Dental Implants
A general dentist focuses on prevention, providing the services and advice that patients need to avoid much bigger dental problems down the line. Everyone needs to understand what a general dentist does and why their services are essential to keeping tooth decay and gum disease at bay.
Why You Should Visit a General Dentist
A general dentist will perform anything from routine cleanings to fillings to keep your teeth as clean and healthy as possible. This is the place where you and your whole family can learn about what it takes to reach better hygiene habits. Instead of relying on (sometimes conflicting) advice from friends, family, or the internet, you get personal recommendations about what you must do to maintain oral well-being.
At Schumer Family Dental Care, you’ll meet a professional staff that can answer your questions and address your dental issues. For example, should you need a root canal, they can refer you to a local endodontist who can perform the procedure. Having a regular general dentist is important, as it takes time to develop a patient-doctor relationship. Should you need specialized care, you’re more likely to take action if you trust your general dentist.
How Does a General Dentist Prevent Tooth Decay and Gum Disease?
A general dentist will perform several procedures to protect your oral health:
- Cleanings: This can refer to routine cleanings, which will scrape the plaque and tartar from your teeth, but they can also refer to periodontal cleanings. With this service, the dentist will go deeper into the pockets of your teeth, removing all the accumulated debris that can start eating away at your gums.
- Fillings: A filling is usually made from a composite filling that’s roughly the same color as your teeth. When bacteria start eating away at the enamel and the tooth’s interior, a filling stops it from going any further.
- Cosmetic services: This can include anything from teeth whitening to veneers. If your teeth are yellowed, cracked, or otherwise uneven, a general dentist can tell you more about which services will help you get the smile of your dreams.
- Implants: An implant is the next best thing to an original tooth. Should you need a tooth extraction, it’s important not to leave a gaping hole in your mouth (even if it’s not visible to other people). An implant uses a metal post to secure an artificial tooth, simulating the tooth’s natural root structure.
- Bridges: A bridge can also replace a missing tooth, and it’s an excellent option for people whose bones and gums may not be healthy enough to support a tooth implant. Instead of placing a metal post in the jawbone, a bridge typically uses two crowns on either side to secure a partial or full artificial tooth in the middle.
- Screenings: Diseases like oral cancer can start as very small symptoms, symptoms you may not even notice initially. Seeing the general dentist regularly is a good way to catch these symptoms early on so you have the best chance of fighting them.
- Crown: A crown is an artificial tooth that can either replace a tooth or reinforce a damaged one. Crowns are often installed after root canals, but they’re not the only reason you might need one. For example, if you grind your teeth at night, you may need a crown to correct the damage.
General Dentists in Elk Grove Village, IL
A general dentist is your first step toward a better oral routine. Visit Schumer Family Dental Care to build your way toward a fresher, brighter smile.
