Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for keeping your teeth healthy and strong. But even with the best efforts at home, it’s important to visit a general dentist regularly to ensure that your oral health is in top shape. A General Dentist In Westminster is a healthcare professional who is trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of dental issues, including cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.
A general dentist is a dental professional who can provide a wide range of services to help you maintain good oral health. These services include:
- Professional cleanings: A professional cleaning, also known as a dental prophylaxis, is a routine cleaning of the teeth and gums. It’s usually performed by a dental hygienist and is designed to remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth, and if it’s not removed, it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Tartar, on the other hand, is hardened plaque that’s more difficult to remove and can only be removed by a dental professional. Professional cleanings can help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease by removing plaque and tartar, and they’re usually recommended every six months.
- X-rays: X-rays are a type of imaging test that uses a small amount of radiation to create detailed images of the inside of the teeth and surrounding bones. They’re used to help diagnose problems such as tooth decay, infections, and other issues that may not be visible during a physical exam. A general dentist may recommend X-rays if they suspect a problem, or as part of a routine check-up.
- Fillings: If you have a cavity, a general dentist can place a filling to repair the damaged tooth. A filling is a type of material, such as amalgam (a mixture of mercury, silver, and other metals) or composite (a plastic material that’s made to match the color of your teeth), that’s used to fill the hole left by the cavity. Fillings can help to prevent further decay and restore the function and strength of the tooth.
- Crowns: A crown, also known as a cap, is a type of restoration that covers the entire surface of a tooth. It’s used to protect a tooth that’s been damaged or is weak, or to cover a dental implant. Crowns can be made of a variety of materials, such as porcelain, gold, or a combination of materials.
- Bridges: A bridge is a type of dental restoration that’s used to replace one or more missing teeth. It’s made up of two crowns, one on each side of the missing tooth, with a false tooth (called a pontic) in between. The crowns are attached to the teeth on either side of the missing tooth, and the pontic is suspended in the gap. Bridges can help to restore the function and appearance of your teeth, and they’re typically made of the same materials as crowns.
- Root canals: A root canal is a treatment used to remove infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth. It’s usually recommended if the nerve of a tooth is infected or damaged, and it’s used to save the tooth rather than extracting it. During a root canal, the infected or damaged tissue is removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. A crown is usually placed on top of the tooth to protect it and restore its function.
In addition to these services, a general dentist can also provide advice on how to take care of your teeth at home and prevent problems from occurring.