Understanding General Dentistry: What Every Patient Should Know

General dentistry is essential for keeping your mouth healthy, and plays a big part in your overall dental well-being.

This type of dentistry covers a lot of different services and treatments that help prevent, find, and treat various dental problems.

What is General Dentistry?

General dentists are the main providers of dental care for people of all ages. They look after your dental health, and help guide you towards the best oral health possible.

General dentists offer a wide range of treatments and services that are crucial for keeping your teeth healthy. These include regular check-ups, cleanings, and more complex repairs. They are good at spotting dental diseases, and creating treatment plans that take care of oral health while considering your overall health.

General dentists can do many different procedures, but some complicated situations need the skills of dental specialists like orthodontists, periodontists, and endodontists. The main difference is in the extra training and special focus areas these specialists have - general dentists handle common dental issues, while specialists deal with specific areas of dental medicine after more years of training.

Services Offered in General Dentistry

General dentists provide a variety of services to treat dental issues and promote oral health. These services include:

• Dental Examinations and X-Rays: Important for finding diseases that aren't visible during a regular check-up.
• Teeth Cleaning: Helps stop cavities and gum disease by removing plaque and tartar.
• Cavity Fillings: Uses materials like composite resin or amalgam to fill holes in your teeth.
• Root Canals: Treats infected or decayed teeth by removing the damaged nerve and cleaning and sealing the inside of the tooth.
• Extractions: Removes teeth that are badly decayed or have serious gum disease.
• Crowns and Bridges: Fake teeth that are placed over existing teeth or implants to cover a damaged tooth or fill a space.
• Dentures: Replace missing teeth and the tissues around them, helping to restore your smile and mouth function.

Preventive Care

Preventive care is a key part of what is considered general dentistry, and aims to keep your teeth and gums healthy to avoid problems later. This includes teaching patients how to take care of their teeth, regular cleanings, and dealing with small issues before they get worse.

Regular visits to the dentist and professional cleanings are very important for preventive care. These appointments let dentists find problems early, like cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer, leading to treatments that are less harsh and more timely.

The Role of General Dentists in Preventive Care

General dentists are at the forefront of dental health care, providing several preventive services to help you keep your teeth healthy. These include:

• Dental Sealants: Plastic coatings are put on the chewing surfaces of back teeth to stop decay.
• Fluoride Treatments: Helps make teeth stronger and prevents cavities.
• Patient Education: Teaches patients the best ways to brush, floss, and care for their teeth, including what to eat.

Focusing on preventive care is not only important for keeping your teeth healthy, but also helps lower the cost of dental care by avoiding complicated and expensive treatments.

Emergency Dental Care in General Dentistry: What to Expect

Emergency dental care is an important part of general dentistry, providing quick help for sudden dental problems.

General dentists deal with a variety of dental emergencies like severe toothaches, broken teeth, teeth that are knocked out, infections, and more. Quick treatment is crucial to avoid more issues or lasting damage.

Addressing Dental Anxiety and Fear

Being nervous or scared about what can a general dentist do stops many people from getting the dental care they need. General dentists know this, and often use different strategies to make their dental office a calmer and less scary place.

This might include sedation dentistry, clear explanations about what will happen during procedures, and making the dental office a more relaxing place.

General Dentistry at Markham Smile Centre

At Markham Smile Centre, our team is known for our approach, focusing on our patients when it comes to general dentistry. We use advanced technology and methods to make sure you get high-quality care and feel comfortable. Our team takes care of your dental health, offering preventive, repair, and cosmetic services designed for each patient's unique needs.

All in all, knowing what are general dental services is vital for keeping your overall oral health, and plays a big role in preventive care. By understanding what services general dentists offer and the importance of regular dental visits, you can take active steps to keep your oral health.

At Markham Smile Centre, you can expect comprehensive care delivered with kindness and expertise, making sure you have a positive and reassuring dental experience.