Regular appointments with your dentist are essential to ensure that your teeth, mouth, and gums stay well-maintained. It’s been estimated that over a quarter of people in the UK only visit their dentist when an issue occurs. What is the reason why so many people avoid going to the dentist? It’s not uncommon for people to be anxious or nervous when going to the dentist. Many people are concerned about the cost of dental care and routine check-ups.
What is general dental care?
General dentistry Orpington or elsewhere encompasses various treatments and procedures essential for maintaining excellent oral health. The treatments are designed to ensure that your mouth, teeth, and gums are well-maintained and discomfort-free. General dentists are usually seen similarly to a GP. The ultimate purpose is to avoid and detect diseases.
General dentists provide services that are crucial to the health of your mouth, including…
Routine examinations
Routine examinations are at the heart of your dental plan. It allows your dentist to determine the treatment required for your ongoing oral health. Sometimes, it is referred to as a “dental check-up.” A routine exam will include a thorough examination of the tissue of your neck and head, teeth, jaw joints, and gums. The study will reveal underlying dental health issues like dental decay or cancer.
A regular check-up can reveal early indications of serious problems and address them before they advance. It is crucial since many oral health problems tend to be “silent” and are overlooked.
Most routine exams are not limited to the dentist checking your mouth; they will also take photos with X-rays to evaluate your mouth’s condition. The purpose of this is to see how your teeth align when you bite, look for any cavities, examine the alignment of all your jaws and teeth and also look for any issues such as bone loss. An X-ray will give you greater detail on the situation.
It is crucial to remember that a regular check-up is not a way to prevent oral health issues. It evaluates your circumstances to develop a strategy to avoid problems and improve the overall health of your mouth.
Treatment for restorative needs
The term “restorative” refers to the method applied to treatments that aim to bring damaged or broken teeth to a healthier and more functional condition and restore your smile while preventing dental health issues.
You might be referred to a specialist for treatment if you suffer from missing teeth or severe damage. For smaller cosmetic repairs or minor issues, your general dentist is competent to offer the necessary treatment.
The most common restorative therapies are:
Fillings
Fillings treat tooth decay and cavities – gaps within the tooth. Teeth with cavities are more susceptible to the accumulation of bacteria. If they are not treated promptly, further problems like infection or tooth loss may develop. Many holes go unnoticed and do not show signs until they get much more prominent. The dentist you see regularly will be able to detect the early signs of tooth decay and treat them before they cause problems.
Most times, cavities are treated and fixed the same day your dentist finds them. The filling procedure is a regular and painless process that typically takes about one-half hour.
Treatment of the root canal
If a tooth is severely damaged, it is possible to perform a procedure called the root canal procedure (endodontic treatment) that can be carried out to treat the infection and then restore the tooth. This procedure can be carried out by your dentist of choice and is painless.
Although signs of an infected dental tooth might appear, X-rays provide the only way to tell whether the problem is in the tooth’s centre and has caused damage to the tissue, also known as the pulp. If the pulp is infected, it will not heal itself, and delayed treatment could lead to the tooth becoming ill.
Crowns
If you’ve been unintentionally damaged or at a high risk of breaking, a conventional filling may not be enough to sustain it over the long run. In these instances, your dentist could recommend that a dental crown be used to fix the damaged tooth. A dental crown is made to protect the tooth, shielding it from further decay and injury.
Crowns are also frequently employed to treat damaged teeth and to restore the tooth following root canal therapy. When your dentist has advised a crown, he will prepare your teeth for the crown that dental labs will create.
Tooth extraction
If a tooth has to be removed entirely from the mouth, A general dentist will perform the procedure quickly and with minimal pain. Although it’s a very routine procedure, most dentists will only take out teeth when it is necessary. This is because missing teeth could cause further issues like teeth moving off their place later.
The tooth is then replaced by a dental prosthesis, such as an implant bridge, crown, or bridge.
Treatment for preventive issues
Prevention and treatment will aid you in taking care of the health of your mouth and help prevent ailments before they start or become a problem. The loss of teeth is usually due to gum disease and is preventable with appropriate treatment. Services include routine exams, hygiene therapy, and professional polishing and cleaning.
A professional cleaning will involve your dentist’s general cleaning to remove any tartar and plaque that is accumulated. It is also known as “scale and polish.” It is generally caused by inadequate oral hygiene or a bad diet and must be dealt with. The dentist will show you more effective brushing techniques, advice about better toothbrushes, and how to floss correctly to eliminate plaque. It will help you keep your dental health to a high standard and possibly lessen the need to visit the dentist more frequently.Prevention is only effective when patients work effectively with their dentist.
Cosmetic treatments for cosmetics
Many general dentists offer cosmetic treatments that can improve the appearance of your smile. Various dentists perform cosmetic tooth restorations, such as dental crowns, veneers, or bonding. These can create an appearance you feel comfortable sharing all over the globe. Any dentist who is registered with the General Dental Council can provide teeth whitening. They can also prescribe it for execution by other dental team members like dental therapists and dental hygiene professionals.
What is the best frequency to go to my dentist?
A good rule of thumb is to do it at least every six months. However, this may not be the norm for all. In your regular check-up, the dentist will inform you how often they’d like to see you based on your particular situation. You must visit your dentist when you have an injured tooth or are experiencing persistent discomfort.
