One of the best investments you can make in yourself and your family is a good foundation of oral care through general dentistry. Regular checkups and professional hygiene appointments with Dr. Kelly and our fantastic team in Rapid City, SD are a great way to ensure your smile lasts a lifetime.
Our goal of general dentistry is to arm you with the tools you need to fight back against tooth decay and gum disease. Those tools include an accurate understanding of what’s happening in your mouth, a clear explanation of proper hygiene techniques, and effective preventive measures. Suppose we find any areas of concern at your regular visits. In that case, we’ll address these issues with the most conservative treatment possible.
What does general dentistry mean?
General dentistry is a primary dental care that can diagnose, treat, and manage your overall oral health needs. This can include gum care, root canals, fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges, and preventive education.
General dentistry provides dental care to all ages. At a routine visit to Rushmore Dental practice, you will have a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and bone structures, a professional cleaning, and a discussion about your dental health. If your exam reveals tooth decay, you will also have a filling in the affected tooth.
What Are General Dentistry Procedures?
Basic procedures from a general dentist are inspections and evaluation of the following:
- Teeth and gum health
- Teeth and gum X-rays
- Sleep apnea treatment
- Tooth sealants
- Cavity removal
- Dental crowns
- Teeth cleaning
General dentists provide a wide array of services. In contrast, specialists in oral health mainly focus on one particular aspect. Read the following to know more about general dentists procedures:
Preventive health – Dental prevention helps to maintain good oral health by stopping disease before it starts. Regular exams and professional teeth cleanings are the cornerstones of prevention. Dr. Kelly may give you detailed instructions to improve your at-home oral hygiene and also recommend preventive treatments such as sealants if needed. Dr. Kelly will suggest a custom-made mouth guard for the athletic type to protect your teeth from falls or any other accident. Read more here about preventative oral care.
Cosmetic Procedures – General dentists can help you get the sparkling smile you’ve always wanted with various cosmetic procedures. These include teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding, and veneers. If you are looking for a brighter Hollywood smile, ask Dr. Kelly about a smile makeover treatment. Click here for more info.
Restorative Services – If a problem is found, Dr. Kelly will ensure timely and appropriate treatment. The most common dental procedure is removing tooth decay and placing a filling in the affected tooth.
But restorative procedures go beyond cavities. For example, maybe you have had an accident and broken or knocked out a tooth. Your general dentists can diagnose and treat the causes of tooth pain.
They can offer treatments for missing teeth, place crowns or bridgework, and help fit dentures. Others provide advanced therapies, such as root canal therapy, orthodontics, and dental implants.
Overall Health Concerns – In many ways, your oral health can mirror your overall health and wellness. Some dental problems can reflect issues you are having in other parts of your body and vice versa. For example, oral infections can lead to insufficient control of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even complications during pregnancy. General dentists have trained extensively to identify these issues and offer the best treatment or a referral when needed.
Obstructive sleep apnea can be a potentially deadly condition that can sometimes be treated with a simple oral appliance. General dentists are happy to offer nutritional counseling, advice on tobacco consumption, dental sealants for children, periodontal treatment, night guards, TMJ therapy, and general health and wellness information.
Our office in Rapid City, South Dakota, is a warm and friendly environment for patients of all ages. We have years of general dentistry experience and love interacting with children. Making a dental visit something children look forward to is our top priority. Our team at Rushmore Dental works toward providing the most rewarding dental experience for each and every patient.
If you are in Rapid City, South Dakota, or the surrounding areas, please call today to schedule an appointment at our family dental office. Regardless if you are curious about dental cleaning, cosmetic dentistry, or simply interested in finding the best general dentistry practice for you, we are here to help. No matter how long it’s been since your last dental appointment, we look forward to being your dental family and achieving a healthy smile together.
