How General Dentists Can Help Their Patients
It's important to go to the dentist regularly. People who go to the dentist are more likely to have clean and healthy teeth since dentists can remove plaque, remedy cavities, and more. Most services that patients need on a regular basis can be provided by their regular dentist, without the need for a specialist. These are four dental services that allow general dentists to help their patients:
1. Prophylactic Care
One of the most important jobs of a dentist is to provide prophylactic care to their patients. Through regular cleanings, dentists can reduce the amount of plaque and tartar buildup on patients' teeth. Dentists can also evaluate patients' home care routines through a series of basic questions. This allows dentists to identify gaps in patients' oral care, so they can make helpful suggestions for improvements. This type of care can help patients avoid cavities and other lifelong dental problems.
2. Dental Anxiety Management
Dentists are used to seeing anxious patients. After all, it's not uncommon to worry about pain and unpleasant sensations when seeking dental treatment. That's why dentists are equipped to offer anxiety management solutions. You can talk with your dentist about your level of dental anxiety so your dentist can offer appropriate treatments, such as nitrous oxide gas, pharmaceutical anti-anxiety drugs, and distractions, such as music. Dentists are willing to work with patients to give them treatment experiences that are as soothing and painless as possible.
3. Dental Appliance Creation
Some patients require dental appliances to treat ongoing problems or to prevent new ones. For example, people who play contact sports can use custom-made mouthguards to protect their teeth during vigorous activity. There are additional reasons that patients may need mouthguards as well. Patients who grind their teeth while they sleep may need a special type of mouth guard called a night guard. Night guards are worn overnight to protect tooth enamel from the wear and tear of chronic bruxism. Your dentist can take dental impressions of your teeth to collect the measurements needed to produce comfortable, well-fitting dental appliances for your health and safety.
4. Cavity Treatments
Finally, dentists can offer cavity treatments to patients who have developed decay in their teeth. Removing decayed tooth matter and replacing it with dental bonding can halt the progression of cavities and relieve toothaches. Patients with more severe decay may require more intensive interventions, such as dental extractions or root canals. Your dentist will evaluate your teeth using x-rays in order to come up with a treatment plan for your cavities.
For more information about general dental services, contact a local dental office.
Share