You probably see the words general dentist on local signs and online, but may wonder what that actually means.
Like your primary care physician, your general dentist is your main point of contact for your oral health. General dentists provide most non-specialty services that patients of all ages need to stay healthy.
This includes preventive dentistry such as:
- Dental exams
- Cleanings
- X-rays
- Fluoride treatments
- Dental sealants
- Mouthguards for sports
- Nightguards
General dentists also repair teeth that suffer from decay, fractures, or trauma. Restorative dentistry refers to:
- Fillings
- Bonding
- Dental crowns
Teeth replacement is a big part of general dentistry and is designed to keep your smile looking good and to make sure you can eat a healthy diet.
- Bridges
- Partial dentures
- Dentures
Since cosmetic dentistry is not a dental specialty, most general dentists are the ones who will be designing a beautiful smile and offering enhancements such as:
- Teeth whitening
- Cosmetic bonding
- Tooth-colored fillings and crowns
- Porcelain veneers
If you have a dental question, need help or advice, your general or family dentist will be able to make treatment recommendations for you. If you require a trip to a specialist, general dentists usually have specialists in their professional network that they know and trust.