General dentists monitor your oral health regularly, which helps you prevent any problem before it becomes severe. They also provide checkups and X-rays to help diagnose problems. These services prevent the spread of infection and help detect oral cancer early. General dentists accept a variety of dental insurance plans, including those offered through your employer, union, or stand-alone dental plan.
Dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar build-up.
In general dentistry, dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar build-up from the teeth. During a cleaning, the dentist will inspect the teeth and gums using a mirror to see if any problems exist. Next, the dentist will use a unique scaler tool to remove plaque and tartar build-up above and below the gum line. If there is excessive tartar build-up, a deeper cleaning will be needed.
Cleanings are also crucial to preventing the development of plaque and tartar. While brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining oral hygiene, plaque and tartar can accumulate over time due to bad oral hygiene habits and a lack of regular visits to the dentist. In such a case, a thorough cleaning will be necessary to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and may also include scaling and root planing.
X-rays help diagnose problems.
X-rays help Dentists Of Littleton diagnose many common dental problems. The images obtained from dental X-rays allow dentists to determine bone health and identify any issues in the teeth or gums. This makes it easier for dentists to make early diagnoses and correct problems.
X-rays can also detect problems with the bone and teeth surrounding the teeth. Dental x-rays help dentists detect decay, abnormal bone structure, and tumors. These images can help your dentist plan your dental procedure.
X-rays are also used to detect cavities in the teeth. Those cavities are significant to treat because they can cause tooth loss if they are not treated. X-rays help general dentists diagnose these issues quickly and efficiently.
Dental fillings prevent infections from spreading.
Dental fillings help prevent infections from spreading through the bloodstream. They contain a bacterial layer called biofilm, which naturally forms on teeth structures. When the biofilm is healthy, it remains in stable microbial homeostasis. If it breaks down, acid-producing bacteria can thrive and lead to an infection. This is known as an abscess, and it can be serious. In some cases, it can lead to an infection in the lungs or heart. In severe cases, the infection may enter the bloodstream and cause a condition known as sepsis, a condition in which the immune system overreacts to an infection.
Dental fillings are essential for protecting the tooth. They can last for many years, but if damaged, they can cause pain and place the tooth at risk of infection. Each tooth has three layers, with the outermost being the enamel. This layer takes the brunt of any liquid or food and is essential to maintain dental hygiene.
Dental checkups detect oral cancer early.
Getting regular dental checkups is a great way to detect any signs of oral cancer. During these examinations, your dentist will look for sores, lumps, or irregular tissue changes. If they are suspicious, they will conduct a biopsy or refer you to an oral surgeon. If sores persist or do not heal after two weeks, they could be signs of oral cancer.
It is estimated that at least 42,000 Americans are diagnosed each year with oral cancer. This disease is much more treatable if detected early. Research shows that oral cancer has a five-year survival rate of 57% if caught in its early stages. It is also important to note that oral cancer is often difficult to detect until it is advanced. Most patients with oral cancer are younger than 55 years old.
Dental checkups prevent bad breath.
You need to visit a dentist for regular cleanings and checkups to avoid the odor caused by bad breath. A dentist can check your teeth and recommend products to keep your breath fresh.
A dentist can detect any issues that might cause bad breath and may rate the intensity of the smell using a tongue scraping or a length of dental floss. If you suffer from chronic bad breath, the dentist may suggest an X-ray or refer you to a physician. However, in many cases, the cause of bad breath is not as apparent as it might appear.