Are you wondering what exactly a general dentist can do for you? Find out all about general dentistry and how it can help your dental health.

Only 63% of adults in the US have visited their dentist in the past year. Skipping general dentistry visits and cleanings could compromise your oral health.

Instead, consider visiting your dentist in Columbia, MD every six months.

What can a general dentist do to help improve your dental health? Read on to find out.



After reviewing this guide, you can talk to your own general dentist about the dental care services you need. Read on to learn more.

Qualifications

Before visiting a dentist in Columbia, MD, make sure to double-check their qualifications.

Once they complete an undergraduate program, general dentists must successfully complete four years at an accredited dental school. If they didn't attend an accredited institution, search for another dentist. They also need to fulfill their testing and continuing education requirements of state licensing boards.

Dentists who continue their education after graduating and earning their licenses keep up with new techniques and procedures. They also learn how to use new technologies, which can ensure fewer complications and faster recovery times. 

Some dentists are Doctors of Dental Surgery (DDS) while others are Doctors of Dental Medicine (DMD). The difference between these titles is what's used on their dental school degree. Regardless, the education and training they complete are the same.

Some dentists choose to complete specialized training in particular areas as well. Determine if the dentist completed training for cosmetic dentistry, implant placement, or other procedures. If you require a specific treatment, make sure the dentist has specialized training for that procedure.

Determine how long the dentist has practiced (overall and in their own clinic). Their hands-on experience can ensure you receive a better standard of care.

 These dentists are less likely to make mistakes that can compromise your dental health.

What General Dentists Do

What exactly does a general dentist do?

While there are almost 185,900 dentists in the US, not all choose to specialize. General dentists provide an array of dental services, while specialists choose a particular aspect.

Your oral health sometimes indicates issues with your general health. For example, failing to treat oral infections can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. General dentists are trained to identify oral and general health issues.

They might refer you to another doctor if necessary. They can also provide nutritional counseling or advice on tobacco cessation.

Here are a few services your Columbia general dentist might choose to offer. 

Preventive Services

Preventative dentistry can help you avoid oral health issues before they develop. Preventive services can help you maintain good oral health. Improving and maintaining your oral health can help you avoid costly procedures in the future.

Your dentist might use diagnostic images like X-rays to assess your current oral health. Professional teeth cleanings and visual exams are cornerstones of preventive oral care, too. 

During your appointment, ask your dentist for tips for improving your oral care. For example, they might recommend you use fluoride toothpaste and an electric toothbrush. They might recommend preventive treatments like sealants as well.

Schedule teeth cleanings every six months. Cleanings will remove plaque and tartar that's built up against your teeth and gums over time. 

You can't remove tartar using a standard toothbrush. Your hygienist will use professional-grade tools to clean your teeth instead.

Otherwise, leaving plaque unattended can increase your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. 

Restorative Services

Your dentist can also provide restorative dentistry services if you have an oral health issue. Timely treatment is essential to help you avoid complications.

One of the most common types of dental restoration involves removing tooth decay. Your dentist might need to place a filling in the affected tooth.

You can also visit a dentist for restorative services if you experience dental trauma. For example, maybe you broke, knocked out, or lost a tooth in a sporting or car accident. Your dentist might recommend dental crowns, bridges, or implants. 

They can also fit you with dentures. 

Some patients require advanced treatments, which can include orthodontics or root canal therapy. 

Cosmetic Services

If you're unhappy with the color or appearance of your smile, talk to your dentist about cosmetic services. Your dentist might recommend teeth whitening treatment if your teeth appear yellow or discolored. 

Other cosmetic services include porcelain veneers, which are caps placed atop the surface of a damaged tooth. 

With a smile makeover, you can improve the appearance of your smile, which can benefit your oral health. For example, whitening your teeth can clear away plaque, tartar, and bacteria. 

Improving the appearance of your smile benefits your confidence, too. You might feel more comfortable in social settings after treatment. 

When to Visit

Try to visit your Columbia dentist every six months. During these routine appointments, your dentist can complete an examination. Your hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth and make recommendations for your at-home care.

During these appointments, let your dentist know about any symptoms you're experiencing. These symptoms can help them diagnose an oral health or general health issue.

While you should visit every six months for preventive services, you should schedule an immediate appointment if you have a specific concern. Let your dentist know if you experience toothaches, bleeding gums, or other symptoms. They can assess your smile to determine the root cause of the problems you're experiencing. 



If you have any questions, call your dental office.

General Dentistry: Visit Your Dentist in Columbia, MD

Don't hesitate to get the oral health care you need. Instead, visit your dentist in Columbia, MD every six months. With general dentistry services, you can improve your oral health and smile.

Remember, prioritizing your oral health can benefit your overall health, too. 

Ready to schedule your next checkup?

Contact us today to get started.