General dentistry involves the treatment and prevention of dental diseases and injuries and the promotion of overall oral health. To that end, dentists offer a wide range of treatments, some therapeutic and others preventive.
Depending on the state of your oral health when you visit the dentist, you may receive one of the following treatments or undergo one of the following procedures.
A dental examination often includes X-rays of the teeth that show what is going on below the level of your gums. If you have bone loss, it shows up on radiographic imaging. X-rays also show subtle signs of early tooth decay that could otherwise be missed during a dental exam.
Through a process called remineralization, fluoride strengthens teeth that have been weakened and demineralized through exposure to acidic foods and drinks. General dentistry fluoride treatments are available in the form of foam, gel, and varnish, each of which contains a much higher concentration of the mineral than you can find in over-the-counter dental hygiene products.
Tartar is plaque that has hardened on the teeth after bacteria dies. It can irritate the gums and contribute to periodontal disease. While regular brushing and flossing can help to remove plaque before it has the chance to harden into tartar, it does not remove everything. Regular cleanings, either at six-month intervals or as recommended by your dentist, remove the tartar and plaque that flossing and brushing can miss.
The sealant procedure involves applying a protective layer of acrylic resin to the surface of the teeth. This forms a barrier between the enamel and the bacteria that can weaken it by feeding on carbohydrates and producing acid as a byproduct. Sealants last for several years and can be reapplied as many times as you deem necessary.
If tooth decay causes a cavity to form, the necessary treatment may be a filling. This is most effective if performed when the cavity is still in its early stages. The first step is to remove the decayed tooth material, while the second step is to fill it in with a material that is malleable when it is wet but dries to be strong and durable. The most traditional filling material is silver amalgam, but composite resin fillings are becoming more popular. There are other types of fillings, but they are not used as often.
A crown is a prosthesis that encompasses a severely diseased or damaged tooth to strengthen and support it. It takes the place of the tooth enamel, much of which has to be removed to accommodate the prosthesis, while providing protection to the underlying structure.
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All general dentistry treatments and procedures promote oral health in one way or another. These are some of the treatments that dentists perform most often, meaning that you are more likely to encounter them as a patient. However, with good oral hygiene, you may be able to avoid some treatments intended to treat severe dental disease.
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