A general dentist Glendale AZ who is also referred to as a primary care oral health provider, offers a variety of dental services by concentrating on the prevention and treatment of oral health problems for patients of all ages. For most dental care needs, they are typically the initial point of contact, often referring patients to specialists for more complex procedures. Following an undergraduate education, general dentists spend four years at an accredited dental school. Some dentists also receive additional training in specific fields.

Dental Services Provided by a General Dentist

Preventative Services

Preventing tooth decay and disease is a core responsibility of general dentists. Regular exams, diagnostic X-rays, and professional teeth cleanings are used to achieve this result. Your general dentist Glendale AZ will screen you for oral cancer, and may offer tooth sealants or fluoride treatments.

You’re at-home dental hygiene routine undoubtedly has a significant impact on your oral health. As a result, general dentists also suggest ways to enhance your dental routines at home, contributing to a healthy mouth and a radiant smile.

For individuals who engage in sports or lead active lifestyles, prevention can also be achieved through the use of mouth guards. Mouth guards custom-made by your dentist are crucial for preventing tooth damage during sports.

Restoration Services

Services offered by restoration include repairing and rebuilding your teeth to restore their appearance and functioning after damage, decay, or disease. Cavity fillings are among the most frequently used types of tooth restorations. During one of your dental appointments, tooth decay found by your dentist will require removal and a filling to be applied to the affected tooth.

Other forms of restoration services include dental crowns (caps that fit over damaged or missing teeth), dental implants, and inlays and onlays (a type of dental filling), all designed to treat missing or damaged teeth. Some dentists also offer treatments including bridgework, orthodontics (braces and clear aligners), and denture fittings.

Cosmetic Services

The primary goal of cosmetic dentistry is to enhance the aesthetic quality of your smile. A dazzling white smile has a significant effect on your self-assurance, and your dentist can assist you in achieving this. General dentists provide a variety of cosmetic services including teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and cosmetic bonding.

Over-the-counter teeth-whitening kits often fall short of expectations and may also harm your teeth. It is therefore advisable to choose professional teeth whitening offered by your general dentist.

Performing Minor Oral Surgical Procedures

Minor oral surgeries can be performed by general dentists. You can receive a wisdom tooth removal or tooth extraction without having to see a specialist. A general dentist Glendale AZ can also perform a root canal procedure, in which infected or inflamed pulp tissue is extracted from within a tooth.

Children’s Dentistry

General dentists primarily focus on adult teeth but can also provide dental care for kids. A general dentist Glendale AZ can handle teeth cleanings, sealants, cavity fillings, and tooth removal.

Pediatric dentists are a type of specialist requiring an additional two years of training that focuses solely on children's dental care.

How Frequently Should You Visit a General Dentist?

Regular dental check-ups are essential, with visits to your general dentist Glendale AZ recommended at least every six months for a thorough cleaning and examination. Regular dental checkups are a crucial aspect of preventing diseases. Severe oral health conditions often do not cause pain until they have already developed.

Delaying a visit to your dentist until you already have a toothache is never advisable. If you experience a toothache or notice anything unusual, contact your dentist immediately.

Your dentist may suggest more regular check-ups, for instance, every three months, rather than the usual twice a year, based on the state of your oral health. It is essential to adhere to the preventative treatment schedule prescribed by your dentist.