WHAT IS “GENERAL” DENTISTRY?

General dentists are the main providers of dental care to people of all ages. At Premier Dental Care your General Dentist is responsible for the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of diseases, disorders and/or conditions of your oral cavity and maxillofacial area structures and their impact on your overall health. This includes regular checkups, fillings, bondings, and dentures, crowns, bridges, extractions as well as cosmetic dentistry.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU NEED ROUTINE DENTAL EXAMS AND CLEANING?

General dental exams are usually accompanied by a cleaning. Teeth cleaning is done by a dental hygienist, while the exam is performed by a dentist. If you have good oral hygiene and no history of serious dental problems, a regular checkup and cleaning is recommended twice a year. If you have an ongoing condition, a history of gum disease or other dental issues, your dentist may recommend more frequent appointments.

WHEN DO YOU NEED A FILLING?

Part of a dental exam includes checking for cavities, which are areas that have decayed or rotted away a hole in the tooth. If left untreated, the decay can spread. A tooth can become weakened by extensive internal decay and can sometimes suddenly fracture under normal chewing forces. Our dentists will recommend filling a cavity as soon as possible. Only a dentist can diagnose a cavity, although if you suspect you have one due to sensitivity to hot or cold or discomfort, it’s important to schedule an appointment so your dentist can perform an exam.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A FILLING?

Fillings are performed by your general dentist with local anesthesia. First, the dentist will clean the affected tooth inside and out to clear away the decay. They will then fill the cavity. Fillings can be made from a variety of materials, including gold, silver, and plastic resin. Your dentist will tell you what is available and recommend a material based on the size and severity of your cavity.

WHEN DO YOU NEED A BONDING?

Unlike a filling, a bonding is usually used to repair the outside of the tooth for cosmetic purposes. Bondings can be used to fill an area of decay, but they are more frequently used on a chipped or discolored tooth to normalize its appearance.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A BONDING?

Bondings normally don’t require anesthesia and can be performed in a dentist’s office. The dentist will first select a shade of resin that matches the color of your tooth before applying the resin putty on the affected area. They will then mold the resin to the correct shape and let it dry.

DENTURES

Dentures can be an excellent solution for people who have lost their natural teeth from gum disease, tooth decay, or injury. It’s also possible for dentures to dramatically improve your smile and restore your confidence. General dentists can make dentures for patients with many missing teeth or severely damaged teeth that need to be removed.

Since dentures are customized to fit your unique dental needs, your dentist will need to perform a consultation in order to make a recommendation.

REFERRALS

Your general dentist will refer you to a specialist when you present with issues requiring specialty care. Root canals, implants, bone grafts, extractions in some cases, osseous surgery, tissue grafts, and orthodontics are some examples of when a referral may be necessary. Premier Dental Care is a Multi-specialty practice and we can refer you to in-house specialists which affords you the convenience and quality of care that this team approach provides.