From Fillings to Cleanings: Services Offered by General Dentists
When most people think of the word "dentist," they picture a gleaming clinic, the hum of a polishing tool, and a friendly admonishment to floss more often. Yet general dentistry encompasses far more than routine cleanings. General dentists offer the backbone of oral health care to individuals and families, delivering a wide range of services that meet both preventive and restorative needs.
In this comprehensive blog, we'll explore everything general dentists do—from fillings and cleanings to more complex treatments—to help keep your smile strong, healthy, and beautiful.
What Is General Dentistry?
General dentistry is the branch of dentistry focused on diagnosing, treating, and managing your overall oral health. Think of a general dentist as your primary care provider for your teeth, gums, and mouth. Our experienced Dentist Aspley offer gentle, comprehensive treatments for the whole family. They are trained to provide a wide array of services that cover:
- Preventive care
- Diagnostic services
- Restorative treatments
- Cosmetic procedures
- Minor surgical treatments
- Patient Education
While specialists, such as orthodontists or periodontists, handle specific dental issues, general dentists are typically the first point of contact for most oral health concerns. They assess, treat, and, if necessary, refer patients to specialists when advanced care is needed.
1. Routine Dental Examinations
The foundation of all dental care begins with a comprehensive oral exam. This includes a visual inspection of the teeth and gums, digital X-rays, and other diagnostic tools to catch early signs of decay, gum disease, oral cancer, or misalignment.
Key benefits of routine exams:
- Early detection of dental issues
- Monitoring changes in oral health
- Establishing a treatment plan if needed
Dentist Ellenbrook typically recommend these exams every six months, although the frequency may vary depending on individual needs and circumstances.
2. Professional Teeth Cleanings
Even the best brushers and flossers can't get all the plaque and tartar off of their teeth. That's where professional cleanings (also referred to as prophylaxis) come in.
At a cleaning, a dental hygienist utilises special equipment to scrape off plaque and hardened tartar (calculus) that brushing can't dislodge. This prevents cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Professional cleaning benefits include:
- Fresher breath
- Lower risk of gum disease
- Whiter, cleaner-appearing teeth
- Early warning signs of oral problems
Regular six-month cleanings are typically recommended, but patients with periodontal disease may need to visit their dentist more frequently.
3. Dental Fillings
One of the most common general dentistry procedures is the dental filling, which is used to correct cavities due to tooth decay. Cavities, if left untreated, can enlarge further, affect the pulp of the tooth, and lead to severe pain or infection.
A general dentist will:
- Remove decayed parts of the tooth
- Clean the affected area.
- Fill the cavity with a suitable material, such as composite resin, amalgam, porcelain, or gold.
Types of fillings:
- Composite fillings: Tooth-colored and aesthetically pleasing
- Amalgam fillings: Durable and long-lasting, but silver-coloured
- Gold or ceramic inlays/onlays: Often used for larger restorations
4. Tooth Extractions
When a tooth is severely damaged or decayed to the point of being beyond repair, extraction may be necessary. General dentists perform simple tooth extractions under local anesthesia. More complex extractions, such as impacted wisdom teeth, might be referred to an oral surgeon.
Reasons for tooth extraction include:
- Severe tooth decay
- Advanced periodontal disease
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Overcrowding before orthodontic treatment
- Fractured or broken teeth
5. Root Canal Therapy
Contrary to popular belief, root canal therapy is not a painful procedure. It's a pain-relieving treatment that can save a severely infected or damaged tooth.
A general dentist may perform a root canal when:
- The pulp (nerve tissue) inside the tooth is infected or inflamed
- There's an abscess at the root of the tooth.
- Trauma has caused nerve damage.
The procedure involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the canal, and sealing it with a filling or crown.
6. Dental Crowns and Bridges
If a tooth is too severely damaged for a regular filling but doesn't need to be extracted, a dental crown can be the solution. A crown is a cap that covers a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and function.
Bridges, on the other hand, are used to replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of one or more artificial teeth supported by crowns on adjacent natural teeth.
Crowns and bridges are planned, shaped, and placed by general dentists in various materials like porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of these.
