms of some diseases, such as anemia or osteoporosis, may be present in the oral cavity. Your general dentist may be the first to notice these indicators during routine dental checkups. They could recommend undergoing further examinations or sending you to a specialist. Detecting diseases early could help prevent the deterioration of your overall health.
Children’s Dentistry
Pediatric dentistry is a special branch of dentistry that deals with a child’s dental care from infancy through adolescence. General dentists are often the first to meet a child’s needs. They also set the pace for good oral health and a healthy smile for your child. Pediatric dentistry enables your child to embrace dental care throughout their lifetime. Some of the procedures involved in children’s dentistry include the following:
- Regular Dental Checkups
Regular checkups help your dentist identify and treat issues in your child’s oral cavity early. The general dentist will examine your child’s teeth during these routine checkups to identify cavities or bite alignment problems. They may recommend procedures to prevent, align, or restore those little teeth.
- Preventative Treatments
Your general dentist may recommend that your child undergo fluoride and dental sealant treatments. These help prevent tooth decay in children’s teeth. Sealants especially prevent cavities on premolars and molars, while fluoride helps strengthen the enamel.
- Education on Oral Hygiene
Your child should know how to brush, floss, and maintain good oral health. General dentists show kids hands-on, practical ways to care for their oral cavities. They also give parents tips on how to guide their children through the oral care journey.
- Guidance on Oral Development
A general dentist will walk your child through the oral journey to oversee the development of their teeth and jaw. They may advise that your child wear braces or aligners to fix bite problems or overcrowding.
- Treatment of Your Child’s Dental Issues
General dentists can treat ailments prevalent in children, including cavities, milk teeth extraction, and minor oral injuries. They offer friendly treatments to kids so they are comfortable during dental treatments.
How Often You Should Visit a General Dentist
You should visit your general dentist at least twice yearly for checkups and cleanings. These routine checkups help maintain your oral health. If you have any dental issues, your general dentist will detect them in their early stages. For example, if you visit your dentist regularly, they may be able to detect early signs of tooth decay.
However, certain people may require a different schedule. Patients with illnesses such as diabetes are at a high risk of developing gum diseases. Therefore, they need more frequent visits to minimize the effects of their disease on their teeth.
Patients undergoing orthodontic procedures such as placement of braces may require frequent visits, too. A general dentist will book you for cleaning and evaluation of progress appointments regularly. Some procedures may even take several months.
Your age also determines the number of times you should visit the dentist in a year. Because children’s teeth and jaws are still growing, their alignments need regular adjustments. They also need ongoing checkups to identify dental problems at an early stage.
On the other hand, older people are prone to gum issues, or tooth surfaces may be worn out. They, too, need frequent checkups to detect any problem at an early stage.
What Happens During a Routine Checkup with a General Dentist
During your routine checkup with a general dentist, they will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and mouth. They will check for any decay, gum disease, or other issues. They will book you for the next routine checkup if everything is good. However, if they find any problem, they will discuss it with you and plan for the appropriate treatment. Some of the processes you should expect during the routine checkup include the following:
- Professional Oral Checkup
During a routine dental checkup, your dental hygienist or general dentist will work together to perform several procedures. They will ensure that everything in your oral cavity is functioning well.
The checkup starts by assessing the state of your mouth, teeth, and gums. Your dentist will examine you to identify signs of cavities, gum diseases, or other issues. Such an examination will help uncover the initial signs of diseases. Dental checkups can also help prevent future problems that may require expensive treatments.
Your dentist may also conduct a probing test to measure the strength of your gums. Healthy gums should not be infected. The probing test determines areas that may be susceptible to gum diseases.
If there are any problems, your dentist will ask you to take an X-ray to see if there is an underlying issue. X-rays help general dentists see what the naked eye cannot. Dental problems such as an impacted or decayed tooth are only visible when using diagnostic tools such as X-rays.
