Oral Health Suggestions from Our Dental Office
Being a dentist means that we see all kinds of patients. Very often, patients want to know if there are things they can do in the course of their regular routine to make sure their …
A general dentist performs most of the treatments commonly used in dentistry. These oral professionals spend most of their time performing preventative treatments, like tooth cleanings, but they also perform more complex treatments, like root canals. A general dentist also serves as an educator, teaching patients how to properly take care of their teeth and gums.
Here are popular treatments performed by general dentists, as well as their uses.
Most people do not get their teeth cleaned often enough, but these treatments can go a long way when it comes to protecting teeth and gums against tooth decay and gum disease, respectively. During the procedure, the dentist uses a tool called a scaler to remove tartar and plaque from teeth surfaces. Plaque is the sticky film that builds up on teeth after meals and contains bacteria and acids that destroy teeth. It calcifies into tartar when left on teeth. Plaque can be removed by brushing, but tartar requires teeth cleaning. For patients who miss too many teeth cleanings, their teeth will become coated with tartar, making them more vulnerable to decay and gum disease.
Dental sealants protect teeth that are hard to clean from tooth decay. The sealant is a varnish that is painted on teeth and forms a barrier that keeps away acids in the mouth. It is usually recommended for children who might have a hard time keeping their molars clean.
This treatment is used to close up cavities and other damage from tooth decay. The filling material is used to rebuild the decayed tooth, preventing the damage from spreading.
This involves using mixtures of plastic and glass to rebuild and repair damaged teeth. The composite can be matched with the color of the patient’s teeth so repairs look natural. Composite bonding has emerged as a more popular type of filling.
General dentists often fit patients with orthodontic devices, like braces and clear aligners, that are used to straighten teeth.
Also called caps, crowns are recommended when a tooth has been too damaged to be repaired with filling or composite. The crown can save the tooth because it holds it together. It also protects the tooth from bacteria and other irritants in the mouth, and it restores the function of the damaged tooth, along with its appearance.
A root canal is performed when the pulp chamber of a tooth has been opened up due to decay or damage to a tooth. It involves removing the soft tissues in the pulp chamber and sealing the tooth with gutta-percha.
General dentists also perform tooth extractions due to reasons like a tooth being too damaged to be saved, creating space on a person’s jaw, or removing a problematic wisdom tooth.
Need a dentist? Call or visit our El Dorado Hills clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://dexterdds.com or call Scott Dexter, DDS at (916) 233-0910 for an appointment in our El Dorado Hills office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in El Dorado Hills, CA.
Being a dentist means that we see all kinds of patients. Very often, patients want to know if there are things they can do in the course of their regular routine to make sure their …
Patients are often confused about the need for X-rays during a general dentistry appointment. Digital X-rays give dentists the ability to see what is not visible to the naked eyes. Developing oral …
X-rays in general dentistry are useful for catching dental conditions that may not be visible to the eye. General dentists typically require patients to get x-rays at least once a year to ensure that the …
A diagnosis of sleep apnea can be frightening or frustrating to patients, many of whom may need to make lifestyle changes in diet, exercise and environment to reverse the sleep disorder. In the face of …
Extractions are typically recommended when other options are not enough to solve a patient’s problems.
Because Invisalign® is removable, wearers are encouraged to keep the actual piece in for 22…
The following details what to expect during the dental bonding procedure, how to prepare and…
Do not let fear of pain keep you from seeing the dentist regularly. Thanks to…
If you are considering dental veneers to enhance your smile, consulting with a general dentist…
If you want to find out why good everyday dental hygiene is important for preventive…