Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body, and an unhealthy mouth can significantly affect your well-being. General dentistry focuses on preventing oral diseases and protecting your overall oral health. General dentists offer their patients routine cleanings, exams, fluoride treatments, and other preventive services. Regular visits to our general dentist at Spencer Dental can help you maintain a healthier smile and prevent more serious dental problems in the future.
Common General Dentistry Treatments and Procedures
Many patients visit a general dentist for specific procedures, such as root canals, tooth extractions, and cavity fillings. However, most patients visit their general dentist for routine checkups to prevent and manage common oral health problems, including gum disease and tooth decay. Regular cleanings and exams allow our general dentist to identify issues with your oral health as early as possible for the best chance of successful treatment.
Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that damage the enamel of your teeth. The symptoms of tooth decay may include visible pits or holes on the surface of your tooth and sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks.
Gum disease occurs when the gums become inflamed due to plaque buildup along the gumline. This can cause your gums to bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. If you have periodontal disease, you may also see signs of deep gum pockets around your teeth forming. These large pockets collect more harmful oral bacteria and can lead to further infection if left untreated.
The Benefits of General Dentistry
General dentistry covers various treatments and procedures, both preventative and restorative. Generally speaking, general dentistry aims to promote good oral health and hygiene. This includes regular cleanings, examinations, fluoride treatments, and other treatments that help patients prevent severe oral issues down the road and keep their smile intact and healthy for as long as possible.
Our practice strives to provide patients with the most conservative treatment options possible. This means limiting treatment to what is necessary to improve and maintain oral health. However, if we need to recommend more invasive or complex dental treatment, we’ll explain carefully why it’s essential and how it will protect your oral health.
Visit Spencer Dental at 207 Southdowne Dr, Maryville, TN 37801, or call (865) 983-5451 to schedule an appointment with our general dentist. They will be able to recommend the best course of treatment to restore and protect your oral health.