It is common knowledge that oral health is important and includes regular visits to the general dentist. However, due to busy schedules, there is hardly any time to keep up with those appointments, especially if people do not know what to expect. Routine dental appointments help ensure that potential issues never develop or get out of hand. In this article, you will learn about the importance of regular visits to the general dentist and what to expect.
The general dentist will oversee the patient’s appointment, assisted by one or two experienced dental assistants and a dental hygienist if a dental cleaning is necessary. The following section explains what happens during a visit to the general dentist:
In the dental office, the general dentist will ask questions to learn about the patient’s oral health. The patient may need to provide information like the current medications they use, ongoing treatment procedures, allergies and smoking or drinking habits. The dentist will want to know if the patient has a medical condition that is under treatment.
The dentist may also inquire about previous dental procedures, surgeries, and history with anesthesia. With the information that the patient provides, the dentist will be able to take an informed step toward developing an effective treatment plan.
The dentist will then proceed to carefully evaluate the patient’s teeth, jaws, gums and supporting structures. To help with the process, they may request X-ray scans. The images can reveal dental abnormalities that may be hidden from the naked eye. X-rays are not usually necessary at every dental appointment and are only used when the dentist suspects a condition.
The dental exam and results from the X-ray can also help the dentist evaluate the patient’s risk for potential dental problems. This will allow them to take preventive measures before the problem escalates. They will also teach patients on precautions to take to limit the risks of oral problems.
During the meeting, the general dentist will clean off tartar that usually forms on the teeth and gums. Ultrasonic equipment for tooth cleaning is becoming popular. After removing tartar from the teeth, the dentist will polish the patient’s teeth and give instructions for oral hygiene to maintain good oral health.
With the rising number of oral cancer cases, many dentists now include an oral cancer screening during dental appointments. Oral cancer can be life-threating and spread quickly if undetected early. An early oral cancer diagnosis is important for easy treatment. General dentists are trained to detect early signs, and the chances of early diagnosis are higher. The dentist will examine the soft tissues of the mouth and the jaw areas for signs of oral cancer.
Avoiding dental appointments may not seem like a big problem, but oral issues can develop and spread rapidly without timely detection and intervention. Visiting the general dentist regularly for checkups, exams and cleanings can save you from oral health problems in the future.
Request an appointment here: https://bitterrootvalleydentalcare.com or call Bitterroot Valley Dental Care at (406) 625-0382 for an appointment in our Stevensville office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Stevensville, MT.
General dentists are here to answer any questions one might have about temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ). These are problems that affect the sliding hinge-like joints that connect the lower jaw and the rest of the skull.Here are the answers to some of the questions individuals might have about the temporomandibular joints and issues that can…
Learning how to prevent cavities from a general dentist is smart. General dentists understand everything there is to know about how to take care of your mouth and are a great source of dental information. Whether you think you already have a cavity or want to make a preventive appointment to avoid getting a cavity…
Bad breath, or halitosis, is a condition that no one wants to have. Despite brushing and flossing every day, bad breath happens to everyone at times. Luckily, there are several ways you can improve your halitosis. If simple methods do not work, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor to find out if it…
Curious about what is covered under general dentistry? General dentistry offices house the dentists that focus on primary dental care for patients of all ages. They are responsible for helping patients maintain good oral and dental health, while also being able to diagnose, manage and treat problems such as cavities and toothaches.One question that comes…
The general dentist uses tooth fillings to repair tooth decay so that it does not…
Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses primarily on issues with the appearance…
The headaches caused by TMJ disorders are often confused with tension headaches due to their…
Taking good care of teeth protects them from the many things that can damage them…
You should find the ideal emergency dentist before you need any urgent dental care.
If you are not happy with your smile, dental veneers could be just what you…
