General dentistry deals with preventing, diagnosing, and treating numerous illnesses, disorders, and diseases that affect the body’s teeth, gums, and maxillofacial region, which includes the jaw and face. Dentists in Fairview offer services for the general upkeep of dental health and oral hygiene.
Alongside general dentistry in Fairview, patients can also acquire additional forms of dental care, including cosmetic and emergency services. To learn more about these various branches of dental medicine, please read on and contact your local oral healthcare professional.
Preventive Care
To guarantee appropriate dental cleanliness and functionality, the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) advises that you visit your dentist frequently (at least once every six months). By doing so, you can prevent any expensive treatment necessary to examine and cure the development of major dental issues through routine examinations and oral health care.
Besides dental check-ups, cleanings, and fluoride treatments, preventive care includes practicing the following oral care routines at home:
- Daily, brush your teeth at least two times, if possible, once in the morning and once in the evening, with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Seek your dentist’s advice for the best toothbrush and toothpaste for you. They can also teach you how to brush properly.
- Floss every day to flush out particles from every corner of your mouth before they convert into plaque.
- Have a habit of cleaning your mouth with saline mouthwash to wipe out food particles left after flossing. Acidic meals can erode tooth enamel.
- Hard foods, such as candy and foods containing bones, seeds, or pits, can damage or chip teeth.
- Skip cigarettes and tobacco, as they are causes of major tooth issues, including cancer.
- Using a mouth guard is recommended when playing sports.
- Consult a dentist near you for a bedtime mouth guard if you crunch your teeth at night to help decrease gum recession.
Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry is the discipline of dentistry concerned with the repair and restoration of damaged or missing teeth in order to enhance both function and beauty. Although it involves the following practices:
- Regular check-ups and cleanings
- Cavity fillings
- Fluoride treatments
- Dental implants
- Sealants
- Root canal
- Crowns
- Oral cancer screenings
- X-rays
- Dental bridges
- Dentures
- Oral hygiene education
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is concerned with enhancing your smile’s visual appeal and aesthetics. Teeth whitening, dental bonding, and veneers are all common aesthetic dental procedures that fall under the umbrella of cosmetic dentistry. If you have any of the following conditions, cosmetic dentistry may be a possibility for you:
- Teeth that have been chipped or cracked.
- Tiny openings or gaps between your teeth.
- Discoloration and staining of the teeth.
- Crooked teeth.
- Teeth that are misaligned.
You can seek cosmetic dental treatments if your teeth and gums are healthy. However, if you have a lot of cavities or gum infections, your dental professional will want to treat those first. After restoring your smile to health, you may choose which aesthetic procedures to pursue.
Emergency Dental Care
These days, dental emergencies are more common. But what does a dental emergency mean after all? Dental emergencies may trigger a great deal of discomfort, pain, and swelling, potentially leading to more serious problems later.
However, not every dental emergency should be treated as one. Ask yourself a few questions to help you decide whether you can wait until your subsequent dental visit or if you ought to see general dentistry near you:
- Are you in a lot of pain? Acute pain and bleeding indicate a medical emergency.
- Have you recently lost a tooth? A tooth can be saved if treatment is received quickly.
- Do you have any crooked teeth? Adults should never experience tooth loss. A loose tooth is a major issue, even without discomfort.
- Do you have a disease? An abscess or major infection in your mouth can be fatal, and treatment should not be delayed.
- Do you have any bleeding from your mouth? It could be a symptom of an emergency.
An emergency is any dental issue requiring immediate intervention to stop bleeding, relieve terrible discomfort, or save a tooth. It also pertains to serious infections, which can be fatal.
Looking to Schedule an Appointment with Our Team?
The short answer to when you should visit your dentist is every six months for general dentistry services—and otherwise, whenever you have an oral health concern. A toothache or bleeding gums may strongly indicate that a medical condition in your mouth needs treatment.
Or you may have heard about a cosmetic operation and want to learn more about it. In either situation, contact the office of Fairview Dental Clinic at any time. We cover all general dentistry services in one place, giving you oral care at your convenience.
