What Does a General Dentist Do?

A general dentist is a primary care dental provider, which diagnoses, treats and manages your overall oral health. There are many oral health needs that a general dentist specializes in including preventive services, restorative services, cosmetic dentistry and other oral health concerns. In addition, general dentists work closely with patients to educate and help them maintain their oral hygiene care at home, which aims to prevent disease in the future.

How Often Should I See My Dentist?

Many patients wonder how often they should see their general dentist. The basic rule of thumb is to see a dentist every six months for preventive dental care. However, if you notice a change or have concerns about your oral health, then you should see a dentist as soon as possible. Some examples of oral health concerns include toothaches, bleeding gums and more.

Keep in mind that every patient is different, therefore, everyone has different needs. Depending on your unique circumstances, you may need to see a dentist every six months or even every three months if you have ongoing dental problems–some patients may need to see a dentist in other intervals. Whatever the case may be, it is important that you take the steps necessary to take care of your oral health and schedule regular dental visits with your dentist.

What Qualifications Does a General Dentist Have?

After the completion of their undergraduate degree, all general dentists must complete four years of dental school. There are many requirements that must be met, including testing, continued education and state licensing boards. Dentists either have the initials DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine). The only difference between DDS and DMD is the title on their dental school degrees; however, the training and education are both the same. Beyond standard training, some dentists receive additional training in dental implants, cosmetic dentistry and more.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Many general dentists are also trained in cosmetic dentistry, which is done to help patients achieve the beautiful, bright smile that they have always dreamed of. Some examples of cosmetic dentistry include teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding and more advanced procedures like porcelain veneers. If you are seeking a smile makeover, then ask your dentist about how to achieve the smile of your dreams.

Preventive Services

There are many different types of preventive services that aim to maintain your oral health. Preventive treatment is imperative, as it helps to stop potential diseases before they have a chance to take hold of your mouth. Regular dental exams, including professional teeth cleanings and X-rays are the foundation of preventive dentistry. In addition, a general dentist educates and gives detailed instructions to improve your oral hygiene regimen at home. Preventive dentistry also includes sealants, as well as mouthguards if you live an active lifestyle.

Restorative Procedures

If an oral health issue is detected, a dentist will make sure that you receive the necessary treatments in a timely manner. One of the most common forms of restorative treatment involves the removal of tooth decay and placing a filling in the tooth that is affected. But keep in mind that there are a number of other restorative procedures that dentists specialize in, including dental trauma, which involves the treatment of a broken, loose or knocked-out tooth. Patients who suffer from periodontal (gum) disease can also receive diagnosis and treatment from a general dentist. Other examples of restorative procedures include crowns, bridgework, root canals, oral surgery, and more.

Other Oral/Overall Health Concerns

Believe it or not, your oral health can be seen as a reflection of your overall health and vice versa. For example, certain dental problems may reflect issues in your overall health, such as an untreated oral infection can be linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even pregnancy complications. Another oral health concern that can be treated by a general dentist is sleep apnea. A general dentist can provide an oral appliance, which is worn to treat sleep apnea. Many general dentists are also trained in nutritional counseling, tobacco cessation and other forms of wellness information in regards to your oral health.

Contact Us to Schedule an Appointment

If you are seeking a trusted and highly experienced dentist in Los Angeles, our team is here to help you achieve the smile of your dreams and maintain your oral health. With extensive experience in helping our patients, we take pride in what we do and are dedicated to delivering the best service and results possible. If you are in need of a team that specializes in general dentistry in Beverly Hills, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team and we will be glad to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.