- Teeth Cleaning
Teeth cleaning is vital as it helps remove tartar or plaque that cannot be removed by regular brushing and flossing. Your dentist will recommend teeth cleaning at least twice a year. Tartar is formed from plaque that builds up over time.
Professional teeth cleaning is different from what you do at home using a toothbrush and paste. Your hygienist begins the process by scraping off the accumulated plaque and tartar on your teeth. They focus on the parts that a toothbrush cannot easily access. When tartar hardens, it can cause tooth decay or gum disease. Therefore, you want your teeth cleaned regularly to avoid dental problems.
- Teeth Polishing
Teeth polishing is the final process in professional tooth cleaning. It provides your teeth with that smooth, clean surface we all enjoy after a dental appointment.After cleaning the tartar off your teeth, your general dentist will use a slightly abrasive paste to scrub the surface stains off your teeth. Your teeth will be left smooth, shinier, and whiter. Teeth polishing also helps teeth to be less prone to harboring plaque between checkups.
Your dentist could recommend fluoride treatment to strengthen your enamel and prevent cavities. Therefore, you want to have your teeth cleaned by a professional regularly to avoid dental problems.
- Tooth Cavity and Gum Disease Prevention
At each dental visit, your dentist assesses for any signs of inflammation, bleeding, or infection of the gums. This process helps detect oral cavity problems in their initial stage. Your dentist will conduct regular teeth cleaning to prevent the formation of cavities and infection of the gums. Teeth cleaning removes plaque and tartar that would otherwise have led to a cavity or gum disease.
Your general dentist may also recommend fluoride applications or dental sealants. They do so to control the decay rate and fortify your teeth between routine checkups.
- Dental Sealing
Dental sealing is a preventative procedure meant to protect molars from cavities. Your general dentist will place a thin protective resin on the chewing surface of your molars. The resin covers grooves where food and bacteria tend to accumulate.
Dental sealants help stop decay or entry of bacteria in the grooves. They provide you with the ability to clean your teeth more effectively. They also decrease the probability of cavities developing.
- Treatment Recommendations
Your general dentist will recommend the best action after assessing your teeth and X-ray image results. They may recommend tooth filling for cavities or scaling for gum diseases. Your dentist may also recommend significant procedures such as crowning to restore your beautiful smile.
- Screening for Oral Cancer
Oral cancer screening is a component of routine dental checkups. It is intended to identify malignant and premalignant diseases.
How General Dentists Perform Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer screening involves both visual and physical examination to identify any irregularities.
Visual Examination
During the visual examination, your dentist will examine the health of the soft tissues in your mouth. They may identify early signs of oral cancer. Your dentist will also examine your lips, tongue, gums, roof and floor of your mouth. They do so to check for any darkened areas, growths, lumps, cracks, or sore that do not heal.
A visual examination also involves checking for red and white patches in your mouth that could indicate oral cancer. Your general dentist will also check your face and neck region. They will look out for lumps and other abnormalities in these areas that could indicate oral cancer.
Physical Examination
During a physical examination, the dentist uses their fingers to gently press on various parts of your mouth, jaw, and neck. They apply firm pressure on your cheeks, tongue, floor and roof of your mouth. This is done to feel for hard lumps and thick or tender tissues.
The dentist also gently presses your neck to check for swollen lymph nodes or hard nodules. The neck and facial regions are related to your oral health. These regions may help show signs of oral cancer. Therefore a physical examination helps dentists identify dental problems that may not be apparent during a visual exam.
Find a Hawthorne Dentist Near Me
Caring for your teeth is crucial, and choosing the right general dentist for you or your family is also important. Whether you are dealing with a dental concern or need a regular checkup, you want to consult with an experienced general dentist. Your dentist will guide you toward the best oral care.
At The Hawthorne Dentist, we provide various general dentistry services to help maintain your teeth and gums. Our dentists in Hawthorne, California, will advise on the right course of action. Contact us at 310-775-2557 to learn more about how we can help improve your oral health.
