General dentistry includes a patient's primary dental care provider. A general dentist diagnoses and treats overall oral health care needs, including the care and health of the gums.
Most procedures to encourage gum health also encourage the general health of a patient's teeth. The following procedures should ultimately lead to healthier gums.
During an oral examination, the dentist can spot plaque buildup, cavities, forms of oral cancer, and other abnormalities of the gums. To ensure healthy gums, an oral examination is necessary.
During an examination, dentists chart chipped, broken, decayed, and missing teeth and any previous restorations. Dentists also take gum measurements to check for gum disease. Along with a physical examination, general dentistry includes the use of X-rays to spot deeper problems.
During a dental cleaning, the dentist uses a scaler to remove plaque and tartar around the patient's gumline and between the teeth. While regular brushing and flossing help stop plaque from hardening into tartar, only a dentist can remove tartar through cleaning once it does harden. After using the scaler, the next step is to use gritty toothpaste on the patient's teeth. The grit scrubs and polishes the teeth, removing any tartar left behind.
Regular dental cleanings focus on the gum line and tooth's surface, whereas a deep cleaning removes colonies of bacteria and tartar from the teeth roots. For those with periodontal disease, gum and tooth cleaning has a critical role in keeping the disease from worsening. Those with gum disease tend to have weaker teeth and may be more susceptible to infections.
Without deep cleaning, patients could suffer from a bacterial infection in their gums. Dentists use a scaler to remove tartar beneath the gum line and an ultrasonic device to remove plaque from the surface of teeth.
In a deep cleaning, dentists also conduct root planing. Root planing removes rough spots on the root to prevent gum infections. Rough spots can trap bacteria. A deep cleaning encourages healthy, clean gums and helps the gums reattach to the teeth.
A dental abscess is a painful condition that affects a patient's bite and sensitivity to hot and cold, and can also cause fever, a feeling of unwellness, swallowing difficulties, and insomnia. There are three types of dental abscesses to worry about:
Abscesses occur due to bacterial infections caused by plaque, saliva, and food. The bacteria and the resulting infection can damage the gums.
To treat an abscess, dentists generally prescribe antibiotics and a root canal. Root canals clean the canals inside the tooth's root and remove the infected and damaged pulp.
General dentistry concerns itself with the health of a patient's gums as well as their teeth. To maintain and encourage gum health, dentists perform examinations, cleanings, and root canals to treat and prevent problems from arising.
Request an appointment here: https://brianbelldds.com or call Brian Bell, DDS at (559) 366-9006 for an appointment in our Tulare office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry Services in Tulare, CA.
General dentistry happens to include restoring teeth that are in bad shape or completely missing. Of course, a restoration is meant to bring the tooth back to its original shape, form, and function. However, in some cases, this is not all the way possible, making it necessary to undergo something like a dental bridge placement.…
Dental crowns are a reliable and durable solution for restoring the appearance and function of damaged teeth. While dental crowns are designed to last years, proper care and maintenance are essential for extending their lifespan. Following practical steps and working closely with your dentist can protect your investment and enjoy a confident smile for years.Maintaining…
Finding out that general dentists can provide teeth straightening treatments may be surprising, however, it is actually quite common. General dentists are trained experts and can provide teeth straightening treatment to patients of all ages, whether it be braces or clear aligners. There are a lot of benefits to undergoing treatment from a general dentist…
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, implant supported dentures are an effective and long-lasting choice. An implant is an artificial tooth root that is often inserted in the jawbone. It is used to hold an artificial tooth in place. All-on-4® dental implants are increasingly being recommended for people who need to replace multiple lost…