A general dentist can perform most dental services. General dentistry includes preventative treatment and the diagnosis of many issues affecting the teeth and gums. Regular visits to a general dentist help prevent the development of serious dental problems.
General dentistry is available at Oak Tree Dental in Poway and the surrounding area. Our staff is ready to provide the necessary preventative care for your entire family. Call us at (858) 748-2101 to schedule an appointment.
What to expect from a dentist
Dentists play an important role in people's oral and overall health. They act as the primary dental care provider. This role includes diagnosing, treating, and managing patients' oral health care needs. Patients can expect dentists to diagnose and recognize the early stages of dental diseases and treat them before the issue progresses.
Dentists also work closely with patients to educate them on oral hygiene practices and prevent future dental issues. Besides education, dentists may also provide a range of vital services to patients' continued health, such as preventative, restorative, and cosmetic treatments.
“Besides education, dentists may also provide a range of vital services to patients’ continued health, such as preventative, restorative, and cosmetic treatments.”
Bi-annual dental check-ups
Bi-annual dental check-ups are a crucial part of preventive dental care. They allow the identification and treatment of dental issues before they worsen and require more complex and intensive treatment. These appointments can also reveal mouth conditions that reflect changes in a patient's overall health.
While many people will only need a routine dental check-up about twice a year, the American Dental Association recommends that the patient's dentist determine dental visit frequency. Since every patient has unique needs, the optimal frequency will vary. Our team schedules check-ups to accommodate each patients' current oral health situation and overall health history.
“While many people will only need a routine dental check-up about twice a year, the American Dental Association recommends that the patient’s dentist determine dental visit frequency.”
General services
Dentists may provide a range of general services, such as bad breath treatments, dental sealants, fluoride treatments, and dental fillings. Bad breath treatment may include special mouth rinses and toothpaste to kill an excess of bacterial plaque. Dental sealants are thin plastic coverings that bond to teeth to protect the premolars and molars from debris and bacteria to prevent cavities.
Fluoride treatments involve applying a concentrated fluoride solution to the tooth enamel to strengthen it and stop cavities. It may come in the form of a rinse, gel, varnish, or foam. Dental fillings are one of the most common dental procedures. This service involves removing the decayed, cracked, or worn down portion of the tooth and filling it to restore its form and function.
“Dentists may provide a range of general services, such as bad breath treatments, dental sealants, fluoride treatments, and dental fillings.”
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General dentistry also offers additional treatments and screenings to treat more serious oral health issues such as broken teeth and gum disease. Patients should call the office as soon as they experience any dental pain or discomfort. The longer a patient waits, the more significant a problem can become.
A dental crown can protect weak and cracked teeth. A dental crown consists of a cap placed over the tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. This procedure can also restore a tooth that is broken or worn down or support a tooth with a large filling.
Root canals are used to repair and save a tooth that is damaged or badly infected. Oak Tree Dental will remove any decay and address the diseased portion of the tooth's pulp. The inside of the tooth is then cleaned, and the area is filled and sealed.
Gum disease, like gingivitis, can cause severe infection when left untreated. One option is deep cleaning. This involves scraping off the tartar both above and below the gum line, as well as root planning, which helps the gums reattach to the tooth. Oak Tree Dental may also prescribe medications to help control bacteria.
We also offer oral cancer screenings. This is typically done during a routine visit and helps to identify concerns early. If needed, we may perform additional tests to identify areas of abnormal cells in the mouth.
“General dentistry also offers additional treatments and screenings to treat more serious oral health issues such as broken teeth and gum disease.”
Questions answered on this page
Q. What additional treatments are available at a general dentist?
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Dental education from a dentist
While treatments and services are important, dentists also provide vital patient education to keep mouths healthy between appointments. Dentists can offer information on nutrition and general health and wellness education. Education plays a significant role in oral health since patients only receive check-ups a few times each year.
Patients can develop greater trust with their dentist and learn how to take care of their teeth in between office visits. Providing dental education is equally as important as other aspects of their dentistry since proper dental knowledge is essential for patients who want to maintain good oral health. Since every patient is unique, our team focuses on their individual needs to share relevant information about proper prevention and maintenance.
“Dentists can offer information on nutrition and general health and wellness education.”
Frequently asked questions
Preventative dental care helps patients prevent oral diseases and maintain good oral health throughout their lives. It includes patients' actions and professional services and procedures. This kind of dental care can reduce the risk of developing more complex and severe oral health conditions.
Dental sealants are not a permanent solution to preventing cavities. Sealants will gradually wear away over time due to natural wear and tear. Patients will usually need to replace their sealants after five years, but in some cases, they can last for up to 10.
Plaque is a sticky film that constantly builds up on teeth. It consists of bacteria and can harden into tartar that is difficult to remove. Patients with too much plaque can have tooth damage, leading to decay and even tooth loss.
The tooth pulp is the innermost layer of the tooth. It contains the nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes damaged, we must remove it to prevent the infection from spreading.
In mild cases of gum disease, people will experience red and swollen gum tissue. The swelling can make smiles appear less attractive and make brushing painful. When later stages of gum disease are left untreated, it can result in jaw damage and even tooth loss.
Dental terminology
Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite.
Tooth decay is when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay and cause erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth.
Dental caries are also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.
A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.
A dental filling involves restoring the structure of the tooth by using metal, alloy, porcelain or plastic to fill the tooth.
A dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.
Dental sealants contain a resinous material that we apply to the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth to prevent dental caries.
A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth and poor oral hygiene.
Preventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar and infections in the mouth.
Learn more about general dentistry services
General dentistry can not only help maintain oral health but also addresses many common concerns. Let Oak Tree Dental in Poway tell you more about improving your smile. Give us a call at 858-748-2101.
Individual results vary. How long a treatment lasts, and how it looks and feels, depends on each patient.