Three FAQs About General Dentistry

General dentistry covers different services aimed at diagnosing, treating, and preventing oral health issues. It is not just important to keep the oral cavity healthy, but it also affects general wellbeing. Continue reading to find answers to some frequently asked questions about general dentistry.

Why are visits to the general dentist necessary?

Regular visits to the dentist are important for oral and general wellbeing. The benefits include:

• Prevention of tooth cavities or decay
• Prevention of gum disease, which can cause bone and tooth loss
• Prevents bad breath – dental appointments allow the dentist to clean off bacterial plaque and tartar that can cause bad breath
• Early detection of oral health conditions – to prevent simple issues from becoming complicated
• Keep the teeth looking attractive and improve the patient's confidence.

Aside from the health benefits of routine general dentistry appointments, it also allows patients to learn about preventive care at home. Professionals recommend that patients visit the dentist at least twice yearly to complete a comprehensive dental checkup, which usually includes diagnostic x-rays, routine dental cleaning, fluoride treatment, and oral cancer screening. If the general dentist discovers a problem during the checkup, they will immediately recommend treatment to resolve it.

Is a biannual appointment with the dentist really important?

The frequency of dental checkups depends on the patient's requirements. The goal is to prevent issues and catch minor problems early. Most people only need to undergo a dental exam every six months. The dentist may recommend more or fewer visits depending on the level of the patient's oral health habits and their susceptibility to oral health conditions. Patients with a history of cavities or gum disease, poor oral hygiene, and smoking habits may need to visit the dentist more regularly.

What is gum disease and how is it treated?

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. The disease is a bacterial infection that attacks the teeth' supporting structure – the gum and jawbone. When the bone fails, the tooth will loosen and fall out eventually. Gum disease starts from plaque presence on the teeth. If the plaque is not cleaned, it will harden into tartar, which causes gingivitis (early stage of gum disease).

Gingivitis shows through bleeding gums – the gums may also become inflamed, red, or swollen. Gum disease will not heal on its own. In the early stage, the dentist will treat the disease with scaling and root planing. The procedure cleans plaque and calculus from the tooth's and gum's surfaces. The dentist will also decontaminate the periodontal pockets around the tooth and the root surfaces. Patients will also need to adhere to a home care routine and visit the general dentist regularly. Brushing and flossing regularly are important to prevent reoccurrence.

In conclusion

Dental anxiety and fear of the unknown are the reasons some people avoid general dentistry visits. The general dentist can help ease your concerns and keep you comfortable during your appointment. Keeping your oral cavity healthy is crucial, and they make it their job to ensure you get the best quality dental care. Book an appointment today to get started.

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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