A general dentist is the dental equivalent of a primary care physician. A general dental professional is the person dental patients can go to for routine preventative care and diagnosis of any oral health problems. There are multiple benefits to establishing a relationship with a general dentist.
Maintaining oral health is important for both the health and appearance of the teeth and for overall health. General dentists offer many services that can improve the health of the patient.
A general dentist can serve as the first point of contact for all oral health needs, so patients do not have to take time determining which type of professional to contact and how to schedule an appointment. Instead, patients can visit the same dental office used for routine care to receive diagnostic exams and referrals to other dental professionals when needed.
Because general dentists provide a wide variety of services, many patients choose a general dental office to serve as a family dentist. Appointments can often be scheduled on the same day, saving extra trips, and there is no need to drive to different locations.
Professionals in general dental offices offer many services such as preventative care, teeth cleanings, braces, dentures, and cosmetic dental treatments. Patients needing services not offered can be provided with a referral to a qualified dental professional.
During routine exams, dentists examine the teeth, gums, and other structures of the mouth to check for bacteria buildup that may indicate an oral hygiene issue. The dentist then makes suggestions to the patient about ways to improve the oral hygiene routine to alleviate these issues.
Regular cleanings and other preventative care can significantly reduce the chance of developing infections, cancers, tooth decay, gingivitis, tooth loss, tooth discoloration, and other medical and cosmetic issues. Additionally, early treatment of any issues can prevent the problems from becoming more severe.
A general dentist has access to technology, such as X-rays and computer modeling, that helps detect existing issues such as cavities early and may be able to predict problems that have not yet surfaced. Early detection of dental issues allows for less invasive treatment options, an increased chance of avoiding tooth loss, and better cosmetic outcomes.
When detected early, infections that lead to tooth decay can sometimes be reversed, avoiding the need for fillings. However, when that is not possible, the dentist can fill the cavity, improving the function of the tooth and preventing further decay and potential tooth loss.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Benefits of a General Dentist in Los Angeles, CA
A general dentist can provide a variety of dental services to patients and their families. General dentists also serve as a point of first contact to provide diagnosis and referrals to other dental professionals when needed. Maintaining a relationship with a general dental professional can be a convenient way to improve overall oral health.
Request an appointment or call Lida Davani, DDS at 310-402-2149 for an appointment in our Los Angeles office.
In recent years, more patients have been asking general dentist professionals about straighter teeth. Orthodontic treatment has come a long way in the last decades. Patients may think that traditional braces are the only option, but clear aligners and appliance therapy are also available now. When having this conversation, it is important that patients discuss…
Good oral care is critical for overall well-being, and adults who routinely visit a general dentist are less likely to have problems with their teeth and health. Visiting a dentist twice per year can help detect and remediate the following conditions: CavitiesGum diseaseOral cancerTooth misalignmentSystemic diseaseMany people put off visiting a dentist due to fear…
When a patient has a cavity, a general dentist thoroughly takes out all the decayed area of the tooth and replaces it with a filling in the empty space to prevent future decay. When it comes to the type of filling, there are various options from which the patient may choose. They each have advantages…
A root canal treatment can restore your tooth. It is an invasive treatment that aims to remove the damaged or infected pulp. But what should you do after this outpatient procedure? Here are the details on what will happen after a root canal.The dentist will suggest waiting until the effects of the anesthesia fade before…
Dental professionals recommend a denture reline at least every two years. However, you might need to get your dentures relined more often depending on various factors, such as the materials used for the reline and the degree of bone loss you have experienced. You need to visit a general dentist once a year to get…