What are the Most Common Dental Procedures Offered by a General Dentist?

General dentists are the ones you typically see first when you visit a dental office. They specialize in treating all aspects of dental health, from preventative care to dental issues, like a tooth extraction in Denton.  

General dentists are experts in their field; thus, they can provide a wide range of dental treatments. They're trained to diagnose and treat various oral conditions and diseases, so they're able to offer several dental procedures to address your individual needs.

If you experience a toothache, you should see a general dentist right away. They can diagnose tooth decay and treat your teeth using the latest advancements in modern dentistry. They can also work on your teeth to straighten them, fix gaps, and remove surface decays so that you can enjoy a healthy and bright smile.

What Does a General Dentist Usually Do?

Aside from routine checkups and deep teeth cleaning, general dentists also offer a few other dental procedures to treat problems with the teeth.  

Fillings

Fillings are small and thin pieces of plastic or metal placed in your teeth to restore the structure of your teeth. You can use them to fill cavities, restore broken or chipped teeth, and even create cosmetic repairs.  

The dentist utilizes this treatment method to fix minor cavity issues without needing to perform any other procedures. They can also treat tooth sensitivity and tooth decay.  

Root Canal

A root canal is a fairly common dental procedure and one that many dentists can perform. A root canal is a procedure that treats infected or dead pulp inside your tooth. You'll need to visit a general dentist for a root canal if your tooth is infected, it has an abscess, or if you have an injury or abnormality that makes your tooth susceptible to infection.  

When a general dentist performs a root canal, they remove the damaged or infected pulp and then fill your tooth to help prevent further infection. Though a root canal can be painful when it's performed, it's generally very successful, and once you recover from the procedure, you're left with a healthy, strong, and beautiful tooth.  

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a restoration that covers a damaged or crooked tooth. Your dentist can fabricate a crown to repair the damage that results from trauma or decay. They can also place a dental crown to fit over a dental implant.  

Your dentist will make a mold of your damaged or crooked teeth to determine the best form and size of crown for your teeth. After making the crown, they'll place it on your teeth and then send your crown to a dental laboratory for a ceramic cap to be placed on top of it.  

Though a crown is usually a temporary solution, it's often a preferred option because you can use it to cover any broken or chipped teeth, restore a tooth's shape and size, and help it retain its natural appearance. If you have a crown, you won't need to worry about damage to your teeth. However, a crown is not a permanent solution.  

A crown will need to be replaced roughly every 15 years. As a result, you might need several crowns to last your lifetime.

Dental Implants

If you're missing a tooth, a general dentist can perform a dental implant procedure to replace the missing tooth. The dentist will use the patient's natural bone to support a tooth root made from porcelain, metal, or other materials.  

By using this method, it's possible to avoid the need for a temporary restoration like a crown, and you won't need to worry about damage to your teeth. After the implant is placed, the dentist will create a prosthetic tooth to replace the missing tooth.  

Though you'll need to keep your implant clean, you don't need to worry about the implant deteriorating or becoming infected. You can eat and drink as you would with a natural tooth. You can also brush and floss after an implant, and you don't need to replace the implant every few years.  

If you need to get a dental implant, you can get one from a general dentist or visit a periodontist, oral surgeon, or implant specialist. If you have missing or damaged teeth, it's important to seek treatment, and if necessary, make certain you choose the right type of dentist.

Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure if the dental pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or dead. When a tooth is infected, it becomes painful and can even cause a tooth to break.  

To remove a tooth that has become infected, a general dentist will make a small incision in your gums and pull the tooth from the socket. The dentist will then clean the socket and seal it with a healing agent. This procedure is usually recommended as a last resort because dentists would always exhaust all other options to save the tooth.  

Do You Need a Tooth Extraction in Denton?

If you've been suffering from tooth pain or abscess, it may be an indication that you need to see your dentist for a tooth extraction. If so, call us today at Texas Oral Surgery Group to schedule your appointment.