Regular visits to a general dentist are an essential component of good health and overall wellness. It is important for both adults and children to have their teeth cleaned and examined by a dental professional every six months. In fact, most physicians and dentists recommend that regular dental checkups begin around age one, when a child's first teeth begin to grow in. Parents can bring their children to the family's general dentist to maintain good oral health and hygiene, even during the younger years.
There are many treatments and procedures available to patients of all ages in the office of a general dentist. The methods and materials used typically vary based on the age and needs of the individual.
For both children and adults, a dental hygienist typically cleans the teeth and gums of the patient. Most use dental scalers to remove plaque and tartar buildup, followed by a round of flossing and polishing. The dentist then inspects the teeth for any signs of decay or deterioration. Both professionals can offer advice on proper care and any lifestyle changes that should be made to help promote healthy teeth and gums.
Tooth decay should not be ignored in adults or children, even when it affects only baby teeth. However, cavities are often treated differently in children without permanent teeth in order to avoid more invasive procedures. Dentists often treat minimal decay with better preventative care, a more concentrated fluoride treatment, or sealants to keep it from spreading. In some cases, a general dentist may recommend a traditional filling, but with a material that is less expensive and more durable.
When a tooth is lost or becomes severely damaged, either a bridge or a crown may be utilized to repair or replace it. While implants are often the preferred solution to a missing permanent tooth, the procedure can be more expensive and difficult for children. However, crowns and bridges are common treatments for younger patients.
Dentists can provide tooth alignment options to patients who are interested in using clear aligner trays. This alternative to braces is often faster and less expensive, and is also more aesthetically pleasing as it is usually unnoticeable to others. Due to the amount of personal responsibility required to wear and care for the trays, this method is recommended for adults and teenagers rather than young children.
For many parents, it is convenient to schedule appointments for the entire family in one location. This allows everyone to build a good relationship with the general dentist and office staff. It is also helpful in creating more precise treatment plans when looking at the family as a whole. For example, when a dentist sees gum recession in a parent, they can prescribe a more detailed home care routine to help prevent this in the child.
Good dental care is essential for adults and children. A general dentist can provide the routine care and typical procedures needed for all members of the family.
Request an appointment here: https://www.smilesbycanada.com or call Smiles by Dr. Canada at (281) 826-5180 for an appointment in our Houston office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Houston, TX.
When you visit a general dentist for a dental checkup, it is not only about your teeth. Continue reading to know what happens during a checkup. Your oral health is crucial to your overall health. What happens in the mouth might reveal many things about the whole body.The general dentist will typically proceed to do…
Asking a dentist about exams that help detect oral cancer is something every dental patient should do, as the more knowledge one has, the more likely they will be to make regular appointments to undergo an oral cancer examination. Dental patients are encouraged to ask a dentist any question they have, as this is ideal…
Has it been a while since you had a general dentist checkup? You know how critical it is to maintain good health. Taking good care of your mouth, teeth and gums is part of your overall wellness. It may be easy to lose track of time, but you cannot forget to keep up on your…
Toothaches often cause discomfort, as well as difficulty with eating and speaking, however, with the help of a general dentist, the toothache can be remedied. General dentists offer routine dental care to patients of all ages, which makes them experts at dealing with things, such as toothaches. Choosing to see a general dentist is not only…
Denture repair involves restoring broken dentures to like-new condition. Before the restoration, general dentists examine the dentures to check for various damage. Next, the dentist provides the lab technician with detailed instructions to ensure appropriate repairs occur. Following the exam, a patient's dentures undergo repair at a dental laboratory.Patients should never ignore their dentures if…
A dental crown, also called a cap, forms the tooth's outer covering, protecting the tooth from decay and damage. A crown does not eliminate the need to visit your dentist in the future; you will still need to have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined regularly by your dentist. However, it can certainly help restore…