General dentists are the primary providers of preventive dental care, which includes exams and cleanings. These regular visits allow the dentist to detect any early signs of tooth decay or gum disease. With early detection, these conditions can be treated in their primary stages before they become advanced and require more extensive treatment. 

General dentists can also treat various conditions affecting the teeth, gums, and jaw, including tooth pain, loose or broken fillings, cosmetic concerns, TMJ disorders, and more. Preventive care is always recommended to maintain good oral health and avoid the need for more invasive procedures in the future. Visit our general dentist at Grant Family Dentistry at least twice yearly for routine cleanings and checkups. This is the best way to prevent cavities and maintain oral health in the long run.

What Do General Dentists Do?

General dentists specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating various conditions affecting the teeth and gums. These dentists also provide restorative care to treat damaged or missing teeth and cosmetic treatments to improve the appearance and function of the patient’s smile.  

Dental exams and cleanings every six months are an important part of general care. Regular checkups allow dentists to detect and treat oral health issues in their earliest stages. This allows treatment to have the most significant effect and patients to avoid more invasive procedures in the future. A general dentist may also recommend more frequent cleanings for patients with a higher risk of developing oral diseases or gum disease.  

During an exam, the dentist will use digital X-rays to view the teeth and surrounding structures in extreme detail. This provides a complete view of the entire smile and allows dentists to identify concerns like cavities, root canal infections, impacted teeth, misalignment, and more. The dentist will then examine the patient’s teeth and gums for signs of decay or other damage and discuss any findings.  

If a problem is detected during a checkup, the dentist may recommend one or more additional treatments to restore oral health. These may include fillings, crowns, bridges, extractions, implants, deep cleaning services, gum therapy, and more. 

The Benefits of Visiting a General Dentist

Visiting the general dentist every six months is essential for several reasons. Going to the dentist regularly can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent severe oral health conditions from developing over time.  

Some patients who suffer from TMJ disorder or sleep apnea rely on their general dentists for custom mouth guards to prevent nighttime teeth grinding or a sleep appliance to help control the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.  

A general dentist can also address the signs of early tooth decay with restorative procedures such as tooth-colored fillings and restore damaged or missing teeth with dental crowns or bridges. General dentists also perform oral cancer screenings to help detect abnormalities before they progress. 

Dental checkups twice a year can improve your oral health and quality of life. For the best dental care, visit Grant Family Dentistry at 335 6th St, Meeker, CO 81641, or call (970) 878-5853.