You've arrived at the correct page for general dentistry! Whether you're a seasoned dental patient or just starting, knowing the fundamentals of general dentistry will help you keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape.
This in-depth guide will teach you all you need to know about general dentistry, from the basics of getting your teeth cleaned and checked to more advanced operations like root canals and extractions. You can now kick back and prepare to enter the wonderful world of dentistry.
What is General Dentistry?
General dentistry near you focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing oral issues. Clinics are where dentists treat patients referred by their primary care physicians or who respond to dental marketing.
Dentists examine teeth for injury or illness. A dentist will diagnose and recommend treatment. Treatment includes filling cavities with toothpaste and water, removing tumours and cysts from teeth with specialized technology, and replacing lost teeth with fake teeth.
General dentists give patients toothbrushes, floss, and instructions on how to use them to maintain oral health. They may send patients to periodontists or crown/implant specialists for additional treatment.
Types Of General Dentistry
All of dentistry, including orthodontics, oral surgery, and general anesthesia, is called general dentistry. General dentists address tooth pain, cavities, gum disease, and loss. They may also offer economical dental care to all ages.
General dentistry in Vancouver has several schools with different procedures and equipment. Your dentist will provide many services that may save you money and improve your smile, including:
Many general dentists now offer digital X-rays and 3D scans to better serve their patients.
Dentists can see the oral cavity better, enabling early identification and treatment.
Family dentists now offer porcelain veneers, dental crowns, and dental bridges.
Dental Procedures
When we talk about general dentistry, we're referring to preventative care like brushing and flossing as well as therapeutic procedures like crowns and bridges. General dentists may also have additional training in areas like implant or children's dentistry.
Common dental procedures that a general dentist may perform include, but are not limited to:
1. Tooth Extraction
As the name implies, tooth extraction is a procedure implemented by a campus dentist in Vancouver to remove a tooth from the mouth using local anesthesia.
2. Tooth Replacement
This involves the use of either donor teeth or synthetic materials like porcelain to create a replacement tooth. Replacement teeth are often inserted into empty tooth sockets.
3. Dental Restoration
When teeth are extracted and then replaced with new, healthy teeth or prosthetic devices, the process is known as restoration. Crowns, bridges, and even partial dentures fall within this category.
Oral Health Care
Oral health is as important as dental health. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is easier. Dental health basics include:
First, oral cancer surpasses all others in frequency and fatality. Oral cancer can affect the tongue, gums, lips, and cheeks.
Second, good dental hygiene reduces oral cancer risk. It requires brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, rinsing well, and using mouthwash if needed. Tobacco products like cigarettes and chewing tobacco enhance mouth cancer risk. Avoid drinking to lower your mouth cancer risk.
Third, oral cancer patients must receive therapy from a campus dentist at UBC immediately. Oral cancers may be treated with surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, depending on their stage. Treating malignant cells near vital organs like the lungs or liver may require additional surgery.
General Dentistry FAQs
1. What is the ideal frequency of general dentistry checkups?
Dental exams should be done every six months or twice a year. The general dentist should inspect teeth and gums every six months.
2. Are cavities likely to occur without routine dental exams?
Undiscovered cavities increase with dental exam skipping. Sometimes only a general dentist can find a small cavity. Without these appointments, cavities may not form, but they could damage their teeth and gums if not detected.
3. What occurs during a routine dental exam?
The dentist will inspect teeth and gums for abnormalities during a general dental visit. An annual X-ray can uncover health issues. General dentists counsel patients on tooth and gum care.
4. Is it possible to have teeth cleaned during a checkup?
Exams and cleaning are usually done together in general dentistry. General dentists examine and x-ray teeth. After that, a dental hygienist will thoroughly clean the patient.
Dental hygienists utilize fluoride. Fluoride prevents decay by strengthening enamel.
5. What will happen after failing to schedule a checkup?
Without frequent dental checks, cavities and infections are more likely. Many oral health issues are hidden from novices. Patients are at risk without a general dentist's exam or cleaning. At least two dental appointments are recommended annually.
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, general dentistry is an extremely important component in both the preservation and advancement of oral health. It involves a wide variety of services, such as education and preventative care, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of dental diseases.
It is vital to see a general dentist on a consistent basis in order to keep one's oral health in good condition and to avoid developing dental disorders. At Campus Dentists, we are skilled and experienced in every aspect of general dentistry. If you don’t believe us yet, book an appointment with us and see yourself!