What is Involved in General Dental Services

What is Involved in General Dental Services from My Saratoga Dentist PLLC in Saratoga Springs, NYIn addition to proper brushing and flossing, routine professional dental services are an important part of maintaining oral health. A general dentist performs regular cleanings and checkups and can also provide numerous services for prevention and treatment. While some offerings may vary by location, general dentists can address the most common dental issues.

Preventative Care

Every six months, patients should schedule a dental cleaning and checkup. This applies to people of all ages, including infants, as the American Dental Association recommends seeing a dentist as soon as baby teeth appear.

Cleanings

During a professional cleaning, a hygienist, assistant or dentist often begins by scaling to remove plaque that has built up between teeth and along the gum line. Teeth are then polished using a high-grit paste or spray. After a thorough flossing, patients may receive a fluoride treatment, which is painted on teeth and brushed off later at home.

X-rays

Dentists rely on X-rays to reveal decay, deterioration and bone loss below the gum line. The frequency of dental X-rays varies based on age, medical history and the current state of oral health. In general, patients with healthy teeth and gums should expect X-rays once every two to three years.

Examinations

After the teeth are thoroughly cleaned, a dentist makes an inspection for signs of decay or gum disease. Measurements may be taken to check for signs of gum recession.

Repair and Restoration

In addition to cleaning and examining teeth, other dental services are available when a patient is in need of specific treatment. A general dentist is trained and qualified to perform numerous procedures to help restore a healthy smile.

Decay and disease

When tooth decay is present, general dentists can administer fillings to prevent further damage. In the event of severe decay or injury, a crown may be required to repair the tooth. In case of infection, root canals may be performed. Laser treatment is sometimes used in patients with periodontal disease.

Tooth loss

When an individual loses a permanent tooth, several restoration options are available. Often, patients may opt for a bridge to replace the lost tooth. Some general dentists are also qualified to place implants, which are more natural-looking and durable than other tooth loss treatments. In the event of multiple tooth loss, patients can be fitted for full or partial dentures.

Cosmetic procedures

Those who are looking for aesthetic improvements to their smile can enjoy treatments such as:

  • Teeth whitening
  • Veneers
  • Dental bonding

These procedures can be performed by a qualified general dentist to remove surface stains, reduce the appearance of a gummy smile and help teeth appear more even.

Alignment treatments

Many dentists now offer clear aligner tray systems, allowing patients to receive treatment for misaligned teeth. This method is becoming a popular choice for teeth straightening, as it can be more discreet, less painful and even faster than traditional braces.

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

Conclusion

In addition to necessary preventative care, general dentists offer numerous valuable dental services to patients of all ages. From repairing decay to restoring a beautiful smile, many helpful procedures are available in a single, convenient location.

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

Recent Posts

Get Dental Sealant Treatment To Protect Your Teeth

A dental sealant is a covering that goes on the teeth to protect against decay. The foods and drinks that you consume every day are what can do the greatest harm to your teeth. Without protection with dental sealant, sugars, acids, and other things can erode, degrade, and damage the teeth. Learn about dental sealants…

Dental Sealants To Reduce Risk Of Tooth Decay

Dental sealants are a great prevention tactic that many dentists recommend today. Your dentist wants your teeth to remain healthy and cavity-free for as long as possible. We all want to do whatever is necessary to maintain our natural teeth and keep our smiles bright. Our natural teeth are put through a lot if you think…

Are Dental Sealants Effective Against Tooth Decay?

Proper hygiene techniques and regular dental checkups are a great defense against tooth decay, but what if they are not quite enough? Enter dental sealants. Getting tooth sealants can also greatly assist in the tooth decay battle. Continue reading for more insight into this treatment option and how it can be an effective tool for…

Recent Posts

A General Dentist Explains The Process Of Getting Dental Implants

A General Dentist Explains The Process Of Getting Dental Implants

You can do research on dental implants on your own, but getting the facts from your dentist can give you more inside information. These restorations can replace dental roots and crowns. Each one can improve your smile and strengthen your bite. The following are facts that you can get from your general dentist when it…

FAQs About Porcelain Crowns Used In Cosmetic Dentistry

FAQs About Porcelain Crowns Used In Cosmetic Dentistry

If you have significant tooth decay or you are missing part of a tooth, porcelain crowns may be a good option to discuss with your dentist. These crowns are a cosmetic dentistry procedure used to restore the shape, function, and color of teeth, and they can serve practical purposes as well as aesthetic ones. This…