General dentistry (as the name suggests) superficially includes all aspects dentistry including routine examinations, general dental treatment, preventive dental care, and even cosmetic dental procedures, general dentistry has all your oral health needs covered.
Wondering how often you should visit your general dentist? We’ve got you covered. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of general dentistry and help you understand why it is essential for maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile.
General dentistry refers to the field of oral healthcare that focuses on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of common dental issues. Regular dental check-ups are highly beneficial as they allow dentists to identify and address any dental problems early on. This helps prevent the development of more serious issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer.
At London Dental Specialists, we believe in providing the perfect balance between general dentistry and specialist clinicians. When you contact us, our treatment coordinators will quickly work out whether you need to see a general or a specialist clinician. If we are unsure, you will be booked with a our wonderful dental therapist. Our dental therapist will then carry out the treatment within his/her scope of practice and then refer you to our specialist clinician for any other treatment.
The scope of practice in dentistry is a means of describing what every regulated member of the dental team is trained and competent to do
These dental examinations allow dental therapists and dentists detect and address oral health issues at an early stage. Regular dental check-ups for routine examinations to ensure optimal oral health. Regular dental check-ups offer numerous benefits for maintaining good oral hygiene and overall oral health.
One important aspect of routine dental check-ups is oral cancer screenings. Dental therapists or dentists thoroughly examine the mouth, including the cheeks, gums, lips, tongue, and throat, to identify any abnormalities or lesions that may indicate oral cancer.
X-rays also play a significant role in dental check-ups, as they help dental therapists and dentists identify hidden dental problems such as tooth decay and issues with existing dental restorations.
General dental treatment include:
Fillings are used to repair teeth that have been damaged by dental decay or cavities. They help to prevent further decay and restore the strength and function of your tooth.
There are different materials fillings, including amalgam and dental composite. Your dental therapist will recommend the most suitable option based on your specific needs.
During the filling procedure, your dental therapist will numb the area with dental anaesthesia to ensure your comfort. After the filling is placed, you may experience some tooth sensitivity, but this should subside after a few days.
Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices are essential for cavity prevention and maintaining the longevity of your fillings.
Dental crowns as a general dental treatment to restore the strength and function when a tooth is severely damaged. Crown restoration involves placing a tooth-shaped cap over the damaged tooth, protecting it and restoring its appearance.
There are different types of dental crowns available, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, and composite resin crowns. The dental crown placement procedure typically involves preparing the tooth, taking impressions, and finally, fitting and cementing the crown.
Dental crowns offer several benefits, such as improving the appearance of the tooth, restoring its functionality, and protecting it from further damage. Caring for dental crowns involves practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly.
However, common problems with dental crowns can occur, such as chipping, cracking, or loosening.
Bridges are dental appliances that are used to replace missing teeth by bridging the gap between two existing teeth.
Here are three key points to know about bridges:
Types and Benefits: Bridges come in different types, including traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, and Maryland bridges. They offer several benefits, such as restoring your ability to chew and speak properly and preventing adjacent teeth from shifting.
Procedure and Cost: The process of getting a bridge involves preparing the abutment teeth, taking impressions, and placing a temporary bridge before the final restoration. The cost varies depending on factors such as the type of bridge and the materials used.
Maintenance and Care: Proper care and maintenance of bridges are essential for their longevity. This includes regular brushing and flossing, avoiding sticky foods, and visiting your dentist for regular check-ups.
Bridges are a durable and long-lasting solution that can enhance your smile and improve your oral health.
Acrylic dentures and chrome dentures are the main types of removable dentures. Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They come in different types, including complete dentures that replace all the teeth in your mouth and partial dentures that fill in the gaps left by missing teeth.
Proper denture care is essential to maintain their functionality and longevity. This includes regular cleaning, using denture adhesive for a secure fit, and scheduling regular check-ups with your dentist for denture maintenance and repairs.
The cost of acrylic dentures and chrome dentures can vary depending on the type and materials used, so it’s important to discuss the options with your dentist to find the best solution for you.
Tooth extraction is a common general dental treatment that may be necessary when a tooth is severely damaged or decayed or a wisdom tooth. It’s important to note that complications from tooth extraction are rare, but they can include bleeding, infection, and dry socket.
