Everyone knows that dentists are responsible for ensuring teeth remain strong and clean. Yet, do you know all the common general dental procedures your dentist can perform and how they affect oral health? Good oral hygiene is about more than regular dental cleanings. Your dentist may perform several general dental procedures to help keep your teeth and oral health at their best.
At Babylon Dental Care, we want to highlight some of the most common dental procedures and how they are used to keep your smile vibrant.
What Are General Dentistry Services?
General dentistry services are services and procedures that help you preserve your natural teeth and ensure good overall oral health. Some of the most common general dentistry services dental offices provide include:
Teeth Cleanings
Teeth cleaning is a dental practice’s bread and butter and the most common general dentistry procedure. Most dentists recommend cleaning your teeth professionally every six months for optimum oral health. A toothbrush and flossing cannot remove the same amount of plaque and tartar build-up as a dental cleaning. Regular cleanings can help keep your teeth strong and healthy, and they help your dentist recognize potential issues like signs of decay before they become significant problems.
Cavity Fillings
Second only to dental cleaning, fillings are a routine part of general dentistry services. Sugar, acid, and wear and tear can break down tooth enamel, leading to decay. Cavities are areas of the tooth that are damaged and decaying. These areas can turn into tiny holes or openings that can cause pain and sensitivity. Over time, tooth decay and cavities can grow more significant, leading to infection and tooth loss. A dentist can clean and remove areas of decay and place a filling in the hole to prevent further deterioration and pain.
Floride Treatment
Fluoride is a mineral essential for healthy teeth. While it is naturally occurring in water and some foods, some people don’t get enough to protect their teeth from damage. Dental fluoride treatments may help ensure you have the optimum amount of fluoride to protect tooth enamel and prevent decay.
Crowns
Cavities may be too large for a traditional filling when they progress to a certain point. Additionally, when the top section of a tooth decays, a filling may not be the appropriate way to fix the problem. Instead, a crown may be necessary. A crown is a type of tooth-shaped cap that can restore a decayed, worn, or broken tooth. Crowns can also cover dental implants and teeth treated by a root canal.
Root Canals
There are two words many dental patients fear: root canal. A root canal is another general dentistry service that helps treat infection in the tooth pulp or the innermost layer of the teeth. Root canals are needed when bacteria from the mouth enter the inside of a tooth, causing infection or inflammation in the tooth pulp. During a root canal, the dentist removes the infected or inflamed tooth pulp, disinfects the area, and puts a filling on the area of the tooth where the bacteria entered and infected the pulp. Many people fear dental pain and are overwhelmed by the idea of getting a root canal. However, leaving an infection untreated can cause the infection to spread and may result in tooth loss and other significant complications.
Teeth Whitening
Many people opt for teeth whitening procedures for a whiter, brighter smile. While several at-home whitening kits can help reduce staining and light up a person’s smile, in-office dental whitening procedures are still the gold standard.
Extractions
Tooth extractions may be necessary when decay or tooth damage is so extensive dental work cannot salvage the tooth. Although the procedure sounds frightening, tooth extraction can help eliminate harmful bacteria and improve oral health. Tooth extractions may also help eliminate the pain associated with significant infection, decay, or tooth damage.
Sports Guards
Most people don’t realize that specialty sports mouthguards are common in general dentistry. Every mouth is unique. One-size-fits-all mouthguards for sports may not provide a comfortable or safe fit for your or your child’s mouth. For maximum protection, you need a custom mouth guard designed to fit your mouth’s unique shape and contours.
Make a Dental Appointment Today
Common general dental procedures keep your smile radiant. However, your oral health affects more than just your mouth. It can impact your overall well-being, so making regular appointments with your dentist is crucial. At Babylon Dental Care, our compassionate dental staff are here to make general dental procedures stress-free. Call our office today at (631) 983-6665 to schedule an appointment.
