Many people only visit the dentist when they feel pain or notice a problem, but routine check-ups are invaluable even when you feel fine.
Here’s why regular preventive care is so important.
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What is General Dentistry?
General dentistry is the most common branch of dental care, dealing with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide range of oral health issues.
This includes regular check-ups (usually every six months), professional dental cleanings, treating cavities (tooth decay), and providing guidance on daily oral hygiene. The goal of general dentistry is to keep your mouth healthy and to catch potential issues like gum inflammation or cavities early, before they develop into more serious problems. Your general dentist acts much like a primary care physician for your mouth – they are your first point of contact for oral health concerns and can refer you to specialists (such as orthodontists, periodontists, or oral surgeons) if needed.
Why Are Regular Check-ups and Prevention Crucial?
Early Detection
During a routine exam, a dentist can spot early signs of trouble that you might not see or feel – tiny cavities, small cracks in a tooth, or mild gum inflammation. Addressing these issues early means treatment can be simpler, less invasive, and less costly, preventing advanced problems down the road.
Prevention is Better than Cure
Professional cleanings by a dentist or hygienist remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing cannot reach. Removing these deposits lowers your risk of cavities and gum disease. We’ll also give you personalized advice on proper brushing, flossing, and nutrition to help maintain your oral health long-term.
Oral Health & General Health Connection
Research has shown a direct link between oral health and overall health. For example, untreated gum disease has been associated with higher risks of heart disease, diabetes complications, and even issues in pregnancy. By keeping your mouth healthy, you’re contributing to better health for your whole body.
The General Dental Check-up: What to Expect
Medical History Review
We’ll ask about your overall health, any medications you take, and any changes or concerns since your last visit. Certain health conditions or medicines can affect your dental care, so this step helps us tailor your treatment safely
Comprehensive Oral Examination
The dentist will carefully examine your teeth, gums, tongue, and other oral tissues for any signs of trouble. This includes checking for cavities, gum inflammation (gingivitis or periodontitis), loose fillings or crowns, and even screening for oral cancer. We’ll also assess your bite and jaw joints.
X-Rays if Needed
Depending on your oral health history and what we see during the exam, we may take dental X-rays. X-rays help reveal problems not visible to the eye, such as cavities between teeth or bone loss under the gums. Nuvodent uses modern digital X-ray technology which keeps radiation exposure extremely low – about the same as you would get from a short airplane flight.
Professional Cleaning (Scaling & Polishing)
In the same visit, you will typically receive a thorough dental cleaning from our team (often a dental hygienist or the dentist). This involves removing plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from above and below the gum line with special instruments. After scaling, we polish your teeth to remove minor stains and smooth the enamel, which helps prevent new plaque from accumulating quickly.
Oral Hygiene Advice
After your cleaning, we provide personalized oral care guidance. Based on what we observed, we’ll show you the best brushing technique, how to floss or use interdental brushes effectively, and tips on diet to protect your teeth. Our goal is to empower you to maintain your smile between visits.
Treatment Plan Discussion
If the exam finds any issues (like a cavity or signs of gum disease), the dentist will explain them to you and outline a recommended treatment plan. We’ll discuss what the treatment involves, answer your questions, go over the expected costs, and mention alternatives if applicable. You will have all the information needed to make informed decisions about your care.
When you come in for a general dental check-up at Nuvodent, we carry out a thorough evaluation to get a complete picture of your oral health.
Common Treatments in General Dentistry
Dental Fillings
Repairing teeth with cavities by cleaning out decay and filling the space with a durable material (like composite resin or amalgam). This restores the tooth’s structure and function after a minor to moderate amount of decay.
Tooth Extractions
Removing a tooth when necessary – for instance, if it’s severely decayed or cracked beyond repair, or if it’s a problematic wisdom tooth. Extractions are done carefully to minimize discomfort, and we’ll discuss replacement options afterward if needed.
Dentures (Full and Partial)
Providing removable prosthetic teeth for patients missing many or all teeth. Full dentures replace all teeth in an arch, while partials fill in when some natural teeth remain.
Gum Disease Therapy
Treating gum inflammation and infection (gingivitis and periodontitis). This can involve deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to remove bacteria from beneath the gums, local antimicrobial treatments, and working closely with a dental hygienist or periodontist for advanced cases.
Root Canal Treatments
Treating an inflamed or infected tooth nerve. In a root canal, the dentist removes the diseased pulp tissue from inside the tooth, disinfects the canals, and then fills them to save the tooth and relieve pain.
Crowns and Bridges
Placing crowns (caps) over damaged teeth to protect and strengthen them, and using bridges to replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge anchors artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth or implants, literally “bridging” a gap.
Preventive Treatments
Applying treatments that help prevent disease, such as fluoride varnishes that strengthen enamel or sealants on the grooves of children’s molar teeth to prevent cavities.
By covering these services, general dentistry addresses the majority of dental needs you might have on a routine basis. Our philosophy at Nuvodent is to provide as much care as possible in-house in a familiar environment, and coordinate with trusted specialists when more complex treatments are required.
When Should You Contact a Dentist?
You should contact a Dentist for an appointment as soon as possible if you experience any of the following warning signs:
Toothache
Persistent pain in a tooth, whether it’s sharp, throbbing, or constant, is a red flag. Toothaches often indicate decay reaching the nerve or an infection.
Sensitivity
Sudden sensitivity or pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet, or acidic that doesn’t go away could signal tooth decay, worn enamel, or exposed tooth roots.
Bleeding or Sore Gums
Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing, or are red and swollen, may indicate gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis). Don’t ignore gum bleeding as “normal” – it’s usually a sign of inflammation.
Swelling or Abscess
Any swelling in your gums, face, or jaw – especially if accompanied by pain or fever – could mean an infection (abscess) that needs urgent treatment.
Loose Tooth or Change in Bite
Adult teeth that feel loose or shifting position can be a sign of advanced gum disease or other serious issues.
Pain on Chewing
If it hurts to bite down or chew on a tooth, it might have a crack, deep decay, or an issue with a filling or crown that needs evaluation.
Sores or Spots in the Mouth
Any unusual white or red patches, persistent sores, or lumps in your mouth or on your lips should be checked, especially if they don’t heal within two weeks.
Dental Trauma
A chipped, cracked, or knocked-out tooth, or a lost filling or crown, is a dental emergency. Getting prompt care can save the tooth or restoration in many cases.
We are here to help.
At Nuvodent, your oral health is our top priority, and we want to work with you to keep your smile healthy and radiant for a lifetime.
Cost of General Dentistry Services
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Preventive and routine dental care at Nuvodent is designed to be accessible and a worthwhile investment in your health.
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The cost of a standard check-up and cleaning can vary depending on whether X-rays are needed or if additional preventive treatments (like fluoride or sealants) are provided.
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However, these costs are relatively low compared to restorative treatments, and many health insurance plans or dental benefit programs cover preventive services like biannual check-ups.
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We will always inform you of any fees before performing services. If any issues are found during your visit, we provide a clear treatment plan with cost estimates so there are no surprises. Our team can also assist you with insurance questions and help maximize any coverage you have.
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For an accurate quote on specific treatments or to understand what your insurance may cover, we invite you to schedule a consultation. Investing in regular dental care now can save you from more extensive (and expensive) procedures in the future.