3 Common Procedures Offered by a General Dentist

3 Common Procedures Offered by a General Dentist from Davis & Dingle Family Dentistry in Columbia, SCGeneral dentists can perform dozens of different procedures, so they may have a long list of offered services. A general dentist focuses on the prevention (and fast restoration) of oral health issues. However, they may also provide more extensive procedures, such as teeth replacement, when necessary.

Common general dentistry services

Some general dentistry services are more common than others. Specifically, three standard services are dental X-rays, dental cleanings, and dental fillings. Here is a more in-depth look at each of these three services and when they may be recommended by a general dentist.

Diagnostic care: Dental X-rays

Getting dental X-rays is a common diagnostic service. There are different types of dental X-rays, and each provides a unique view of the patient’s teeth and/or periodontal health. They help the dentist diagnose any oral health concerns, especially those that may not be easily detected through other diagnostic measures. Notably, the types of concerns that dental X-rays can help diagnose include (but are not limited to):

  • Cavities (tooth decay)
  • Periodontitis
  • Impacted teeth
  • Orthodontic concerns
  • Jawbone damage or loss

General dentists also perform oral examinations during routine visits. This involves a visual inspection of the patient's mouth with special dental instruments. Some general dentists offer oral cancer screenings too.

Preventive care: Dental cleanings

Dental cleanings are how dentists remove plaque and tartar buildup on patients' teeth. Good oral care at home between check-up visits is the best way to reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other common oral health complications. However, even with good at-home oral hygiene and care, patients can still develop plaque and tartar on their teeth and along the gum line. Routine dental cleanings involve scaling away this excess plaque and polishing teeth to help prevent future buildup.

There are other preventive services that a general dentist may recommend. For instance, a dentist may recommend dental sealants for patients who are more vulnerable to getting cavities on the chewing surfaces of their molars (this is why such cavities are common among children). Fluoride treatment can help prevent cavities in cases where the patient has weakened enamel.

Restorative care: Dental fillings

A dental filling is a common restorative procedure for treating dental cavities. During this procedure, the dentist cleans the decayed portion of a tooth, sterilizes it, and then fills it with a special filling. There are different material options for dental fillings, including composites, amalgam, and glass ionomer.

General dentists offer other types of restorative procedures, including root canal therapy, scaling and root planing (deep dental cleaning), dental crowns, dental bonding, and tooth replacement (e.g., implants or dentures).

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Columbia, SC

Contact our general dentistry practice today

We take pride in helping members of our local community with their dentistry needs. Whether you need a check-up and cleaning or restorative care services, we are here to help you and your family with all oral care needs. So, why wait? Contact us today to schedule your visit.

Request an appointment or call Davis & Dingle Family Dentistry at 803-567-1804 for an appointment in our Columbia office.

Recent Posts

The Benefits Of Routine Dental Visits At A General Dentist

Visiting a general dentist on a routine basis is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your oral and overall health. Routine dental visits allow your dentist to identify and treat any oral health issues before they become more intense and expensive problems in the future. This blog will explore the…

The Role Of A General Dentist In Maintaining Oral Health

Besides ourselves, one other person plays a highly important role in maintaining our oral health, our general dentist. You see, the dentist is responsible for much of the work that goes into our mouths, and without them, most of us would be at a loss as to what to do to protect our teeth, tongue,…

How General Dentists Detect And Treat Common Dental Problems

Though we go to our general dentist all the time, one thing that not everyone considers is the fact that the dentist is the one that handles most of our oral health issues. How is it that one dentist is responsible for treating and diagnosing so many of our problems without the help of specialists…

Recent Posts

The FAQ&#    ;s Of  Sedation For Painless Dentistry

The FAQ's Of Sedation For Painless Dentistry

Are you concerned about whether or not you will receive painless dentistry at your next appointment? You aren't alone. In fact, many people every year simply avoid the dentist altogether out of fear that they will have a painful experience. Unfortunately, for some people, they have already had a negative experience, so it's even more…

The Benefits Of Routine Dental Visits At A General Dentist

The Benefits Of Routine Dental Visits At A General Dentist

Visiting a general dentist on a routine basis is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your oral and overall health. Routine dental visits allow your dentist to identify and treat any oral health issues before they become more intense and expensive problems in the future. This blog will explore the…