A general dentist performs most of the treatments commonly used in dentistry. These oral professionals spend most of their time performing preventative treatments, like tooth cleanings, but they also perform more complex treatments, like root canals. A general dentist also serves as an educator, teaching patients how to properly take care of their teeth and gums.
Here are popular treatments performed by general dentists, as well as their uses.
Most people do not get their teeth cleaned often enough, but these treatments can go a long way when it comes to protecting teeth and gums against tooth decay and gum disease, respectively. During the procedure, the dentist uses a tool called a scaler to remove tartar and plaque from teeth surfaces. Plaque is the sticky film that builds up on teeth after meals and contains bacteria and acids that destroy teeth. It calcifies into tartar when left on teeth. Plaque can be removed by brushing, but tartar requires teeth cleaning. For patients who miss too many teeth cleanings, their teeth will become coated with tartar, making them more vulnerable to decay and gum disease.
Dental sealants protect teeth that are hard to clean from tooth decay. The sealant is a varnish that is painted on teeth and forms a barrier that keeps away acids in the mouth. It is usually recommended for children who might have a hard time keeping their molars clean.
This treatment is used to close up cavities and other damage from tooth decay. The filling material is used to rebuild the decayed tooth, preventing the damage from spreading.
This involves using mixtures of plastic and glass to rebuild and repair damaged teeth. The composite can be matched with the color of the patient’s teeth so repairs look natural. Composite bonding has emerged as a more popular type of filling.
General dentists often fit patients with orthodontic devices, like braces and clear aligners, that are used to straighten teeth.
Also called caps, crowns are recommended when a tooth has been too damaged to be repaired with filling or composite. The crown can save the tooth because it holds it together. It also protects the tooth from bacteria and other irritants in the mouth, and it restores the function of the damaged tooth, along with its appearance.
A root canal is performed when the pulp chamber of a tooth has been opened up due to decay or damage to a tooth. It involves removing the soft tissues in the pulp chamber and sealing the tooth with gutta-percha.
General dentists also perform tooth extractions due to reasons like a tooth being too damaged to be saved, creating space on a person’s jaw, or removing a problematic wisdom tooth.
Need a dentist? Call or visit our Oaklyn clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://hyderdentistry.com or call Shari L. Hyder, DMD at (856) 626-5047 for an appointment in our Oaklyn office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Oaklyn, NJ.
In general dentistry, dental fillings are one of the most common restorative procedures performed. They are used to address the damage done to teeth, most often as a result of cavities. Continue reading to find out more!Below is a quick overview of dental fillings in general dentistry, including how they are placed and when they…
A dental cleaning is performed to remove plaque and tartar that can naturally build up on teeth and along the gum line. The process is non-invasive and takes less than an hour to complete. It is helpful to understand the steps involved with the dental cleaning process before the day of the appointment.While every experience…
Visiting the dental office for checkups and dental cleaning can be inconvenient. However, cleaning appointments are an important investment. Read on to learn about why dental cleanings are necessary. It can be useful to know why teeth cleanings are important for those who do not think much about the cleaning process. The dental professional can…
A dental cleaning is a common dental procedure that is primarily performed for preventive purposes. This means it is not generally used to treat more complex oral health concerns but instead is used to prevent oral health concerns from developing in the first place. However, there are some minor oral health concerns that dental cleanings…