General Dentistry
General dentistry covers the most common dental procedures performed on patients, primarily focusing on removing tooth decay and restoring the damage it causes to your smile.
This includes well-known treatments like crowns (caps), fillings, and root canal therapy. Additionally, general dentistry addresses minor tooth damage from accidents, such as chipping a tooth while eating, and also involves treating issues like bad breath.
General Services & Treatments
Comfortable, Personalized, and Affordable
These treatments are so common that many dental insurance plans cover a significant part of the cost, which is why they are often prominently featured in your insurance benefits. If you have insurance, knowing that general dentistry procedures are covered can provide peace of mind and encourage you to pursue the care you need. Insurance companies recognize that addressing dental issues early on prevents them from becoming more expensive later.
General dentistry frequently overlaps with other branches of dentistry.
Although our general dental services typically don’t include cosmetic or restorative treatments, they often get combined with these types of care in treatment plans.
For instance, if you’re undergoing a full smile makeover, we might use aligners to adjust the position of your teeth and bonding to make their shape more uniform. Since everyone’s dental needs and goals are unique, it’s common for general dentistry treatments to overlap with other categories.
All dentists receive training in general dentistry during dental school, even if they choose to specialize in a particular area of dentistry later, such as cosmetic dentistry or orthodontics.
In some locations, and depending on their certifications, dental hygienists may be qualified to perform certain aspects of general dental procedures, like assisting with crown sizing.
General Dentistry Includes Non-Invasive Procedures
General dentistry also encompasses non-invasive measures our dental team takes to keep you healthy and comfortable. Many diagnostic scans and examinations, such as those assessing your bite and how your teeth align (known as occlusion by dentists), are part of general dentistry. Additionally, local anesthesia and light sedation, which are frequently used in various dental care situations, also fall under this category.
Preventing Dental Issues
Preventive dentistry focuses on avoiding dental problems before they become costly, painful, or both. A significant component of preventive dentistry involves educating patients about proper at-home dental care, nutrition, and other related topics. Another key aspect includes maintaining oral hygiene through regular dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, mouthguards, and similar measures.
