When you look for a dentist in Fairview or a dentist near you, you will likely find two different types of dental care: general dentistry and specialty dentistry. Both general dentistry and specialty dentistry play a role in supporting your oral health; however, they serve different functions. Knowing this information will help you be discerning in your oral care requirements.
What Is General Dentistry?
General dentistry relates to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of common oral health issues. Most people will position a visit to a general dentist first for cleanings, routine check-up, and fillings. These services help ensure small problems are detected and treated when they are easier to solve and less intrusive, before they develop into more serious problems down the line.
If you are looking for general dentistry in Fairview, you will find general dentists are trained in providing a myriad of services related to everyday oral health. General dentists are also the dentists who will generally help to recommend seeing a specialist for more extensive treatments.
Common General Dentistry Treatments
General dentistry offers a huge range of services aimed at providing oral health care, care that maintains and restores health. Some common general dentistry services include:
- Dental Exams and Cleanings – These are routine visits that allow your dentist to look for and monitor issues with your oral health and include professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar.
- Fillings and Restorations – Treatment for cavities or minor damage to teeth, such as cracks, using white (composite) fillings.
- Crowns and Bridges – Restorative care for a broken tooth or a missing tooth; this service can allow a person to regain the use of their teeth.
- Root Canal Therapy – A necessary procedure aimed at addressing infections or infections under the tooth in order to preserve the tooth structure.
- Preventive Care – Services related to stop issues before they start such as fluoride treatments or sealants and education on oral care
A clinic that offers general dentistry near you, is your first stop for a program of oral wellness care and for identifying when you require specialty care.
What Is Specialized Dental Care?
Specialized dental treatment involves more than general dentistry. Specialists treat specific areas of dentistry with additional training (residency–after dental school) to become extensively trained in their area of specialization. For example:
- Orthodontists treat issues with the alignment of teeth and jaws, typically with braces or other oral appliances.
- Periodontists treat issues of the gums and severe periodontal disease.
- Oral Surgeons treat complex surgery (for example, removing a wisdom tooth, dental implant).
- Endodontists provide complex root canal treatment.
- Pediatric Dentists treat dentistry related to children, along with the children’s unique needs.
General dentists are experienced in the care of routine treatment, whereas specialized dentists are able to treat more complex dental treatment with extensive expertise.
How General Dentistry and Specialized Care Work Together
You can view general dentistry as your dental primary care. General dentists keep track of your general oral health, treat the majority of issues, and send you to someone better suited to manage the issue should it arise. For example, a general dentist may point to a gum disease that needs advanced treatment by a periodontist, or they may pinpoint a bite issue that would best be treated by an orthodontist.
This collaboration permits your full care—preventive care to advanced procedures—without neglecting any oral health detail.
Choosing the Right Dental Care
If you are unsure about needing general dentistry in Fairview versus specialized procedures, consider the following factors for your personal care:
- You will want to see a general dentist for services that include regular checkups, cleanings, and fillings.
- While for more advanced procedures, such as braces, gum grafts, dental implants, etc, you will be referred to a dental specialist.
- Having a trusted general dentist allows you to build a relationship while also keeping your oral health consistently assessed and maintained.
Conclusion
Whether general dental care or extensive dental professionalism is needed, knowing the difference between general and specialist care gives way to ownership of your dental health. Schedule your appointment today at Fairview Dental Clinic for trusted and personalized care!
