General Dentist: An All in One PracticeIdaho Falls, ID
When it comes to health, a general dentist plays a crucial role in your well-being. Oral health is just as important as any other area of your body, but people often overlook it. There are effective ways to promote good oral health, and a dentist is an excellent resource. A nice aspect of visiting the dentist is you can achieve many of your dental health goals there with both preventive and restorative treatments.
Patients of all ages should visit the dentist at least every six months for a wellness checkup. At these visits, the dentist will check for problems such as cavities and gum disease. A hygienist will clean your teeth and educate you on proper everyday practices. Aside from checkups, a general dentist can address many types of dental problems.
If it is time for you to get a checkup, or if you need relief from pain or other oral health issues, contact your dentist today.
Good dental habits every patient should practice
A general dentist alone cannot ensure that a patient has healthy teeth and gums. Though visiting the dentist regularly increases a person’s chances of avoiding problems such as decay, the individual must be diligent about daily habits. First, parents should help young children brush with fluoride-based toothpaste twice a day. Once children can brush on their own, this habit should continue throughout life. Regular brushing helps to keep plaque and tartar buildup off teeth, thus minimizing the risks of cavities.
Flossing is just as crucial as brushing. People should floss each day, making sure to get in between every tooth in the mouth. Flossing prevents tooth decay and gum disease by removing bacteria from in between teeth and at the gumline. People should also limit the amount of sugar they eat. Using an antiseptic mouthwash regularly can also help by killing bacteria in the mouth.
What services a general dentist provides
While some dentists focus on one particular practice area, general dentists offer a wide range of treatments and services. A general dentist sees patients of all ages, from young children and teenagers to adults and elderly individuals. General dentists may refer patients to other providers for severe issues. A general dentist can offer the following:
- Teeth cleaning
- Fluoride treatments
- Sealants
- Cavity fillings
- Gingivitis prevention and treatment
- Root canals
- Crown placements
- Teeth whitening
- Oral cancer screenings
- Cosmetic treatments, such as veneers, onlays, and inlays
Dental crowns
Restoration for damaged teeth has a few solutions. Dental crowns are among the most common methods that a general dentist will use. A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that entirely covers a tooth. Though metal crowns were once the most popular, porcelain, ceramic, and resin are the most common today.
A dentist will use a crown to protect or stabilize a weak tooth. A crown can also cover a broken or chipped tooth. In treatments for severe decay, the dentist will usually cover the tooth with a crown after performing a root canal. A dentist may also place crowns in the mouth to cover irregularly shaped teeth or badly discolored teeth. When a patient exercises good care, a crown can last 10 years or more.
Dental implants
To replace a missing tooth, a general dentist may recommend that the patient get a dental implant. This is a long-term solution, as implants can last more than 20 years. A dentist may recommend dental implants for a patient as an alternative to a crown or bridge. Patients may also choose an implant over tooth-replacement options such as dentures. Implants are strong, durable, and allow the patient to enjoy a full smile and bite into most foods.
A dental implant consists of three parts: a titanium post, a connector piece called an abutment, and a toothlike crown. The post acts as the tooth root and goes deep into the jawbone. Getting implants requires at least two surgeries and a long recovery time. The patient must also have enough jawbone to support the implant. If the patient is missing bone, the dentist may need to do a bone graft.
Laser dentistry
An increasing number of general dentists use laser dentistry to treat patients. A general dentist can use lasers to address several issues and concerns with a person’s oral health. Some dentists may use lasers to remove decay and bacteria from the patient’s mouth. Another method with lasers involves the removal of bacteria from gums when a person has gum disease. The dentist can also use the laser to reshape gums.
Laser can also be effective in cosmetic procedures. For example, for teeth-whitening treatments, the dentist may use a laser to activate the whitening agent, usually hydrogen peroxide. Doing this accelerates the whitening process. In cases where a patient has oral cancer, the dentist can use a laser to remove tissue from the mouth.
Endodontic services
Tooth pain is one of the most common complaints that patients have when they come to visit a general dentist. This usually indicates decay or infection in the tooth. In severe cases, the patient will need a root canal. With this procedure, the dentist numbs the patient and then drills into the tooth. After removing any decay, the dentist takes out the pulp and nerve. Lastly, the dentist seals the tooth and covers it with a crown.
An endodontist may perform this treatment. However, a general dentist might also have the skill and training to provide endodontic services. When doing a root canal, the dentist will try to preserve as much of the tooth as possible. In a root canal, the dentist must reshape the tooth so the crown will fit.
A general dentist can take care of all your vital oral health needs
You never want to neglect your health, including your oral health. Ignoring daily habits and visits to the dentist can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss. Fortunately, a general dentist is available to provide all the services you need to maintain good dental health. If it has been a while since you had a dental appointment, or if you need to treat a nagging problem, call the dentist today. You can enjoy healthy, strong teeth and gums.
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