What Does a General Dentist Do?

The type of dentist that nearly all individuals will need to visit at some point in their life is the general dentist. These dental professionals have gone through advanced training in order to be able to offer all patients some of the essential services that they will need starting from the moment that their first tooth comes in and then during the rest of their life. Here is a quick look at the treatments that a general dentist will offer as well as a few key qualifications that all potential patients should look for when they first start their search for one of these dental specialists.

Starting in the very first few months of an individual's life, dental services will become very important. Those that avoid these treatments will be at a much higher risk for a number of life-altering ailments throughout the body. Modern research shows that all patients that do not seek out dental checkups as often as every six months are diagnosed at a much higher rate for tooth decay, periodontal disease, oral cancers, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and even dementia.

One of the most important services that a general dentist will provide their patients with is the biannual checkup. Almost all specialists agree that every person should visit their dentist at least twice a year. Those that have been diagnosed with serious oral health complications or are at a higher risk for certain complications may require more frequent visits.

During these checkups, the dentist will start by carefully examining the oral cavity. There may also be a need for x-rays and these will be carried out anywhere from every six months to every two years. These two steps are very important, even for those that brush their teeth and floss every single day, in order to catch abnormalities that may be affecting the overall health of the teeth and gums. This includes any amount of deterioration that cannot be diagnosed visually such as bone loss on the jaws and tooth decay that is under the surface.

In addition to inspecting the mouth, a general dentist will also carry out professional teeth cleaning as often as possible. Not only will this make the teeth appear brighter, it will also remove any buildup of plaque and tartar. If these are left on the teeth for an extended amount of time they will begin to produce bacteria and acid. In turn, these will attack the teeth and gums and result in cavities and periodontal disease.

Every single person should make a call to their local general dentist if they have not been in the past six months. This will give them the best chance at preserving a healthy smile as well as avoiding serious oral health complications that many are forced to struggle with every single day.

Dr. Abbad Eftekhari is a general dentist in Culver City who provides various treatments for his patients. Visit CulverCityDentist.com for more information.