4 Things You Need To Know About General Dentistry

Most people are anxious about visiting a dentist for a regular examination. There's nothing to worry about since a general dentistry visit is a routine checkup that helps improve your teeth, gums, and take care of your oral health. 

Good oral health is the best protection against infections and early detection of underlying conditions that may require long-term treatment. Likewise, it can be costly treating infections at a later stage. Therefore, it's essential to go for regular checkups and not wait until things get out of hand. 

Here are the four things you need to know about general dentistry.

Appointment

Except for an emergency, the first step in taking control of your oral health is to book an appointment at the dental clinic. Early booking reduces the waiting time at the clinic and allows the medical team to plan for examinations and treatment. You can contact the clinic by making a telephone call or emailing via their website. After a successful confirmation, the medical team fills your information in a questionnaire which enables the dentist to study your medical history before the actual examination.  After that, you'll have a consultative session, and this involves a one-on-one discussion with the dentist who responds to your expectations.  

Examination

After the consultation, your doctor directs you to the examination room, where medical equipment is used to inspect the mouth. First, the doctor conducts a visual assessment of the cheeks, tongue, teeth, and gums for an infection, fractures, or carries. Your dentist then conducts an X-ray to examine the jawbone, gum, and teeth. After, your teeth are cleaned using specialized equipment and bleaching solutions to get rid of plaque or tartar. A follow-up visit may be planned for more cleaning. Depending on the condition of your teeth, the doctor may propose another appointment for other interventions and treatment procedures.

Cosmetic Procedures

During general dentistry, your doctor may perform cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of your teeth and gums. Various options are available, including dental implants, teeth whitening, fillings, bridges, crowns, and veneers. Your doctor may also conduct minor interventions such as teeth whitening and schedule major procedures on another day.  

Pain Management

Touch ache is a dental emergency that can lead to tooth loss. Pain management in general dentistry involves several procedures that include diagnosis and medication. The doctor conducts tests to identify the cause of the pain before recommending a suitable treatment option. If there's swelling, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection and schedule a follow-up visit after several days.

Skipping an oral appointment may seem like an easy thing to do. However, it can avert dental issues that can progress fast if not treated. Book an appointment today with a dentist and start your oral health journey. Likewise, contact a dentist for more information.