All About General Dentistry
General Dentistry in Charlotte, NC
Food is vital in the south. There are a lot of people who will tell you that good eating leads to good living. However, not everything that you eat will come to agree with your teeth, especially if there are a lot of sweets in your diet. Taking care of your oral hygiene is essential for your health and your eating habits, and a big part of that process is seeing your dentist regularly.
What is General Dentistry?
General dentistry involves the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tooth and gum disorders. As a result, there is more emphasis on maintaining cleanliness and hygiene with general dentistry than with more specialized practices focused on the treatment and prevention of specific conditions. Because of this broad scope, general dentistry is uniquely suited to the task of preventing diseases. After all, early and consistent care for your teeth is the most efficient preventative measure you can find.
For the best possible results, you should see your general dentist once every six months. Otherwise, feel free to consult them when you have concerns about your oral health. There may also be a set schedule with several yearly visits that your general dentist recommends for you. It's essential to stick to this preventative treatment schedule while maintaining a strict oral hygiene regimen at home to get the best results in taking care of your teeth and gums.
What Services are Provided by General Dentistry?
Because of the various conditions that can affect your mouth, several areas of oral healthcare are covered by general dentistry. The most common is the oral exam, which is typically performed once or twice a year. However, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits if you have a history of oral health problems or if you've undergone any cosmetic or restorative procedures.
During the exam, your dentist will use a handheld mirror to examine your teeth, gums, and tongue for any signs of tooth decay, periodontal disease, damage to your teeth, or other issues. They will first search for any prominent problem spots, particularly the hard-to-reach places that brushing and flossing can miss. Your dentist will also want to check any crowns, braces, and other dental work to ensure that everything is still in place and no repairs or replacements are needed. Finally, to examine the inner workings of your jaw, your dentist may administer X-rays or other diagnostic imaging.
Another critical service is dental cleaning. A sticky film of bacteria called plaque builds up on your teeth as you go about your day. You can remove plaque by brushing and flossing, as long as you remain consistent about doing so at least twice a day. However, plaque can wind up in the nooks and crannies of your teeth, where it grows and develops. If left alone, plaque can cause cavities, tooth loss, and gingivitis, as well as harden into tartar. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone. A dental deep cleaning would be required to remove tartar.
The procedure for dental cleaning is simple. First, using a tool called a periodontal scaler or curette, the dentist will scrape any hard mineral buildup from the surface of your teeth, removing any plaque or tartar. After this, the surface of your teeth will be further cleaned with a prophylactic paste that contains abrasive compounds. This will help scrub the smaller plaque particles and tartar from your teeth that the scaling may miss. Next, to further eliminate any debris in your teeth, the dentist will use floss to get between your teeth before rinsing out your mouth with a fluoride rinse.
The Cost of General Dentistry
There are a lot of factors that go into determining the cost of general dental services. It depends on what services you are receiving and how extensive they need to be. Quality dental care isn't always inexpensive, but the health of your teeth and gums is undoubtedly worth it. In addition, insurance plans will at least partially cover the cost of non-cosmetic procedures, which makes dentistry much more affordable for most patients.
Book an Appointment Today
Keeping your teeth healthy requires vigilance. Regular brushing and flossing go a long way, but it's just as important to visit your dentist for checkups and general dentistry. We offer a wide range of dental services for general oral health. Our offices are equipped with the latest advanced dental technology, and we maintain a focus on your comfort to ensure that you have the best possible experience. Give us a call at (704) 327-3258 or contact us today! We look forward to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams!