A Guide on General Dentistry

The general dentistry concept often seems confusing to most people. They often cannot tell what treatments their general dentist offers. Below is an article discussing the treatments provided by general dentists and the considerations to make when choosing a general dentist. 

What Services do General Dentists Offer? 

General dentists are your best bet when you need routine dental examinations. During the assessment, the dentist checks your teeth for tooth decay, enamel erosion, sensitivity, cracks and root infection. Moreover, the dentist assesses the gums for gingivitis, periodontitis, gum recession, oral cancer and gum abscess. The primary benefit of these examinations is that they ensure early treatment, which goes a long way in preventing pain and discomfort associated with teeth and gum conditions. 

The general dentist also offers a variety of dental treatments. For instance, the dentist could offer fillings or crowns to eliminate cavities in your teeth. If you have severe cavities, there is a probability that the tooth's root could be infected. If this is the case, the dentist explores root canal treatment to help get rid of the pain associated with infected teeth. In severe cases, the dentist could recommend a tooth extraction. The dentist then replaces the missing teeth with implants or bridges. Alternatively, the dentist could create dentures if you have lost many teeth. 

Sometimes, you may have misaligned teeth that affect your smile and cause discomfort as you chew. In this case, the dentist offers cosmetic dentistry services to align your teeth. For instance, they could use braces or aligners to align the teeth and get rid of overbite and underbite. Alternatively, the dentist could recommend teeth alignment surgery. 

Considerations When Hiring a General Dentist

There are thousands of general dentists in Australia. The rule is ensuring your preferred general dentist is right for you. Consequently, assess the following; 

• Besides a degree or diploma, the general dentist should have certification from professional dental associations. Professional development courses and post-graduate dental training also come in handy.
• The general dentist's clinic should be strategically located to ensure easy access.
• If you intend to take your kids to the general dentist, check whether the clinic has a kids' playing area to prevent discomfort and anxiety as the kids await their appointment.
• The general dentist's clinic should have an easy and flexible booking procedure. For instance, you could make your booking on the clinic's website or call the front desk.
• The dentist must have a lovely personality. It ensures comfort as you consult with the professional.
• The dental services must be affordable. If your health insurance covers dental appointments, inquire about bulk-billing services. 

A general dentist offers consultations, and restorative, cosmetic and preventive treatments. Consider the recommended guide when hiring a professional.  

For more information, contact a local general dentist.