What is a General and Family Dentist?

A general and family dentist in [city] provides preventive dental care for all members of your family. Whether you’re visiting a pediatric dentist for your child or seeking a checkup for yourself, your [city] dentist can provide a variety of general and family dental services.

General and family dentistry explained

What is general and family dentistry?

General and family dentistry is the practice of caring for oral health of family members of all ages. Dentists typically practice general and family dentistry, rather than offering specialized treatments such as orthodontics, oral surgery, prosthodontics, or endodontics. General and family dentists provide routine exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and x-rays, as well as diagnose oral health conditions such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Common dental treatments

Dental cleanings and exams

General and family dentistry includes a wide range of diagnostic and preventative treatments. General and family dentists perform dental cleanings and exams, which target the plaque and tartar that accumulates on teeth over time. Plaque and tartar are both highly cariogenic, meaning they cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Dental cleanings and exams are brief, comfortable appointments that don’t require anesthetic. A dentist or hygienist uses specialized instruments to remove plaque and tartar from teeth. This eliminates bacteria that are responsible for tooth decay and gum disease.

Common dental problems

1. Cavities

Cavities are one of the most common dental problems treated by general dentists. The cavities are the result of tooth decay, which is caused by plaque buildup. Cavities are treated as soon as possible. If left untreated, they can turn into serious infections and affect other parts of the mouth.

Other dental treatments & procedures

In general, a dentist can provide you with the following dental treatments.

- Bridges

- Crowns

- Dentures (full-set or partial)

- Fillings

- Implants

- Orthodontics (braces)

- Root canals

Common dental emergencies

A dental emergency can happen at any time, so being prepared before it happens is so important. When an emergency occurs, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.

If a tooth has been knocked out:

- Find the tooth and rinse it with water. Do not scrub the tooth or remove any tissue fragments.

- Reinsert the tooth in the socket and hold it in place with a clean towel or cloth.

- Apply ice to the face to reduce swelling, but never place ice directly on the tooth.

- If the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry it in a container with milk or water.

- See an emergency dentist as soon as possible.

General and family dentistry FAQs

No. We can perform most dental treatments, including fillings, crowns, and bridges, on patients of all ages.

Do I need to have all of my teeth removed?

No. We will only recommend removing teeth when it is the only way to adequately treat a condition. Removing teeth too early can complicate your treatment process.

General and family dentists near me

Are you in need of a general and family dentist? You can find one near your in ! This general dentist works closely with patients of all ages and can provide comprehensive dental care, including cleanings and fillings.

General and family dentists are able to provide all the basics of dental care, from cleanings and fillings to root canals. Because these dentists have experience treating patients of all ages, they can also provide more specialized care, too, such as orthodontic (braces) or periodontal (gum disease) treatment.

A general dentist can treat the entire family from young children to senior citizens. The focus is on preventative care. Regular cleanings and exams can help stave off decay and gum disease.

General dentists can also treat a variety of dental issues: