A general dentist provides primary dental care to patients of all age groups. Aside from routine dental treatment, cleaning and checkup, the dental professional also provides preventative treatment such as dental sealants. This helps to prevent the occurrence of oral issues like tooth decay, gum diseases and damages. Continue reading to learn more about preventive treatment options from the general dentist.
Below are some of the preventive care services offered by general dentists. These treatments are necessary for optimal oral health.
Sealants are a common preventive procedure provided by the general dentist, especially for children. Children usually need sealants because their teeth are more susceptible to cavities from all the sugary treats they eat and poor oral hygiene. Dental sealants shield the surfaces of the back molars that are at higher risk to prevent bacteria and food debris from being trapped there. The sealant becomes a smooth coating over the tooth’s grooves and pits to make cleaning more effective.
The process is easy, painless and fast, involving the sealant (a clear resin material) in liquid form and hardening it. The sealant is effective for preventing tooth decay for a few years before a reapplication is required. The dentist may also recommend sealants for adults who are prone to cavities but are yet to get a dental restoration like filling on their teeth. Sealants prevent decay, an issue that can potentially lead to tooth loss without intervention.
Fluoride application is another common preventive treatment often provided twice yearly during routine dental checkups. The dentist will provide the fluoride through a gel or liquid, directly over the teeth. It is a vital mineral that helps fortify the teeth’s enamel to lower the chances of cavities or brittleness that can cause cracks, chips or breakage.
This procedure is essentially a restorative procedure that can also serve preventive purposes. It can strengthen weak or damaged teeth. The procedure is straightforward and involves the use of composite resin, a tooth-colored material. After applying the composite material on the teeth, the general dentist will mold it according to preference and harden it with a unique curing light.
The resin can help to prevent a fragile tooth from cracking or breaking under pressure. Also, if the tooth is already damaged, the resin can stop the damage from worsening by holding the tooth together and masking the imperfection.
Deep dental cleaning is the more involved form of routine dental cleaning. The general dentist will go beyond the teeth surfaces to under the gums to clean pockets that may have formed there. The gum pockets harbor bacteria, which can cause periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease. The cleaning process often requires local anesthetic. Deep cleaning can help to stop infections in their tracks.
Those who are considering preventive treatment from the general dentist need to contact the dental office to learn more about their options. Specific procedures can be offered following a comprehensive evaluation. Book an appointment to get started.
Request an appointment here: https://thechesterfielddentist.com or call Chesterfield Dentist at (804) 412-0867 for an appointment in our Chester office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Chester, VA.
Most general dentists agree that having a broken tooth is more serious than it gets credit for. It is easy to overlook damage, especially if no pain is associated with it or the damage is not visible. However, leaving a damaged tooth untreated can result in serious consequences. This article will discuss four ways our…
Besides ourselves, one other person plays a highly important role in maintaining our oral health, our general dentist. You see, the dentist is responsible for much of the work that goes into our mouths, and without them, most of us would be at a loss as to what to do to protect our teeth, tongue,…
Clenching and grinding the teeth, also known as bruxism, can wear them down and cause jaw and ear pain. General dentists can help patients with bruxism avoid pain and discomfort. This blog will review the causes, symptoms, and treatments for teeth grinding.It is common for people to be unaware they clench or grind their teeth…
Even if we do not like it, there is a reason our general dentist recommends routine visits at least every six months. In fact, there are several important reasons why we should get into the habit of going to the dentist for regular visits as often as is necessary or as is told. The visits…
Entering dentist near me in your online search can give you an advantage in your…
A dental bridge can fill your dental gap and restore your smile. Research shows that…
A dental bridge is a restorative treatment that fills the gap left by a missing…
Oral surgery is an invasive procedure. A dentist will recommend this procedure if the damage…
A dental bridge is one of the most common ways to replace a missing tooth…
Dental bridges are an effective option for people missing teeth due to trauma, infection, or…
