What Does a General Dentist Do? Services Explained

What Does a General Dentist Do? Services Explained from Brighter Smile Family Dentistry & Orthodontics in Sterling, VAVisiting a general dentist for a specific service can improve your oral health. This dental care provider can detect and treat a wide range of oral health issues. The provider can also enhance your smile. Learning more about the general dentist’s services can help prepare you for your next dental appointment.

Restoration services

Dental damage can happen at any time. It can also develop over time through dental decay. The general dentist can assess and restore the tooth. A mild cavity will need a dental filling. Removing the decayed area first will leave a bacteria-free section. Applying the filling will restore the shape and bite force of the affected tooth.

Deeper damage to the tooth will need a dental crown or cap. Inlays and onlays are also options for restoring chewing surfaces. Dental implants function like natural teeth. These restorations are the gold standard. An implant can merge with the jawbone and gum tissue. The titanium rods provide stability after a successful osseointegration.

Preventive services

A general dentist can also prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Keeping these problems at bay needs regular dental cleanings. Oral exams and dental X-rays can help locate the problem. Screening for oral cancer usually happens during regular dental checkups. Early detection of oral cancer can lead to prompt treatment. The patient can then have a good prognosis.

Fluoride treatments strengthen teeth, helping to prevent enamel erosion. Some communities have fluoridated water. A general dentist may recommend fluoride supplementation if a patient’s residence does not have access to this feature. Dental sealants shield the chewing surfaces of teeth from food particles and bacteria. The extra layer of protection makes cleaning easy. It also prevents cavity formation.

Guidance is also one of the general dentist’s techniques in preventing oral infections. Reducing one’s intake of sugary foods and drinks can lower one’s risk of developing cavities. Custom-fitted mouthguards can prevent mouth injuries while playing contact sports. Nightguards can protect the teeth from dental wear caused by bruxism.

Cosmetic dental services

Enhancing one’s smile is a key aspect of general dentistry. A general dentist can perform treatments that can restore the healthy appearance of teeth. After a recommended cosmetic dental treatment, an individual regains self-esteem. Professional teeth whitening can remove superficial stains. Dental bonding and porcelain veneers can whiten teeth with deeper stains.

Children’s dental services

A general dentist often focuses on adult patients. Even so, these dental care professionals can still provide proper dental care to younger patients. Dental extraction is used for baby teeth that do not fall off on their own. This procedure releases the dental spaces for the emerging permanent teeth. Preventive services can protect the developing teeth from cavities.

Minor oral surgeries

A general dentist can also perform minor surgeries on adult patients. An individual can have a regular or wisdom tooth extraction from this dentist. Patients with infected pulp tissue can go to this dental professional for relief. An emergency root canal treatment can remove the infected pulp.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Sterling, VA

Your general dentist can help improve your smile and oral health

Regular visits to your provider can keep your smile healthy. Various dental services can also target cosmetic dental issues. Some procedures take one dental appointment. Others may take days or weeks. Work with your general dentist to achieve your oral health and smile goals.

Request an appointment or call Brighter Smile Family Dentistry & Orthodontics at 703-994-4044 for an appointment in our Sterling office.

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