7. Dentures and Partial Dentures
For patients who have lost several or all of their teeth, general dentists offer full or partial dentures as a replacement solution. Modern dentures are more natural-looking and comfortable than ever.
- Complete dentures replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaw.
- Partial dentures fill in gaps left by a few missing teeth and attach to remaining natural teeth.
General dentists guide patients through the process of fitting and maintaining dentures, ensuring proper bite and comfort.
8. Preventive Treatments: Sealants and Fluoride
Preventive dentistry is at the heart of general practice. Dentists attempt to avoid issues from occurring initially with tools like dental sealants and fluoride applications.
- Dental sealants: Thin layers are applied to the molar chewing surfaces to prevent tooth decay and cavities. Especially helpful for children and teenagers.
- Fluoride treatments: Help to reinforce enamel, making it less likely to decay. It can be in gel, foam, or varnish form at a checkup.
9. Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease (periodontitis) is a primary reason for tooth loss in grown-ups. General dentists diagnose and treat early to moderate gum disease using:
- Deep cleanings (scaling and root planing)
- Antibacterial treatments
- Oral hygiene instruction
- Continual monitoring
In advanced cases, the patients are sent to a periodontist for treatment and evaluation.
10. Cosmetic Dentistry
While their focus is on oral health, general dentists also offer cosmetic procedures that enhance the look of your smile.
Popular cosmetic services include:
- Teeth whitening: In-office or take-home treatments for a brighter smile
- Bonding: Fixes chipped, discoloured, or misshapen teeth using tooth-coloured resin
- Veneers: Thin shells placed over the front of teeth to improve appearance
A Cosmetic Dentist Perth often combines cosmetic dentistry with restorative treatments to enhance both function and appearance.
11. Custom Mouthguards and Nightguards
General dentists can also create custom-fitted mouthguards for athletes and nightguards for individuals who grind their teeth (bruxism).
- Mouthguards protect the teeth during contact sports or recreational play.
- Nightguards can prevent harm from unconscious grinding or clenching during sleep, which can lead to enamel wear, jaw pain, and headaches.
These devices are specifically designed to fit your mouth perfectly, providing superior protection compared to over-the-counter options.
12. Oral Cancer Screenings
Early cancer in the mouth needs to be detected as soon as possible. General dentists are educated to recognise abnormal tissue in the mouth, including:
- Sores that won't heal
- Red or white spots
- Thickened lumps or lumps
Under regular checkups, your dentist will conduct a simple, pain-free screening to monitor for these warning signs, enhancing the chances of effective treatment if cancer is caught early.
13. Pediatric Dentistry
The majority of general dentists also treat children, providing essential early treatment that sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth. Some pediatric dental treatments include:
- First dental visit
- Fluoride treatment
- Sealants
- Cavity fillings
- Oral hygiene advice
The early introduction to a pleasant dental experience makes children more likely to develop good habits and creates fewer anxiety-related issues about the dentist.
14. Emergency Dental Services
Toothaches, cracked teeth, and avulsed teeth can't always wait until standard office hours. Most general dentists offer emergency care for:
- Severe pain
- Dental abscesses
- Missing crowns or fillings
- Traumatic injury
Having a family dentist whom you can contact during emergencies provides one with ease of mind and quicker relief.
15. Patient Education and Preventive Advice
A big part of what general dentists practice is educating patients. They show you how to brush and floss properly, diet for healthier teeth, and stop habits like nail-biting or using the teeth as a tool.
They can also give lifestyle advice for patients with conditions that affect oral health, such as diabetes or dry mouth, and tailor treatment plans accordingly.
The Value of a Long-Term Relationship
One of the most excellent and underrated benefits of going to a general dentist is continuity of care. When you have a long-term relationship with your dentist, they get to know:
- Your oral history
- Your tastes and lifestyle
- Your fears or concerns
- Your family's oral health routines
This specific information enables them to give more effective and comfortable care in the long term.
Final Thoughts
From cleanings and fillings to crowns, extractions, and cosmetic enhancements, general dentists offer a broad range of services to keep your smile healthy and functional. They are your lifelong partners in oral health whether you're a child getting your first sealant or a senior getting a denture.
If you haven't visited the dentist in a while, now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment. Taking care of things now will save you time, money, and hassle down the line.
