General dentistry is a branch of medicine involved in the care and maintenance of oral health. It encompasses a range of services and procedures aimed at preserving natural teeth, ensuring optimal oral health, and keeping the mouth and teeth clean. General dentists provide routine services like cleanings, examinations, and fillings, and they also perform more complex procedures such as root canals, extractions, and gum care. They play a key role in diagnosing oral diseases, offering preventive care, and developing treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs. Additionally, general dentists educate patients about oral hygiene practices and the importance of maintaining good oral health for overall well-being.
Key Takeaways
The Foundation: Regular Dental Checkups
Regular dental checkups are the cornerstone of preventive care. These appointments are essential for catching potential issues early on to prevent them from developing into more significant problems. A physical check of your teeth, as well as potentially X-rays and other imaging, will be done, screening for cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other oral health concerns.
A checkup also provides an opportunity for a professional cleaning to be done, to protect your teeth, and a chance to educate you on oral care tips tailored to your individual situation. The dental team is there to advise and guide you on any recommended dental treatments, answering any questions you may have.
Critical Preventive Care: Professional Dental Cleanings
A professional cleaning can leave your teeth looking brighter and your breath fresher, but these cleanings are important for other reasons. They are a fundamental component of maintaining optimal oral health.
During these routine cleanings, a hygienist will carefully remove stubborn plaque and tartar that regular brushing and flossing may miss. Tartar is formed from plaque which has hardened onto tooth surfaces, and cannot be removed by brushing or flossing. Dental tools are used to remove tartar buildup from the surfaces of your teeth and along the gumline. Regular dental cleanings promote healthier gums, and reduce the risks of tooth decay, periodontal disease and other oral health issues. Left untreated, these concerns can lead to tooth loss.
Meeting Individual Needs: Additional General Dentistry Services
Fortifiers: Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments remineralize and strengthen your enamel, making it more resistant to acid damage and wear. It can help with sensitivity, too. This quick procedure is particularly recommended for individuals at higher risk of developing cavities, such as children and those with a history of dental issues.
Layers of Protection: Sealants
Dental sealants are clear or tooth-coloured coatings that are usually applied to the deep fissures or hollows of your molars, which tend to trap bacteria and debris and are prone to cavities. This barrier for preventing decay is especially effective for children but can benefit individuals of all ages.
Protective Shields: Sportguards and Nightguards
Sportguards protect your teeth during athletic activities, absorbing impact to prevent injuries like chipped or broken teeth during contact sports like hockey or football or higher-risk activities like skateboarding.
Nightguards prevent wear from grinding teeth while sleeping and reduce jaw strain which can lead to headaches and TMJ disorders.
Dentist-fitted custom sportguards and nightguards provide better comfort and protection. Because they fit you better, they do not slip and they spread forces more evenly. They are more effective and durable, reducing the risks of injury more than over-the-counter options.
Restoring Teeth: Fillings, Crowns, Inlays, and Onlays
When decay or damage occurs, prompt intervention is crucial to prevent further damage and complications. General dentists provide a range of restorative services, including tooth-coloured fillings to restore damage from cavities discreetly. Inlays and onlays treat decayed areas that are too large for a filling; these custom-made restorations sit on or in a damaged area.
For more extensive damage, crowns are a protective cap that adds strength and support to a weakened tooth.
Missing Teeth: Dentures, Bridges, and Implants
For those facing the loss of one or more teeth, general dentists offer comprehensive solutions such as dentures and bridges. Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth, restoring your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently. Bridges, on the other hand, are fixed prosthetics that bridge the gap left by missing teeth, anchored securely in place for a permanent solution. Dental implants replace both the tooth and its root with a prosthetic.
Reducing Anxiety: Air Abrasion and Oral Sedation
Air abrasion may be offered as an alternative to traditional drills. Compressed air with tiny abrasive particles gently removes decay and stains while preserving natural tooth structure. Ideal for those with dental anxiety, it ensures a quieter, and some may find, a more comfortable experience.
Oral sedation is also an option for anxious patients.
Schedule Your Checkup Today
For most people, a checkup every six months is recommended. This enables patients to properly benefit from preventive care to avoid issues, and ensures concerns are detected and treated as early as possible, before they become serious.
Maple Ridge Smiles Dental offers a wide range of general dentistry services, provided by our dentist, Dr. Ghaderi, and the rest of our team.
We offer convenient early morning and late evening appointments, so you can get necessary dental care without interfering with work or school commitments.