General dentistry is a branch of dental care that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases, disorders, and conditions that affect the teeth, gums, and jaw. A general dentist's primary focus is to prevent and treat tooth decay and gum disease. However, general dentists also treat and manage other conditions affecting the oral cavity, including the tongue, lips, cheeks, jaws, salivary glands, etc.
Our general dentist provides routine care such as cleanings and exams as well as restorative procedures like fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, and more. They also perform cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening or veneers.
Did you know that general dentists are often the first line of defense in diagnosing and treating oral health issues?
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WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR GENERAL DENTISTRY APPOINTMENT?
Comprehensive Oral Examination
Your general dentistry appointment will typically start with a thorough oral examination. This involves assessing the health of your teeth, gums, and surrounding oral tissues to identify any signs of decay, gum disease, or other dental issues.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Our general dentist provides routine care such as cleanings and exams as well as restorative procedures like fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, and more. They also perform cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening or veneers.
Diagnostic X-Rays
Depending on your dental history and specific needs, our dentist may recommend diagnostic X-rays to provide a more comprehensive view of your oral health. X-rays can help detect hidden dental problems such as cavities, impacted teeth, and bone loss.
Discussion and Treatment Planning
Our dentist will discuss their findings from the examination and any necessary X-rays with you. They will also take the time to address any concerns you may have about your oral health. Together, you'll develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Preventive Care and Education
In addition to treatment planning, your general dentistry appointment is an opportunity for preventive care and education. Our dentist will provide guidance on proper oral hygiene practices and offer tips for maintaining a healthy smile between appointments.
General Dentistry Procedures
Regular dental cleanings, also known as prophylaxis, involve the removal of plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth by a dental hygienist. These cleanings are essential for preventing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Comprehensive oral exams are conducted by the dentist to assess the overall health of the teeth, gums, and mouth, including screening for oral cancer and other abnormalities.
Dental fillings are used to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay or minor fractures. During the procedure, the dentist removes the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth and fills the cavity with composite resin, which is highly durable. Fillings restore the tooth's structure and function while preventing further decay.
Tooth extractions may be necessary when a tooth is severely decayed, damaged beyond repair, or causing overcrowding in the mouth. The dentist numbs the area with local anesthesia before carefully removing the tooth from its socket. Simple extractions involve the removal of visible teeth, while surgical extractions may be required for impacted or partially erupted teeth.
Common restorative treatments offered by our general dentist include dental fillings to repair cavities, dental crowns to restore and strengthen weakened or damaged teeth, dental bridges to replace missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, and dental implants to replace missing teeth with permanent natural-looking prostheses. Our general dentist may perform root canal therapy to save infected or inflamed teeth, denture fittings for patients with multiple missing teeth, and inlays/onlays for moderate to severe tooth damage.
Orthodontic treatment involves the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of misaligned teeth and malocclusions (bite abnormalities). Our general dentist may offer orthodontic services such as traditional braces or clear aligner therapy (e.g., Invisalign) to improve the alignment, function, and appearance of patients' smiles.
Periodontal treatment focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of gum disease (periodontitis) and other conditions affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Treatment options may include scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), periodontal surgery, and ongoing maintenance therapy to control infection and preserve periodontal health.
Cosmetic dentistry encompasses a variety of procedures aimed at improving the appearance of the teeth and smile. Common cosmetic treatments offered by our general dentist include teeth whitening, dental bonding, porcelain veneers, and tooth-colored fillings. These procedures can enhance the color, shape, size, and alignment of teeth, creating a more attractive and confident smile.
Did you know that in addition to treatment planning, your general dentistry appointment is an opportunity for preventive care and education?
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Frequently Asked Questions About General Dentistry
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Working Hours
- MON - THU8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- FRI - SUNClosed
South Austin Dental Associates
Location
4419 Frontier Trail #104,
Austin, TX
Phone : (512) 444-1133Text Us : (512) 444-1133