General dentistry is a broad field that encompasses maintaining and improving the oral health of people of all ages. From performing dental exams and taking x-rays to select the right treatment plan for each patient, general dentists work with patients daily to help them achieve optimal oral health. General dentistry can also incorporate many other services, including teeth whitening, restorative work, and more. A general dentist’s work can encompass the entire mouth, teeth, gums, and jaw structure. If you wonder how a Mesa general dentistry practice can benefit you, you have come to the right place. Here are some treatments a general dentist can offer.
Professional Tooth Cleaning
You will likely undergo professional teeth cleaning at your first visit to a Mesa general dentist. During teeth cleaning, the dentist uses special tools to remove plaque and calculus (hardened plaque deposits) that can lead to cavities if not removed. The dental team may also use polishing materials to reduce enamel staining. Patients should make sure they brush and floss their teeth daily at home to reduce the amount of plaque and calculus that forms between office visits.
Dental Exams
A general dentist offers complete dental exams to patients. At each appointment, the dentist will look over your teeth, gums, tongue, lips, cheeks, facial muscles, jawbone, salivary glands, and neck. The dentist will assess dental conditions such as tooth decay, gum disease (periodontal disease), and oral cancer. A dentist can also advise caring for your teeth at home and recommend the most appropriate treatments.
Fillings
A filling is used to treat a cavity formed in one or multiple teeth. Before the procedure, the dentist will numb the affected area to reduce discomfort. Once ready, the dentist can then drill out much of the decayed tooth structure down to healthy dentin. The dentist will then insert moisture-resistant composite resin or amalgam into the hole after shaping it to the appropriate size. The tooth is then restored with a filling, normally made of composite resin or amalgam since these materials can match the color of your natural teeth.
Dental Crowns
A crown covers all or part of a damaged tooth. The dentist will first prepare the damaged tooth by removing any decay and then remove a significant amount of enamel and dentin. The dentist can then shape the remaining portion of the tooth into a prepared crown, which often includes an inner metal framework. A resin or porcelain coating is then placed on the tooth to restore its normal appearance.
Root canal treatment
Root canal treatment can save teeth that would otherwise need to be removed. During this procedure, the dentist removes the pulp (root) inside a damaged or decaying tooth, which reduces inflammation and pain. A filling is placed inside the treated tooth after cleaning, shaping, disinfecting, and removing any dead tissue inside it. The tooth is then sealed with a crown to restore it fully.
In summary, a general dentist is vital in helping you achieve optimum health. They can recommend treatments such as root canal, dental crowns, and fillings. They can also conduct dental exams and professional teeth cleaning.
