General Dentistry has evolved over the years. In the past, there was a time when a general dentist comprised of simply checking your teeth and performing basic restorative treatments if required. Now, a general dentist does much more. A general dentist no longer focuses on caring for just gums and teeth. There are other areas and treatments that a general dentist has had to learn as part of their craft.
The role of a general dentist should be understood so you know what to expect at your upcoming appointment.
People often visit a general dentist for any dental and oral health concerns. They are best placed to understand the concern before recommending treatment and treatment plans to keep teeth healthy for longer.
THE GENERAL DENTIST ROLE
When you visit a general dentist, expect them to do several things:
- Perform A Medical Examination – The first thing the general dentist will do at the start of the appointment is to perform a medical examination to determine the state of your teeth. This is typically completed using X-Rays and cancer screening tests. The purpose of this is for the dentist to spot any abnormalities that may have developed on the teeth and gums.
- Perform Minor And Major Procedures – Depending on the kind of dental concern, the dentist would perform minor and major procedures. These are broken down further as:
- Minor Treatments
– Fillings
– Root Fillings
– Check Up And Clean - Major Treatments
– Dental Mouthguards
– Dentures
– Root Canal Therapy
– Dental Crowns - Cleaning – A general dentist is expected to perform a thorough clean of teeth and gums. This is to avoid the build-up of bacteria as it can lead to a serious infection and decay. As part of the service, the general dentist may provide fluoride toothpaste to help keep teeth clean and healthy.
- Referring Patients To Specialists – Sometimes a general dentist will refer patients to a dental specialist if the patient requires more dental care than a general dentist can provide. Referring to dental specialists is necessary where specialists are more experienced.
Read here to see how you can benefit from a scale-and-polish procedure
If you’re seeking improvements to your oral health, seek assistance with our helpful, experienced dental team at Ashfield Family Dental. Contact us here now!
