Are Dentures Part of General Dentistry Services

A general dentist performs general dentistry services and can serve as the first point of contact for patients who need other types of dental care. Some services, such as dentures, may require a referral to a dentist who focuses on a specific area of dentistry.

General dentists vs. prosthodontists

The general dentist is usually responsible for preventative care, such as annual exams and tooth cleanings, and some tooth repair and cosmetic procedures, such as fillings and tooth whitening. A prosthodontist is a specific type of dentist who focuses on restoring missing teeth.

General dentists

All dentists must hold either a DDS (doctor of dental surgery) or DMD (doctor of dental medicine) degree, which requires three or more years of undergraduate education, plus four years of dental school. The primary focus of general dentistry services is the prevention of disease. General dentists offer a variety of services aimed at preventing disease and repairing damaged teeth:

  • Preventative services, such as regular exams and teeth cleaning
  • Educational services, such as oral hygiene instructions
  • Restorative services, such as filling or extracting decayed teeth, repairing loosened or knocked-out teeth and treating gum disease
  • Cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening, dental bonding and porcelain veneers
  • Identifying health concerns, such as oral infections, sleep apnea, tobacco use and general health and wellness

It is recommended that patients visit a general dentist at least once every six months for preventative care and whenever an acute issue occurs, such as tooth pain, bleeding gums or trauma. Some general dentists can assist with fitting dentures or refer patients to a prosthodontist.

Prosthodontists

Prosthodontists must complete three additional years of post-graduate education beyond the four years of dental school. Their area of focus is treating dental and facial problems that involve missing teeth. Treatments a prosthodontist may perform include dental implants, crowns, bridges, dentures and treatments for temporomandibular disorders.

Getting dentures

According to a study in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, 37.9 million American adults will need dentures in 2020. The process of getting dentures usually begins with an examination by a general dentist, who may then refer patients to a prosthodontist for further evaluation.

Process

A prosthodontist begins by examining the patient and determining if dentures are a recommended treatment option. If dentures are needed, then the next step is to design a prosthetic that properly fits the patient's mouth and achieves the cosmetic appearance the patient desires.

To achieve the proper fit, the dentist first takes measurements and impressions of the patient's jaw. Those impressions are used to create a model that is placed in the patient's mouth and adjusted to achieve the desired fit and look. The adjusted model is used as the basis to make a set of dentures. This process can take a few months to complete.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry Services in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Conclusion

A general dentist is a good place to start for patients who may need dentures. A dentist providing general dentistry services can recommend treatments and provide a referral for any services that may need to be performed by a prosthodontist or other dental professional.

Request an appointment or call My Saratoga Dentist PLLC at 518-675-3094 for an appointment in our Saratoga Springs office.

Recent Posts

Preventative Measures Offered By A General Dentistry Clinic

General dentistry focuses on preventative treatments that keep your teeth and gums healthy. It starts with educating patients about the importance of oral hygiene since that protects you against the two most common issues that people seek the services of a dentist for -- gum disease and tooth decay.Bacteria in the mouth cause such issues.…

What Is A Dental Restoration

Anyone who has a broken or missing tooth can benefit from dental restoration. Dental restoration fixes or replaces teeth to improve oral health or function. This is a broad dentistry category, from simple restorations such as fillings to more extensive restorations such as dental implants or dentures. Some restorations offer cosmetic benefits; however, their main…

Is Dental Restoration Necessary After A Root Canal?

A root canal removes the infected pulp, then cleans and seals the tooth. Many patients may be unsure if there is anything else they need to do after the root canal. The answer is yes; they will need a dental restoration to restore the tooth's functionality. Let us dive into why leaving a treated tooth…

Dr. Ryan Osinski

Share
Published by
Dr. Ryan Osinski

Recent Posts

What is a Dental Restoration

Anyone who has a broken or missing tooth can benefit from dental restoration. Dental restoration…

4 hours ago

Is Dental Restoration Necessary After a Root Canal?

A root canal removes the infected pulp, then cleans and seals the tooth. Many patients…

4 days ago

The Benefits of Dental Restoration for Your Oral Health

A good dental restoration can improve your oral health and quality of life. It is…

1 week ago

From Cleanings to Fillings: Services a General Dentist Provides

While many procedures are preventive in nature, dentists also offer restorative and cosmetic treatments to…

1 week ago

How to Choose the Right Dental Restoration Procedure for Your Needs

You may need a type of dental restoration at some point in your life. There…

2 weeks ago

The Cost of Dental Restoration: A Comprehensive Guide

Any dental restoration can be challenging to budget for. Discussing the particulars with your dentist…

2 weeks ago