General Dentists are the most common oral care providers; they provide preventive and restorative dental care. They will diagnose, treat, and manage dental health, including gum care, root canals, fillings, crowns, veneers, and bridges. They also educate patients to adopt healthy at-home oral care and appropriate food habits.
In addition, dentist Brisbane caters to the oral care needs of the entire family; they will conduct a thorough dental assessment and professional teeth cleaning. A general dentist will also look for tooth decay and advice dental fillings if needed. Thus, you can seek the advice of a general dentist for almost all your dental concerns. This post will discuss the various functions of general dentists.
Services Provided by General Dentists
Good oral health and hygiene help prevent most dental conditions, which, if left untreated, could lead to severe problems later. Unlike specialists who focus on specific dentistry fields, a general dentist will offer a wide array of treatments. Depending on the patient’s dental condition, they may refer specialists if they require advanced treatments. Some functions of general dentists are:
1. Preventive Dental Care
Preventive dental care will involve general mouth assessments to detect underlying dental conditions before the problem worsens. Professional dental cleaning and application of sealants are other procedures that the general dentist will perform if needed. The dentist will also give detailed instructions to help improve at-home dental hygiene. The dentist may also prepare mouthguards to prevent injuries for someone with an active lifestyle.
2. Restorative Dental Care
The vital function of general dentistry involves preserving the natural teeth once the dental problem has set in. Removal of tooth decay, dental fillings, dental implants, bridges, and full and partial dentures is part of the vital function; they promote dental health and improve aesthetics. They also provide emergency dental care, like treating broken, chipped, loosened, or knocked-out teeth.
3. Cosmetic Dental Care
A general dentist can also help in cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening, composite bonding, dental crowns, and even porcelain veneers to correct minor flaws and enhance smiles. In addition, a general dentist can conduct advanced cosmetic treatments; however, depending on your dental condition, they could provide these treatments at their centers or refer you to specialists for advanced cosmetic treatments.
4. Overall Health Concerns
Dental issues may not be as trivial as one might think; oral health says a lot about their general health. In addition, some dental cases could suggest severe health problems in other body parts. For example, certain oral infections, if ignored, could lead to poor diabetes management, increased incidence of heart diseases, and complications during pregnancy.
The role of a general dentist does not end here; they offer treatment where they can and refer to a specialist if needed. In addition, they provide nutrition counseling and enlighten the patients on general health and wellness to promote overall health. Finally, they help in the early detection and cure of diseases like sleep apnea.
When Should You Visit a General Dentist?
Regular visits to the dentist twice every six months are mandatory for individuals of all ages right from when they turn one for preventive dental care. Depending on your dental condition, a general dentist may advise you regarding your next dental visit. Dental emergencies like toothache or bleeding gums may require immediate attention from the dentist.
Conclusion
A regular visit to the general dentist will take care of most dental problems at the initial stage when the issue is manageable. However, specific topics like dental decay are progressive and, if left untreated, could lead to problems and even tooth loss. A general dentist will also provide restorative and cosmetic treatment for your dental concerns; if needed, they might refer you to specialists for advanced treatments.
