What is Meant by General Dentistry?

General dentistry encompasses a broad range of dental services that aim to keep your teeth and gums healthy, clean, and free from decay, disease, and infection. It involves diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental issues affecting the teeth, gums, and other supporting structures of the mouth. These services range from routine cleanings and checkups to more complex procedures such as fillings, root canals, and extractions.

The Importance of General Dentistry:

Maintaining good oral health is crucial, and general dentistry plays a significant role in achieving this goal. Regular dental checkups and cleanings prevent dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. Early detection and treatment are vital to preventing more severe complications from arising.

Different types of general dentistry

  • Preventive Dentistry:

Regular dental checkups, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants are crucial aspects of general dentistry as they help prevent dental diseases. This branch of dentistry, known as preventive dentistry, aims to keep teeth and gums healthy while avoiding more invasive dental procedures. 

  • Restorative Dentistry: 

Restorative dentistry is the process of repairing or replacing teeth that have been damaged or lost. This may involve various procedures, such as fillings, crowns, bridges, and dental implants. The goal of restorative dentistry is to restore the teeth to their proper function while enhancing the smile’s appearance.

  • Emergency Dentistry:

Emergency dentistry is necessary when faced with sudden and severe toothaches, broken teeth, and abscesses. These situations can be painful and even life-threatening and must be attended to immediately by a dental professional. 

  • Cosmetic Dentistry:

Cosmetic dentistry involves procedures that are designed to improve the appearance of the teeth and smile. This includes teeth whitening, porcelain veneers in aurora, orthodontic treatments, and cosmetic bonding. Cosmetic dentistry can enhance the appearance of teeth that are discolored, chipped, misaligned, or have gaps between them.

  • Pediatric Dentistry:

Pediatric dentistry emphasizes the oral health of children from infancy through adolescence. Pediatric dentists are trained to handle children’s unique dental needs and provide preventive, restorative, and emergency dental care.

  • Oral Surgery:  

Oral surgery involves surgical procedures on the mouth, teeth, and jaw. This includes tooth extractions, dental implants, and corrective jaw surgery. Oral surgery is generally performed by an oral surgeon trained to perform complex dental procedures.

Standard procedures in General Dentistry:  

General dentistry involves various procedures to help keep the teeth and gums healthy. Some of the most common methods include:

  • Routine checkups and cleanings: Regular dental checkups and cleanings are vital to maintaining good oral health. Our dentist will examine the gums and teeth for signs of decay, cavities, and other issues during a routine checkup. They may also perform a professional cleaning to remove plaque or tartar buildup.
  • Fillings: Fillings repair teeth damaged by decay or cavities. Our dentist will remove the decayed portion from the tooth and fill it with composite resin, amalgam, or gold.
  • Extractions: Our dentist may recommend extracting a tooth that is severely decayed or damaged from the socket in the jawbone.
  • Root canals: When a tooth’s root is infected or severely decayed, our dentist may recommend a root canal to remove the material inside the tooth and seal it with a filling or crown.
  • Crowns: Crowns are used to cover and protect damaged or weakened teeth. They are typically made of porcelain, ceramic, or metal and can be customized to match the color and shape of the natural teeth.

General dentistry is a comprehensive field of dentistry that encompasses various dental services. Regular cleanings, exams, and preventive measures like fluoride treatments and sealants can help prevent dental issues from developing before they become serious. If you have concerns about oral health, schedule an appointment with Station Dental Group for general dentistry in Highlands Ranch. Let our friendly, skilled team help you achieve a healthier, more radiant smile. Our dentists at Station Dental Group are eager to earn your trust in Highlands Ranch.