To ensure a smooth recovery after tooth extraction, it’s recommended to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions, which may include avoiding certain foods, taking pain medication, and applying ice packs to reduce swelling.
It’s also worth discussing alternatives to tooth loss, such as root canal treatment or dental crowns, with your dentist to explore all available options for preserving your natural tooth.
Practicing regular dental hygiene is essential to keep the mouth healthy. Good oral health habits include:
Regular dental cleanings by a dental hygienist or dental therapist is also important to keep the mouth healthy because they:
To maintain fresh breath, you can also consider:
Preventative care plays a crucial role in oral health maintenance, helping to prevent cavities and gum disease. The most important step in this regard excellence in paediatric dentistry because habits developed at this stage tend to last a lifetime.
Preventive dental procedures such as routine examinations, scaling and polishing remove plaque and tartar, fissure sealants to prevent decay on back teeth, removal of wisdom teeth to prevent decay, fluoride application (varying concentrations) ensuring the health of your teeth and gums. Through regular dental visits, you can receive dental health education and guidance on proper oral hygiene practices, such as brushing techniques and interdental cleaning methods.
You can enhance your smile through various cosmetic dental treatments that address issues such as teeth staining, misalignment, chips, cracks, and gaps. Cosmetic dental procedures aim to improve the appearance of your teeth, giving you a smile transformation that boosts your confidence and self-esteem.
Aesthetic dentistry, also known as cosmetic dentistry, offers a range of dental makeovers and cosmetic smile enhancements to suit your individual needs. Whether you require teeth whitening, veneers, composite bonding, or orthodontic treatments, there are cosmetic dental solutions available to help you achieve your desired results.
Skilled clinicians are available to guide you through the process, providing expert advice and designing a bespoke treatment plan to meet your goals. With flexible appointment times and practices across the UK, you can conveniently access private cosmetic dentistry services.
The frequency of dental check-ups depends on individual factors such as oral hygiene, habits, and medical conditions. However, here are three general guidelines to keep in mind:
Dental check-up frequency: Some people only need to visit the dentist practice once or twice a year, while others may need more frequent visits. The higher-risk group, including patients with high sugar consumption, pregnant women, smokers, diabetics, people with gum disease, and those with a weak immune response, may need to see the dentist every three months or more.
Importance of regular dental visits: Dentists are trained to detect problems that may not be visible or painful. Regular visits can help detect oral health issues early, such as cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer. By addressing these issues early on, you can save time, discomfort, and money in the long run.
Benefits of preventive dental treatment: Regular dental visits allow for preventive treatments, such as cleanings and sealants, which can help minimize the risk of cavities and gum disease. These treatments can also help maintain your oral health and overall well-being.
Regular dental visits provide an opportunity for patients to receive reviews of their oral health and any necessary treatments. Reviews play a crucial role in ensuring patient satisfaction and maintaining a high-quality dental clinic experience.
In today’s digital age, online ratings and customer testimonials have become valuable resources for individuals seeking dental care. Prospective patients often rely on these reviews to gauge the professionalism and reliability of a dental clinic. Positive reviews can boost patient confidence and encourage them to seek treatment, while negative reviews can have the opposite effect.
Additionally, professional recommendations from dentists and other healthcare providers can further validate the credibility of a dental clinic. Overall, reviews serve as a helpful tool for patients to make informed decisions about their oral health and choose a dental clinic that meets their needs.
You can treat common dental problems through general dentistry. Causes of tooth decay, benefits of regular dental check-ups, treatment options for gum disease, importance of oral hygiene, and common dental procedures can help prevent dental problems.
Yes, general dentistry procedures can help with tooth sensitivity. They can treat gum disease, provide tips on preventing tooth sensitivity, offer various treatments, teach you how to manage it at home, and prevent potential complications.
If you have a toothache or dental emergency, it is important to visit a general dentist. They can provide the necessary care and treatment to alleviate your pain.
General dentistry focuses on maintaining overall oral health through regular check-ups, common procedures, and cost-effective treatments. Specialist dental treatments offer additional benefits for specific issues. Both play vital roles in promoting oral health.
There are generally no age restrictions for receiving general dental treatment. General dentistry procedures can address common dental problems such as tooth sensitivity, toothaches, and dental emergencies. Specialized dental treatments differ in scope and focus.
