General dentistry is greatly responsible for managing your oral health. It works with patients to help identify the best way to care for their teeth through routine exams, cleanings and patient education. The goal is to prevent dental complications by offering early diagnosis and putting in place preventive measures. It may also include some restorative work to repair existing defects and stop them from causing more problems to your dental wellness. You should visit a general dentistry in Milford, CT, at least once or twice a year whether you have a problem or not. Usually, your general dentist will determine the frequency of the check-ups.
General dentistry does not focus on any particular dental field and instead just provides generalized dental care to patients. If after visiting a general dentistry near me the problem is determined to be bigger that their skills call for, you will now be referred to a specialist dentist such as a prosthodontist, orthodontist, oral surgeon or pediatric dentist in Fairfield. But even after a consult with a specialist dentist, it is still the general dentist that will keep track of your oral health which is important not just for dental visits, but also when assessing you overall health.
Qualifications for A General Dentist
After dental school, most graduates end up practicing general dentistry while a few may continue and specialize in a particular field of dentistry. This is to mean that every dentist, specialized or not has some skills to diagnose, treat and manage common dental problems. Dental school takes four years or more and to be enrolled one must have fulfilled an undergraduate program first. After dental school, a prospective dentist will need to pass a 2-part national board exam and a written and practical state or regional board exam. Thereafter, one obtains the license to practice or can choose to pursue a postgraduate training to become a specialist dentist.
What Are Some of the Services Provided by a General Dentist?
- Teeth Cleaning
Professional teeth cleaning is necessary to help you get rid of built-up plaque and tartar that may put you at risk of gum disease and other illnesses. It complements your at-home care practice of brushing and flossing. Here the dentist uses special tools to keep your smile brighter and your breath fresh. You should have your teeth professionally cleaned at least once a year.
- Emergency Services
If an unfortunate event happens that puts your dental wellness in jeopardy, it is important that you quickly see an emergency dentist near you. Most general dentist will be able to provide this service. The goal is to ease the pain associated with a dental emergency and contain the damage to avoid even greater complications from occurring.
- Dental Exams and X-rays
To determine the state of your oral health, the dentist performs routine exams to check for any signs of disease or abnormalities. Your gums, teeth, tongue, cheeks and even neck are checked for any alarming signs. Tests like x-rays are helpful in providing diagnostic images that can show issues like the extent of cavities, impacted teeth and even the condition of your jaw bones.
- Patient Education
Since for most of the time you will be interacting with a general dentist, they make a point of giving you the information you need to care for your oral health. You will be advised on the right foods to eat, how to clean your teeth and even the products you need to be using. Sometimes these dentists can also offer therapy to help you with any bad dental habits you may have such as teeth grinding.
Other services you will be able to get from a general dentist include sealants and fluoride application, fillings, placing of crowns and bridges and as well as simple tooth extractions. at Big Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, some services of a pediatric dentist in Milford, CT, may also be available under general dentistry. The clinic serves the surrounding areas of Orange CT, West Haven CT, New Haven County, Stratford CT, Hamden CT, Boston Post Road, Woodbridge, Bridgeport and Fairfield. For those busy during weekends, you will be happy to know that our dentist Milford, CT is also open on Saturdays to accommodate you.
