What Are the Various Dental Procedures Performed by a General Dentist?
When you have a gum infection or tooth pain, the first person you will see is a general dentist. This is because they are your primary dental health provider.
Dental specialists focus on a specific area of dental care. In contrast, general dentists are experts at preventing, detecting, diagnosing, and treating various oral health issues ranging from sickness to damage and everything in between. General dentists may give comprehensive dental treatment to address a range of problems and preserve oral health.
What Services Do General Dentists Offer?
General dentistry services are classified into three; preventive, restorative, and cosmetic procedures.
- Preventive dental services
Did you know 65 percent of all general dentistry in Vancouver is diagnostic or preventive? The preventive services are designed to protect the teeth from oral diseases. The procedures include:
- Exams and cleanings
Dental exams are important in detecting early signs of oral disease. The general dentist in Vancouver will also check for tooth decay, gum disease, or other problems.
A dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar (hardened plaque). Plaque, a sticky film of food debris, harbors bacteria. Dental cleanings are important because they remove tartar, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
- Fluoride treatments
Fluoride treatments are one of the most common procedures performed by general dentists. They help prevent tooth decay and can also be used to treat existing cavities. Fluoride treatments usually involve applying a fluoride gel or paste to the teeth, which helps harden the enamel, making it resistant to cavities and decay.
- Dental sealants
Tooth sealants are a thin, plastic coating applied to the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth – molars and premolars. This protective barrier keeps out food and plaque that can cause cavities.
The dentist or hygienist will first clean the tooth and then roughen up the chewing surface with an acid solution. This creates tiny pits in the tooth surface that effectively helps the sealant bond. Next, the sealant is applied and allowed to harden, although the dentist can use a light to harden them. Sealants usually last for about a decade before they are removed.
- Mouthguards
Mouthguards are dental appliances covering the teeth and gums to protect them from injury. They are also sometimes called “sports guards” because athletes often wear them. However, mouthguards can benefit anyone who participates in activities where there is a risk of dental injuries, such as contact sports. The mouthguards can also be used to protect the teeth against grinding. Visit a general dentistry clinic near you for customized mouthguards if you suffer from bruxism.
- Restorative procedures
Restorative dental procedures repair tooth decay and replace missing teeth. The procedures include:
- Dental fillings
Tooth fillings repair teeth that have been damaged by decay. The dental filling material is placed into the tooth and then shaped and polished to restore the function and appearance of the teeth. There are different dental fillings, including amalgam (silver) fillings, composite, and metal alloys.
- Root canal procedure
A root canal treatment repairs and saves a badly decayed or infected. It tooth involves removing the damaged or infected tissue inside the tooth, including the nerve and dental pulp. Once the tissue is removed, the root canal is cleaned and sealed.
- Gum disease treatment
Gum disease affects the gingivae, and the bone around the teeth becomes infected and inflamed. Gum disease treatment involves cleaning the teeth and gums and sometimes surgery.
- Tooth extraction
Tooth removal is the complete pulling of a tooth from its socket in the bone. They are performed for various reasons, but most commonly to remove teeth that are decayed, damaged, or infected. Tooth extractions can also prepare the mouth for orthodontic treatment or make room for tooth alignment procedures.
- Cosmetic procedures
Cosmetic dental procedures are any procedures performed to improve the appearance of your teeth or mouth. This can include procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, or contouring.
Cosmetic dental procedures are usually elective, which means that they are not necessary for dental health; they are done purely for cosmetic reasons.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Enhance Dental Centre for more information about our general dental procedures.