What People Should Know About General Dentistry
A beautiful smile and healthy teeth require much more than daily brushing or flossing. Consulting a dentist at least twice a year is essential to prevent the occurrence of frequent oral problems, such as cavities. A general dentist should offer a full range of general dentistry services.
Whether for preventive care or for routine cleaning exams, a dentist and their team will make sure each patient is treated in a friendly and personalized atmosphere. If you have any questions about your oral health, do not hesitate to contact a local specialist – the clinic’s mission is to help you maintain a comfortable and healthy smile.
Gum treatment
Gingivitis is a minor inflammation of the gums. Poor dental hygiene is the most common cause, but “mouth breathing,” pregnancy and various systemic diseases can also cause gingivitis. Clinically, the gums will appear redder, swollen and may even bleed when brushing or flossing.
Although the process is reversible, it is important to quickly treat gingivitis since it may be a precursor to periodontitis (the support tissue will be permanently affected). Periodontitis is, in turn, a major inflammation of the gums caused by specific bacteria. The supporting tissues of the tooth will then be irreversibly affected.
There will be a gradual destruction of these tissues, which can cause serious repercussions if the disease is not treated. At an early stage, periodontitis is treated relatively well. However, at a later stage, care will be more complex.
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and can lead to other health problems if left untreated. It affects, among other things, heart problems, premature births and diabetes. The health of the gums has a direct impact on the person’s dental and general health, so experts recommend that individuals regularly consult their dentist to detect any early signs of gum disease.
Root canal
Endodontic treatment, or root canal treatment, consists of removing infected, damaged or dead pulp from the tooth in order to avoid extraction and, thus, preserve the tooth. The pulp is found inside the tooth, in the canal, and contains the nerves and vessels essential for dental development. Bacteria can reach the tooth canal through deep decay, cracking or faulty filling and will eventually irritate the pulp.
Ultimately, bacteria can travel through the canal, reach the root of the tooth and cause an abscess. This abscess will have serious implications for dental health, if left untreated. The nerve is removed from the tooth and the canal is cleaned with precision instruments, removing all debris. The channel is finally sealed with a biocompatible material.
Following endodontic treatment, the tooth must be restored to its original shape and masticatory function. If the remaining tooth structure is large enough and is not weakened, the tooth will be restored with a permanent closure. If it is weakened or if it is a posterior tooth, a crown may be recommended.
Minor surgery
There are several situations in which a tooth extraction is the best solution, or the only possible solution. The first situation is where tooth decay destroys the tooth structure to the point where the tooth cannot be repaired. In addition, an infection or periodontal disease can destroy the bone support of the tooth, making it moveable.
An orthodontist may also recommend an extraction because of dental crowding. Experts even suggest that an included tooth be extracted, which will reduce the risk of infection or prevent the growth of the included tooth from damaging the roots of all adjacent teeth. Regardless of the reason, when there is a need to extract a tooth, there are techniques dentists use to perform an extraction – all of which minimizes the pain felt during and after the procedure. If you are concerned about an extraction, be aware that some dentists do offer intravenous or oral sedation.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is the bad habit of grinding or clenching together, especially during sleep. It is considered an unconscious movement. This tightening can cause premature tooth wear, increased sensitivity to the teeth and gums, jaw pain, headaches, earaches and muscle tension in the face and neck.
The exact cause of bruxism is not very well known, but can be because of a malocclusion, stress or hyperactivity. There are several types of non-invasive treatments to reduce the symptoms of bruxism and most will reduce the discomfort associated with this habit. Among other things, relaxation, oral physiotherapy, and taking medication plays a role in treating the symptoms of bruxism.
Treatments offered by a general dentist
The many treatments offered by dentists include things like:
- Root canal treatments: Over time, the dental pulp can be damaged by decay, cracking of the enamel or trauma to the teeth. A root canal treatment can cure a possible infection and help the patient avoid extraction.
- Children’s dentistry (Pedodontics): A child’s oral health is crucial for their growth, both oral and overall. The role of each dentist is decisive because they must not only reassure the child during each appointment, he or she must also carry out individualized monitoring and involve parents by providing advice on dental hygiene, the treatment of cavities and abscesses, cleaning, realigning teeth, etc. Pedodontics covers a wide range of essential treatments.
- Cleaning, descaling, professional follow-up is designed to preserve the health of your teeth. It is essential to follow up regularly with the dentist, even if your teeth are healthy because it allows the specialist to detect the possible problems as soon as possible and prevent the appearance of cavities. Experts recommend doing a professional cleaning twice a year and taking the opportunity to get a complete review yearly.
- Family Dentistry: Choose a dental clinic that intends to provide care and advice to each family member, thus, taking care of your teeth over the long term. To save time, money and prevent pain, good oral habits must be adopted every day.
- Teeth whitening: If a person is considering teeth whitening with kits, it is still recommended to consult a dentist first, mainly because it is both more effective and safer. Make an appointment and see if the treatment is right for you, because dentists are committed to providing visible and lasting results for every patient.
Why does the dentist do an exam before a routine cleaning?
When a person visits a clinic for routine cleanings, their dentist will also conduct a mouth exam. This exam is designed to evaluate and diagnose any oral health problems the person may have. He or she may then propose, if necessary, the possible treatments appropriate to your condition.
During each examination, the dentist assesses various elements that may affect the patient’s dental health, such as the condition of their teeth, gums and tongue, the presence of cavities and infections, and the early detection of cancer. This is done by evaluating:
- Soft tissue under the tongue
- Palate
- Inside the mouth near the cheeks
- Condition of the lips and glands
- Adequate saliva presence
- Bad breath
- Ability to chew and open and close the jaw
- Condition of previous restorations
- Condition of prostheses and implants, if any
- X-rays
As a result of this review, the dentist will take the time to study the patient’s medical history. They will be able to determine if there are risk factors that could be related to the individual’s oral health. But why are these exams done twice a year? Because your oral health can deteriorate severely in less than a few months, and a few months may be all it takes to lose a tooth.
Good oral health is essential to overall life
Good oral health is an essential element for the overall well-being of the patient. That’s why dentists are committed to offering their patients comprehensive dental care. It is also the philosophy to provide all types of general dentistry care, carried out by experienced and complementary practitioners.
Dentists offer all common general dentistry treatments for adults and children: root canal treatments, broken tooth fillings, extractions, cavity treatment, gum problems (gingivitis, gum recession, periodontitis, abscesses, etc.) orthodontics and so on.
Oral health should be massively important to every individual
Dental follow-ups are a chunk of basic health care. Numerous studies stress the associations between oral problems and overall health problems. There are hundreds of species of bacteria that can crowd a person’s mouth at any given time.
Some bacteria can enter the bloodstream, therefore, causing damage: risk of premature delivery, diabetes, cardiovascular problems, joint inflammation, respiratory diseases, etc. Consistent oral hygiene and periodic checks are two of the most critical steps to a beautiful and healthy mouth. Smiling bright is known to reduce stress, prolong life expectancy, and may have a constructive impact on other people.
A beautifully healthy smile gives a person confidence in their personal and professional lives and will not affect the person’s overall health. It is in this sense that dentists offer their patients comprehensive dental care. Understanding how general dentistry works can provide a mountain of information to those who are looking to maintain their oral health for years to come.
The main point is to remember that choosing the right dentist takes time and is rarely easy. Make a list of potential clinics and then schedule a consultation with each. After the consults are done, make your choice according to how each appointment went.