General dentistry encompasses a comprehensive range of dental services focused on maintaining oral health. Its purpose is twofold: to prevent dental issues and to address existing ones effectively. General dentists provide routine checkups, cleanings, and preventive treatments like fluoride applications and dental sealants to ward off cavities and gum disease. They also diagnose and treat dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections through procedures like fillings, root canals, and extractions. Additionally, general dentists can provide patient education, guiding individuals on proper oral hygiene practices and lifestyle habits contributing to overall dental wellness. By emphasizing preventive care, early detection, and patient empowerment, general dentistry aims to ensure everyone can attain and maintain healthy smiles for life.
Common Dental Problems Treated by General Dentists
Tooth Decay
- Diagnosis through visual examination, dental probes, and X-rays.
- Treatment involves removing decayed tooth structure and filling the cavity with materials such as composite resin, amalgam, or porcelain.
- In advanced cases, dental crowns may be placed to restore strength and function.
Gum Disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis)
- Identify gum disease symptoms such as red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
- Treatment includes professional dental cleanings (scaling and root planing), antibiotic therapy, and surgical procedures like gum grafting or pocket reduction surgery.
- Early intervention is crucial to prevent further damage and tooth loss.
Tooth Sensitivity
- Assessment of tooth sensitivity triggers and underlying causes, such as exposed tooth roots or enamel erosion.
- Treatment options include desensitizing toothpaste or mouthwash, dental sealants, fluoride varnishes, or restorative treatments like dental bonding or crowns.
Dental Erosion
- Identification of dietary habits and acidic substances contributing to enamel erosion.
- Prevention strategies focus on dietary modifications, fluoride treatments, or restorative treatments like fillings, crowns, or veneers to restore tooth structure and function.
Bad Breath
- Evaluation of oral hygiene habits, gum disease, dry mouth, or dietary factors contributing to bad breath.
- Treatment involves professional dental cleanings, prescription mouthwashes, and oral hygiene education to eliminate bacteria and prevent recurrence.
Toothaches and Dental Emergencies
- Prompt evaluation and treatment of toothaches, chipped or broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, and abscesses.
- Pain relief through dental fillings, root canal therapy, or tooth extractions.
- Guidance on pain management and preventive measures to minimize the risk of future dental emergencies.
Services Under General Dentistry
Routine Dental Examinations
Routine dental examinations are the cornerstone of preventive dental care. During these checkups, dentists thoroughly evaluate your oral health, examining your teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues for signs of decay, disease, or other abnormalities. These examinations help dentists detect dental issues early, allowing prompt intervention and treatment to prevent further complications.
Professional Teeth Cleanings
Professional teeth cleanings are essential for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing dental problems. During a cleaning, a dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and along the gum line, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Regular cleanings also help polish and brighten your smile, leaving you with a fresh, clean feeling.
Preventive Treatments
Preventive treatments are designed to protect your teeth and gums from dental problems before they occur. These may include fluoride treatments that help strengthen enamel and protect against cavities, and dental sealants that create a barrier to prevent bacteria from settling into the grooves of your teeth. Incorporating these preventive measures into your dental care routine can significantly reduce your risk of developing oral health issues.
Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing and restoring damaged or missing teeth to their optimal form and function. Common restorative treatments offered in general dentistry include fillings for cavities, crowns for damaged teeth, bridges to replace missing teeth, and dental implants for permanent tooth replacement. These treatments not only improve the appearance of your smile but also restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently. Contact us to learn more.
Periodontal Therapy
Periodontal therapy involves diagnosing and treating gum disease, a familiar yet severe condition that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Depending on the severity of the disease, treatment may include deep cleanings (scaling and root planing), antibiotic therapy, and surgical interventions to restore gum health and prevent tooth loss.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer screenings are essential to general dentistry, allowing dentists to detect oral cancer early when it's most treatable. Dentists examine the mouth, lips, tongue, gums, throat, and other oral tissues during a screening for signs of cancer or precancerous lesions. Early detection of oral cancer significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and survival. General dentists are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of oral cancer and can refer patients to specialists for further evaluation and treatment if necessary. Dentists play a crucial role in promoting early detection and saving lives by incorporating oral cancer screenings into routine dental exams.
Emergency Dental Care
General dentists provide prompt and compassionate care for dental emergencies, such as toothaches, chipped or broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, and abscesses. These dental emergencies can occur suddenly and cause severe pain, discomfort, and anxiety. This is why general dentists are equipped to handle various dental emergencies and provide timely interventions to alleviate pain, stabilize dental injuries, and prevent further complications. Whether during regular office hours or after-hours emergencies, patients can rely on their general dentist to provide expert care and support when needed.
General dentistry is the foundation of dental care, focusing on preventive measures, early detection, and comprehensive treatments to promote long-term oral health and well-being. Visit Blue Turtle Dental at one of our convenient locations at 2290 Birch St, Ste A, Palo Alto, CA 94306; 81 Birch Street, Redwood City, CA 94062; or 1394 Franklin St., Santa Clara, CA 95050 to schedule your appointment today and experience the difference that general dentistry can make in your dental health and overall well-being. You can schedule an appointment online or call us at (650) 503-6777, (650) 345-5300, or (408) 246-6030.