Preventive and Restorative Services Provided by a General Dentist

When it comes to the different services that a dental office provides, a general dentist will typically offer the most common preventative and restorative services for their patients. One question that usually comes up is about the differences between these two types of services.
Preventative vs. restorative dental services
In this article, we are going to cover those differences and the most common procedures that general dentists can offer.
What are preventative dental services?
When a service is considered preventative, it is focused on keeping teeth and gums in the best condition possible. Since there is usually a six-month gap between dental visits, these services help ensure that the teeth stay in good condition and cavity free.
Services that are considered to be “preventative” include X-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants and dental cleanings.
What are restorative dental services?
These services are focused on either replacing or repairing chipped, broken or missing teeth. With these, a dentist can restore a tooth to good condition. Procedures include dental implants, fillings, dental crowns and bridges. A dentist can repair and restore teeth with multiple different issues or damage.
Overall, these services focus on preserving the natural tooth and root as much as possible and making sure that no more damage, discomfort or issues are present.
Dental preventative services
These services are focused on preserving and keeping teeth healthy by not having any issues to begin with!
Dental cleanings
Completed two times per year, these cleanings are much more than just cleaning the teeth. It allows the dentist to spot any trouble areas and stop any problems before they even start.
Dental sealants
Sealants are typically put on the teeth farthest back in the mouth. This helps avoid tooth decay and cavities where it is harder to brush.
X-rays
X-rays allow the dentist to see all areas of the mouth, including below the gumline, and know how to keep the teeth and gums in the best shape possible.
Restorative dental services
These services help in fixing specific issues with the teeth and ensure a healthy mouth and gums.
Dental implants
For teeth that cannot be saved, a dental implant is one of the best tooth replacement options. Because of how they are inserted, the jawbone will be stimulated, and there will not be worry of it deteriorating over time from lack of stimulation.
Dental crowns
Crowns are used to “cap” a tooth or make sure the inside part of the tooth and tooth root is not bothered or comes in contact with bacteria or outside particles.
Dental bridges
This restorative option focuses on ensuring a row of teeth are replaced and adjacent teeth are kept sturdy.
Have more preventative and restorative dental procedure questions?
Contact our office, and we will gladly answer any additional questions. Our dentist and team are always focused on keeping a patient's mouth in the best and healthiest state possible. Give us a call!
Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistofvisalia.com or call Visalia Care Dental at (559) 975-1213 for an appointment in our Visalia office.
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