North Las Vegas General Dentistry | Absolute Dental

What Does A General Dentist Do?

A general dentist is highly skilled in a variety of dental services. Below are just some of the more common services a general dentist will practice on a day-to-day basis.

Teeth Cleaning And Dental Exams

While a dental hygienist is a professional who carries out routine dental cleanings, a general dentist will follow up the dental cleaning through a routine and in-depth exam. A dentist will assess and address your oral health during the exam. They will identify any cavities and devise a treatment plan for you to follow. 

General dentists will also assess your overall gum health to determine if you’re at risk for gum disease. During your dental exam, you’ll also have the opportunity to ask your dentist about any questions or concerns you may have. 

Tooth Fillings

If a cavity has been identified, or you suffered from a chipped tooth, a dentist will assess and likely treat the issue with a filling. During the filling, the hole in the tooth is cleaned, dried, and then filled with filling material such as a composite resin. 

Root Canals

If your tooth becomes inflamed or the pulp on the inside of the tooth becomes infected, you will need to undergo a root canal. A root canal is more invasive than a filling but can be done at a general dentist’s office. During a root canal treatment, the inflamed or infected pulp and nerve will be removed from the tooth, and the inside of the tooth’s root canal will be carefully cleaned and disinfected. The tooth will then be filled, and a crown will be placed over the top of the tooth to protect it and restore it to its original function. 

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed on top of a decayed, weak, broken, or worn-down tooth. Dental crowns can also be used to cover severely stained or discolored teeth. They can also hold dental bridges in place or cover a dental implant. 

Pediatric Dentistry 

Although general dentists are skilled in various routine dental health services, they are also trained to do pediatric dentistry as they work with younger patients. Once a child turns 12 months old, it is recommended that they visit a dentist for their first oral health exam. While a dentist will look at a child’s first tooth during the exam, a dentist will also assess their jaw, bite, gums, and oral tissue.

Cosmetic Dentistry 

General dentists can also offer cosmetic dentistry services. Cosmetic dentistry takes on many forms, including services as mild as teeth whitening to more complex services like veneers and bridges and implants for cosmetic services.