General dentistry services play a vital role in maintaining the health and appearance of your smile. These services are designed to provide comprehensive care to prevent dental issues, treat existing conditions, and ensure long-term oral health. From routine cleanings to advanced restorative procedures, general dentistry covers a wide range of treatments that address the needs of patients at every stage of life. One of the most important aspects of general dentistry is preventive care. Regular check-ups, which typically involve an exam and cleaning every six months, are essential for maintaining good oral health. During a dental exam, your dentist will check for signs of cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other issues that could affect your teeth and gums. Preventive services also include professional teeth cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to tooth decay and gum problems if left untreated.

Additionally, dentists may provide fluoride treatments to strengthen tooth enamel and sealants to protect the surfaces of the teeth from decay, particularly for children. For those with existing dental issues, alan p nohr general dentist redmond offers a variety of treatments to restore oral health. Dentists can use different materials such as amalgam, composite resin, or porcelain to fill cavities and restore the tooth’s function and appearance. In more severe cases of tooth decay, a root canal might be necessary to remove infected tissue from the pulp of the tooth and prevent further damage. After a root canal, the tooth is often restored with a crown to provide strength and stability. When it comes to missing teeth, general dentistry also offers restorative solutions such as dentures, bridges, and dental implants. Dentures are removable prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth, while bridges are fixed dental appliances that span the gap created by missing teeth.

Dental implants are a more permanent solution that involves surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth. Each of these options helps restore both the function and aesthetic of your smile, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile confidently. Another important service in general dentistry is the treatment of gum disease, which can range from mild gingivitis to more severe periodontitis. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and regular cleanings combined with good oral hygiene practices can help prevent it. If gum disease is already present, treatments such as scaling and root planning, which involve deep cleaning of the teeth and roots, may be necessary to stop the progression of the disease. General dentists also provide cosmetic services to improve the appearance of your smile. Teeth whitening is a popular treatment for removing stains and discoloration, while veneers can be used to correct imperfections such as chips, gaps, or misaligned teeth.