Routine dental services can transform your smile (2024)

Finding the Right Fit

A general dentist is a primary care dental provider that focuses on the prevention of disease. These dental professionals can diagnose, treat, and manage a patient's overall oral health care needs. They also encourage good oral health and hygiene to help people avoid the progression of oral diseases.

Finding the right dentist is crucial as they can teach patients ways to maintain oral health, treat certain dental issues, and help patients get more advanced care when they need it. Working with a compatible general dentist will improve a patient's well-being in the long run. Our team acts as a partner to help maintain each patient's oral and overall health.

Types of Services the General Dentist Performs

Unlike dental specialists who focus on a particular aspect of dentistry, general dentists provide a range of services that are vital to continued health. According to WebMD, these general dental practitioners provide primary dental care to diagnose, treat, and meet patients' oral health needs. Most of the care that general dentists provide is preventative.

Preventative care is key to helping patients maintain oral health and may include routine dental check-ups and education on proper oral hygiene techniques and nutrition. General dentists may also offer certain restorative services to fix damaged or decayed teeth and restore their function. Some cosmetic treatments may also be available to improve the appearance of a smile. Patients should contact our team to learn about our available services.

General Dentist Qualifications

General dentists are qualified to take care of patients of all ages. This makes them a convenient option for parents who would like the whole family treated at one practice location. Children and adults should have regular dental exams at six-month intervals to encourage good oral health. Depending on their oral health status, some patients may need to have dental appointments more often.

Dentists list their postgraduate degrees after their names as a way to identify their credentials. Most dentists are listed as DDS, which stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery. Other dentists have the credentials DMD, which is the Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine. Although the names are different, both DDS and DMD are postgraduate degrees that require an additional four years of training at an accredited dental school.

The Difference Between DDS and DMD

Children of all ages can have regular dental appointments with a general dentist. Although it might seem early, the sooner children have regular dental checkups, the healthier their mouths will stay throughout their lives. These check-ups help prevent cavities and tooth decay, which can lead to pain and other complications.

Asking questions during appointments with a general dentist is an important part of long-term healthcare. Patients can ask questions about the frequency of check-ups, best oral hygiene practices, and preventing tooth decay and other problems. Dental health varies for each patient. Our team works with each patient to determine the best way to meet their needs.

Referrals From a General Dentist

General dentists receive comprehensive training for a range of treatments. However, they do not have the experience or training to treat more specialized dental problems. Even if a general dentist cannot treat the issue directly, they can still help diagnose a patient and refer them to the appropriate dental professional. Some problems that may require a referral include:

• Crooked teeth
• Gum disease
• Jaw misalignment
• Root canals
• Tooth replacement

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What does a general dentist do?

A. A general dentist is a primary healthcare provider that manages a person's oral health care needs. General dentists perform many preventative procedures, such as professional teeth cleaning and oral exams. A general dentist may also offer cosmetic and restorative services.