There are many different procedures performed in the field of
general dentistry. Some are relatively simple, while others are more complicated. Some are preventive, while others are therapeutic, meaning that they are intended to treat existing oral health complaints.
Preventive general dentistry procedures
Preventive procedures are performed to protect your teeth and gums from problems such as tooth decay and infection.
Dental cleanings
In addition to performing oral hygiene at home, you also need to have regular dental cleanings and examinations. Brushing and flossing can help prevent excessive plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth but cannot remove everything. A routine dental cleaning scrapes the built-up calculus away and polishes the teeth to get them as clean as possible. It may also involve a fluoride treatment to prevent tooth decay.
Sealants
On the surface of some teeth, there are deep grooves that are harder to keep clean and free from plaque. Sealants consist of plastic resins that are painted onto the teeth. They seal the grooves and smooth them out so that plaque cannot get trapped there. Sealants help to prevent tooth decay by creating a barrier between the surface of the tooth and decay-causing bacteria.
Therapeutic general dentistry procedures
If there are oral health problems, such as cavities or infections, therapeutic procedures are intended to correct them.
Fillings
A filling is one of the most common general dentistry procedures. When one of the teeth has a cavity, the procedure involves removing the decayed tissue and filling in the resulting gap with a hard, durable material. Most fillings consist of either metal amalgam or composite resin. They can generally be completed in about an hour and involve local numbing of the affected area to prevent any pain.
Crowns
If the damage to a tooth is too extensive to treat with a filling, the dentist may perform a crown procedure instead. A crown is a tooth-shaped cap made of a durable material. It fits over the top of a damaged or decayed tooth to strengthen and support it. Before the crown can be placed, the tooth is prepared by removing some material so that the cap fits snugly over the tooth and among the other teeth.
Root canal
A root canal involves removing decayed or infected material from the innermost layer of the tooth. It is usually combined with a crown to protect the tooth from further damage. A root canal may be the last option to save a severely decayed tooth.
Extractions
When a tooth is extracted, it can cause adverse changes to your oral health as a whole. To avoid these changes, dentists prefer to leave natural teeth in the jaw whenever possible and only perform extractions as a last resort. However, if the tooth is too unhealthy or unstable to remain in the mouth and no other treatment options are available, extraction may be the only option.
Conclusion
Some general dentistry procedures are intended to correct a specific dental problem, while others are intended to prevent them from occurring and maintain oral health.
Request an appointment or call Santa Monica LiveWell Dentistry at 310-828-2440 for an appointment in our Santa Monica office.
Related Posts
Most people will develop at least one dental cavity by the time they reach adulthood. The most common type of general dentistry treatment for a cavity is a filling. However, many patients prefer to avoid dental work whenever possible, including fillings. In addition, some products and natural remedies claim to heal tooth decay and repair…
The goal of general dentistry can be expressed as treating tooth decay and oral health issues if necessary and preventing them if possible. One of the most effective tools that dentists use in the prevention of tooth decay is fluoride.The enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth. It consists of minerals that combine to…
Gum disease is a common problem for many Americans who visit general dentistry clinics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nearly half of adults in the U.S. over the age of 30 have some manner of periodontal problems that, when left untreated, can lead to bleeding gums, chronic bad breath, and tooth…