5 Facts About Your General Dentist

How much do you know about your general dentist? Many people know they are supposed to visit the dentist at least twice a year for dental checkups and dental cleanings, however there may be things about your general dentist that you didn’t know.

By learning more about your general dentist, it will quickly become evident why visiting their dental office twice a year is a necessity. It will also help you to appreciate their expertise and trust them in providing you with the best dentistry has to offer. Here are five facts about your general dentist:

#1: 80% of Dental Professionals are General Dentists

General dentists account for the largest group of dental professionals. The other 20% of dental professionals are dental specialists who have elected to focus on one specific aspect of dentistry. Dental specialties can include: periodontics, endodontics, orthodontics, prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, pediatrics, and dental public health specialists.

#2: General Dentists are Versatile

General dentists have general knowledge of all areas of dental specialty. Although their experience is not as specialized as a dental specialist, they can still provide basic treatments that save patients the hassle of finding a specialist. This also means that general dentists can offer their patients a range of dental treatments to combat dental issues.

#3: General Dentists Perform Preventative, Restorative, and Cosmetic Dental Procedures

General dentists aim to maintain your oral health with preventative procedures, however they are also able to restore your dental health with restorative procedures, as well as improve your smile’s appearance with cosmetic dental procedures. Examples of restorative dental treatments include: crowns and bridges, composite tooth colored fillings, dental implants, dentures, and root canals. Examples of cosmetic dental treatments include: veneers and laminates, as well as teeth bleaching or whitening.

#4: Most of Their Work is Preventative

Although dentists are commonly associated with restorative procedures such as fillings and root canals, the majority of their daily work consists of preventative dental care. Preventative dental care aims to maintain oral health by managing bacteria populations in the mouth, preventing damage to the teeth, and educating patients on the proper home oral routine. Preventative dental treatments include: dental cleanings, consultations, dental x-rays, dental sealants, and fluoride treatments.

#5: You Can’t Lie to Them

General dentists can tell a great deal about your habits, diet, and oral hygiene routine just by looking at your teeth. They can tell if you floss everyday or just for the days leading up to your appointment. They can also tell what types of foods you eat and whether you grind or clench your teeth. Because of this, it is best to simply be honest with your dentist about your habits. No one is perfect and we all make mistakes with our oral health. Your general dentist realizes this and simply wants to help you improve or maintain your oral health in the best way possible for you. To make your dental checkup easy, see “Make Your Check-Up Easy With This Preparation Guide”.

As you can see, general dentists have a lot to offer their patients. Their skill set allows them to provide their patients with versatile, effective preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental care. Nevertheless, the majority of their practice revolves around preventative dental care and helping their patients learn more about how to manage their oral health. Have you seen your general dentist lately? If not, it may be time to make an appointment.