A general dentist provides primary dental care to patients of all age groups. Aside from routine dental treatment, cleaning and checkup, the dental professional also provides preventative treatment such as dental sealants. This helps to prevent the occurrence of oral issues like tooth decay, gum diseases and damages. Continue reading to learn more about preventive treatment options from the general dentist.
Below are some of the preventive care services offered by general dentists. These treatments are necessary for optimal oral health.
Sealants are a common preventive procedure provided by the general dentist, especially for children. Children usually need sealants because their teeth are more susceptible to cavities from all the sugary treats they eat and poor oral hygiene. Dental sealants shield the surfaces of the back molars that are at higher risk to prevent bacteria and food debris from being trapped there. The sealant becomes a smooth coating over the tooth’s grooves and pits to make cleaning more effective.
The process is easy, painless and fast, involving the sealant (a clear resin material) in liquid form and hardening it. The sealant is effective for preventing tooth decay for a few years before a reapplication is required. The dentist may also recommend sealants for adults who are prone to cavities but are yet to get a dental restoration like filling on their teeth. Sealants prevent decay, an issue that can potentially lead to tooth loss without intervention.
Fluoride application is another common preventive treatment often provided twice yearly during routine dental checkups. The dentist will provide the fluoride through a gel or liquid, directly over the teeth. It is a vital mineral that helps fortify the teeth’s enamel to lower the chances of cavities or brittleness that can cause cracks, chips or breakage.
This procedure is essentially a restorative procedure that can also serve preventive purposes. It can strengthen weak or damaged teeth. The procedure is straightforward and involves the use of composite resin, a tooth-colored material. After applying the composite material on the teeth, the general dentist will mold it according to preference and harden it with a unique curing light.
The resin can help to prevent a fragile tooth from cracking or breaking under pressure. Also, if the tooth is already damaged, the resin can stop the damage from worsening by holding the tooth together and masking the imperfection.
Deep dental cleaning is the more involved form of routine dental cleaning. The general dentist will go beyond the teeth surfaces to under the gums to clean pockets that may have formed there. The gum pockets harbor bacteria, which can cause periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease. The cleaning process often requires local anesthetic. Deep cleaning can help to stop infections in their tracks.
Those who are considering preventive treatment from the general dentist need to contact the dental office to learn more about their options. Specific procedures can be offered following a comprehensive evaluation. Book an appointment to get started.
Request an appointment here: https://www.advdentalarts.com or call Advanced Dental Arts: Rey Martinez DDS at (847) 223-5200 for an appointment in our Grayslake office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Grayslake, IL.
A general dentist will tell you that the habits you develop play a vital role in the quality of your long-term oral health, and good daily habits can significantly reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease and other common oral health concerns. By understanding the most effective habits and making an effort to implement them…
When you visit a general dentist for a dental checkup, it is not only about your teeth. Continue reading to know what happens during a checkup. Your oral health is crucial to your overall health. What happens in the mouth might reveal many things about the whole body.The general dentist will typically proceed to do…
Regular visits to a general dentist are an essential component of good health and overall wellness. It is important for both adults and children to have their teeth cleaned and examined by a dental professional every six months. In fact, most physicians and dentists recommend that regular dental checkups begin around age one, when a…
If you suspect you have cavities, you might be wondering how long you can wait before seeking cavity treatment. The simple answer is that the longer you delay restorative dental treatment for tooth decay, the more damage occurs to the teeth. When you notice the toothache or feel a hole in your tooth, you should…
An emergency dentist can repair or replace both the natural tooth as well as the…
Cosmetic dentistry includes a range of services, from subtle refreshes to more comprehensive changes.
Regular visits to a kid-friendly dentist help young patients adjust to routine dental care.
If you want to know why you must have a regular dental checkup, here are…
Here are the details on what to expect when getting dental veneers.
Long-term dental care requires a comfortable and trusting relationship between patient and provider.
