The branch of general dentistry embraces a wide array of procedures and treatment modalities that equip dentists with the knowledge of preventative, corrective, and emergency dental care in order for them to deliver the treatment that readily fulfills the patient’s dental demands and ensures utmost patient satisfaction. General dentistry blends the works of custom treatment planning, impedes the progressing dental ailments and structures complex procedures for an individual’s teeth, gums and maxillofacial (associated with jaws and face) region of the body.
General Dentistry Education
After graduating from an undergraduate program (typically with a BS or BA degree), prospective dental students must attend an additional four years of schooling at an accredited dental school. With four years of diligent education at a prestigious dental school, general dentists receive a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. All practicing dentists must complete four rigorous years of dental school followed by a stringent exam to be licensed to practice in a particular state.
General Dentistry Procedures
A wide variety of procedures are offered by general dentists in Bernardsville with the primary goal of preserving viable teeth and preventing the worsening of dental conditions.
– Preventive Services
Oral examination: Prior to personalizing any treatment plans, general dentists are inclined to inspect the mouth for tartar and plaque build-up, worrisome lesions, tooth decay, and other suspicious growths.
Dental Clean-ups: They may resort to scaling and root planing for a proper clean-up of your mouth, ensuring that gum disease does not progress.
Sealants: They may be placed in order to secure the teeth from decay.
Oral hygiene instructions: Dentists give customized oral hygiene instructions to you to improve your oral hygiene practices at home and prevent dental troubles.
– Restorative treatments:
Tooth Fillings: With the purpose of restoring a decayed tooth, a general dentist may be keen on excavating decay and placing filling materials to help restore the function of the tooth.
Root Canal Treatment: Diseased teeth that can no longer be restored with dental fillings are in much need of RCTs. Dentists place an artificial material inside the tooth after removing the pulp and decay. This treatment rescues a diseased tooth.
Crowns and bridgeworks: For fractured, broken or chipped teeth, dentists fabricate custom-fit crowns (in case of a single missing tooth) and bridgeworks (in case of multiple missing teeth) for preserved functionality.
Removable dentures: Geriatric patients or patients who have had to remove all their teeth are prescribed dentures to help eat and talk normally.
Dental implants: For a permanent resolution to tooth loss.
– Cosmetic procedures:
Teeth whitening: A general dentist is certified to undertake progressive teeth whitening programs.
Dental bonding: A resin material can be cemented on the teeth surfaces to correct minor dental issues like chipped teeth.
Porcelain veneers: A shell-like cover may be placed on top of the front-facing surface of the tooth to improve the look of stained teeth.
– Other programs:
TMJ treatment: Temporomandibular joint disorders refer to pain in the jaw area and maybe painful while chewing and eating. General dentists may fabricate mouth guards or other occlusal appliances to help people deal with pain. They may also prescribe muscle relaxants and pain relievers for relieving pain.
Tooth extractions: Grossly decayed teeth may be removed.
Cessation of adverse habits: General dentists also offer programs for the cessation of harmful habits that you may be partaking in such as nail or lip biting, smoking, mouth breathing, teeth grinding and jaw clenching.
Oral cancer screening: Early signs for oral cancer can be tricky to uncover but with the right dental equipment, dentists are able to discover such symptoms earlier and get you the appropriate treatment swifter.
Pediatrics: General dentists often offer dental treatments for young children.
Dentistry is ideally preventative with the American Dental Association (ADA) recommending all individuals including children to visit the dentist at least every twice a year in an interval of 6 months for dentists to effectively curb any of your debilitating dental problems. Dental visits play a significant role in keeping your mouth healthy. A visit to the dentist is all it takes to keep your teeth out of harm’s way. Visit your dentist today!
