A general dentist is defined as the primary
dental care provider who is highly educated and trained on all dental
procedures to provide dental health care for patients in all age
groups. This dentist does not specialize in only one particular facet
of dentistry. This is in view of the fact that a general
dentist is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment,
management and overall coordination of services related to patients'
oral health needs.
The general dentist is an expert in general
dentistry. General dentistry can be
defined as a type of dentistry for things such as regular check-up,
teeth cleaning, tooth and gum examinations, fluoride treatment,
polishing and scaling teeth, and the variety of fillings that are done
to restore teeth to working order, as well as any required x-rays which
is done only when needed.
Although people are advised to brush their teeth, there are dental
problems that only a dentist can solve. A regular check-up with a
general dentist is still needed. Regular check-up is
a dental examination that is usually done every six months. To be able
to prevent teeth from decaying, cleaning teeth is necessary. A
general dentist offers such service. Cleaning teeth
involves removing stains and soft and hard plaque from both above and
below the teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky, almost colorless layer of
bacteria that forms on the teeth. When mixed with the sugars in food,
it produces decay causing acids. Plaques can become hard and form a
yellowish coating on the teeth.
General dentists have several ways for cleaning away
both the soft and hard plaque. One is prophylaxis, also called a
scale. This should be done at least every six months. A 3 monthly
teeth scale is ideal for smokers or people who drink a lot of coffee or
red wine. Also, scale is recommended for person suffering from gum or
periodontal disease in order to keep their calculus levels under
control.
Sometimes when decay created a cavity, the general
dentist usually fills it with a durable material. Dental
fillings can be amalgam, composite or plastic tooth filling, and glass
ionomer cement fillings. Amalgam is a silver colored material commonly
used to restore holes between back teeth. Composite or plastic tooth
colored filling is very suitable for front teeth. Glass ionomer cement
fillings are suited for restoring receding gum lines of teeth which has
made the teeth sensitive. This is ideal for restoring holes in
children’s teeth.
General dentists also provide denture maintenance,
relines and replacement. Dentures should be relined at least every 18
months to 3 years. Any ill-fitting dentures probably need a reline to
better fit the changing conditions in the mouth. At around every 7
years denture replacement might be necessary.
Radiographs or x-rays are used by general dentists
to properly detect any holes between the back teeth. Depending upon the
decay rate of the individual patient, two small x-rays may be needed to
be taken every 12 months to 36 months.
 General Dentist Practice
General Dentistry
General Dentist Recommendations
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