General dentistry is a comprehensive dental practice that includes check-ups, fillings of all kinds, crowns, bridges and dentures, implants, root canal therapy and wisdom teeth removal. Preventative services are also an important part of general dentistry along with children’s dental services.
There are about 200,000 dentists in the United States. General dentists are not specialists, although they are very well trained to perform a variety of dental surgeries for patients in need. They do some, but not all of the following: cosmetic work, restorative procedures, and preventive care.
Our Wicker Park Dentist provide a variety of procedures, including:
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Fillings:
Your dentist will determine the appropriate filling for your tooth. A filling typically consists of materials such as porcelain, gold, or composites.
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Checkups:
A general exam usually includes an examination of the teeth and gum tissues, as well as an x-ray. When it comes to dental checkups, general dentists can help detect any issues that may need attention in the future.
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Dentures:
Dentures are artificial teeth that replace your natural ones. Conventional dentures are removable, but some dentures can be permanently placed with implants.
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Crowns:
When a large portion of your tooth is missing due to decay or injury, a crown may be needed.; a dental crown can help cover a tooth in cases where it has been fractured or severely damaged.
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Bridges:
A dental restoration which is fixed and used to replace missing teeth by bridging an artificial tooth permanently to adjacent teeth or implants when a tooth is lost.
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Dental Implants:
An artificial tooth root, often made of titanium or another material, and is inserted into the bone to provide an anchor for replacement teeth.
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Root canal therapy:
This procedure removes infected dental pulp from within a tooth to return the tooth to its natural function.
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Wisdom teeth removal:
Wisdom teeth, which come in around the age of 18 and cause discomfort, pain or crowding can be removed through surgery. Sometimes wisdom teeth become impacted will not come in naturally or at all. This can lead to pain and other problems if not taken care of in a timely manner (the best age is often between 16-18).
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Tooth Extraction:
When a tooth becomes infected, it may be necessary to remove the tooth. Dentists will usually try to save an affected tooth if possible. However, in some scenarios tooth extraction is the only option.
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Gum disease:
Gum disease is relatively common in adults. If left untreated, it can progress to more advanced dental issues.
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Emergency Dental Care:
If you’re experiencing pain or have lost a tooth, contact your dentist immediately so they can determine what the best course of treatment is.
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Dental Care for Children:
Children should be treated with care and understanding to ensure they maintain a healthy level of dental health for many years.
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Oral Cancer Screenings:
Dentists are trained to diagnose oral cancer, a common health issue that if it goes untreated for a prolonged period of time, can be much more difficult to treat.
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Dental Veneers:
A dental veneer is a thin layer of tooth-colored composite material that can be used to improve the appearance of teeth. One or more porcelain layers are placed on top of natural teeth to change their color and shape.
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Teeth Whitening:
For those who are embarrassed about their stained teeth, a dentist can whiten them to give you an all-natural smile.
Regular visits to the dentist help your dentist keep track of any potential problems. Ignoring your dental hygiene can have lasting consequences.
Maintaining dental health is an important part of life. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and get regular check-ups with your dentist for cleanings and examinations.
Make sure the dentist you are seeing will accept your insurance (if you have it). Most dentists will work with dental insurance providers to help patients explore their payment options.
You may want to arrive at your first appointment early when you come into the office in order to take care of any paperwork and registration before being seen.
You may be thinking that general dentistry is for those who are not interested in cosmetic or therapeutic dental work. But the truth of the matter is, a comprehensive practice like ours includes all these services and more! Preventative care is an important part of our business because we want to make sure you enjoy your healthiest smile possible. If you have any questions about what this means for your family’s oral hygiene needs, give us a call today at +17738197724.
Want to schedule an appointment for a check-up, cleaning, or any other procedure you need? Call us!