They say that a smile has the power to change a person’s life. You never know the difficulties that those around you might be having, and your smile can brighten up their gloomy day.
Unfortunately, not everyone can say that they are proud enough of their smile to share it with the world. Some people are ashamed to show damaged, yellow, crooked, or gapped teeth.
If one of these describes your reason for not smiling, it’s vital to see a general dentist. Regular visits to the dentist will ensure the health of your teeth.
What is General Dentistry?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), general dentistry refers to “the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention and treatment (nonsurgical, surgical or related procedures) of diseases, disorders, and conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent and associated structures and their impact on the human body”.
These services are provided by a general dentist, who graduates with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree (DDM). These individuals have both received the same education and are qualified to apply for the state license that allows them to practice.
Once you become a general dentist, additional training will be required to become a dental specialist. The ADA recognizes the following nine specialty fields in dentistry:
- Dental Public Health
- Endodontics
- Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology
- Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
- Orthodontics
- Pedodontics (Pediatric Dentistry)
- Periodontics
- Prosthodontics
Services Provided by a General Dentist
While a specialty dentist is sometimes required, your general dentist has the knowledge to provide a broad range of essential dental procedures.
Preventive Maintenance
Once those baby teeth fall out, you can’t count on those replacement teeth to last forever. So you will want to take any measures needed to maintain an overall healthy mouth.
When you have routine visits to the dentist, you will receive in-depth cleanings, fluoride treatments, and routine exams. The goal of your general dentist is to maintain a healthy tongue, teeth, and gums.
Restorative Dental Care
We are all probably guilty of not caring for our dental health the way we need to. Damage to our teeth can result from bad habits, diseases that develop, or trauma sustained to the mouth area.
When this occurs, your dentist is trained to do one of the following:
- Fit your tooth with a crown or cap when it has decayed or been damaged.
- Perform a root canal, which is needed when an infection is detected.
- Use fillings to repair damage caused by cavities or trauma.
Cosmetic Procedures
General dentists can also perform a variety of procedures that will help improve the appearance of your teeth. These include:
- Extractions. Some people don’t have enough space for all their teeth, so it can be necessary to remove a tooth to allow the rest to fit into place.
- Bridges/implants. When teeth can’t be saved, a fake tooth is inserted to help you keep the perfect smile.
Teeth whitening. Many of the things we drink and eat can stain our teeth, which is why your dentist can provide a whitening service for a bright, white smile.
General Dentistry and Specialty Dentists
At Dental Of Clementon, you get a dependable team. We are experienced dentists that pride ourselves in providing general dentistry, periodontics, and endodontics services. You will find a dentist for life in Clementon, NJ.
Contact us today and request your appointment! The world deserves to be changed by your beautiful smile.