Good oral care is critical for overall well-being, and adults who routinely visit a general dentist are less likely to have problems with their teeth and health. Visiting a dentist twice per year can help detect and remediate the following conditions:
Many people put off visiting a dentist due to fear of the unknown or pain, but in reality, a dental exam involves nothing to fear and is typically painless, as well as being invaluable for maintaining optimum health.
Visiting a general dentist is similar to seeing other practitioners in that specific protocols are followed. Most visits involve the following steps:
The first part of any general dental visit involves taking a thorough medical history. Documenting a patient's medications, illnesses, allergies, health changes, oral concerns, or pregnancy status, can help determine potential treatments.
A certified dental hygienist usually provides a thorough cleaning of the patient's teeth. Special tools allow the hygienist to scrape plaque and tartar from the surfaces and beneath the gum line. Some patients request a topical numbing agent for the gums to reduce sensations, but this is not necessary for most. Tooth polishing and flossing eliminate rough spots on the teeth and residual particles.
A general dentist usually recommends X-rays of the entire mouth every few years, unless there is a history that warrants greater frequency. Low-radiation X-ray imagery is an essential diagnostic tool to examine the teeth roots, the jawbone, and the conditions below the gum line. It detects conditions that are not visible during a surface examination or do not yet cause a patient to experience noticeable symptoms.
After the dental hygienist cleans the patient's teeth, the dentist interprets the X-rays and examines the patient's mouth and neck for abnormalities and disease. During the exam, a dentist listens for clicking jaw joints and looks for bite misalignment, teeth that show wear, cavities and tooth sensitivity, and hard lumps associated with oral cancer.
A general dentist can help patients prevent various dental problems by making recommendations for brushing, flossing, and other home care measures. Some patients may require more frequent exams to thwart issues that the dentist predicts could cause tooth damage or loss. At times, a dentist may refer patients for advanced treatments for conditions resulting from genetics, illnesses, non-adherence to oral hygiene regimens, or medication side effects.
Routine dental visits help educate patients about good hygiene habits, manage and prevent oral disease, and address cosmetic concerns. In addition to preventing tooth loss and costly procedures, exams detect many systemic diseases and conditions of the body that initiate in the mouth before they are fully manifest. A dental exam can reveal evidence of lupus, Sjogren's syndrome, leukemia, anemia, various endocrine disorders, and other concerns, enabling patients to receive early treatments.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
General Dentist in Saratoga Springs, NY
Everyone should regularly visit a general dentist for a simple, painless, and thorough examination. Home care regimens cannot substitute for the in-depth evaluation that occurs during a dental exam.
Request an appointment or call My Saratoga Dentist PLLC at 518-675-3094 for an appointment in our Saratoga Springs office.
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…
Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth damage the tooth's enamel, causing cavities. General dentistry practices can help prevent tooth decay and treat it to avoid the pain, infection, and potential tooth loss that can result from cavities.Bacteria in the mouth is the cause of tooth decay. When these germs combine with food, plaque…
General dentistry is essential for good oral health at every age. Some parents assume that children do not need routine dental care until permanent teeth start to arrive. However, children of all ages should see a dentist on a regular basis. Parents must also be mindful of their child's tooth and gum development and check…
Full mouth reconstruction optimizes oral health, function, and the aesthetic quality of the entire smile when multiple dental issues occur simultaneously. This approach addresses extensive dental concerns all at once rather than treating teeth as separate problems with temporary solutions. Consulting a general dentist can help you create a clear roadmap to eliminate discomfort, correct…
Dental implants are a popular option for replacing missing teeth. While they offer the same aesthetic benefits as other replacement options, there are multiple other benefits provided by dental implants that alternatives fail to deliver.One crucial component of a dental implant is a titanium screw that is placed directly into the jawbone. The screw forms…