General dentistry is the basis of dental care, which addresses a variety of oral health problems with their prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry also ensures your teeth and gums remain in good condition for as long as possible whether you need routine cleanings, fillings, or more advanced treatments. Puyallup, WA — Residents can find multiple general dentistry services in Puyallup that are created to help treat all sorts of dental issues. In this article, we will be discussing the most frequent general dentistry procedures and why they are essential for your oral well-being.

Preventive Care: Teeth Cleaning and Checkup

A key objective of general dentistry includes preventing small oral health problems from turning into big issues. Regular dental examinations and professional tooth cleaning are important for oral hygiene.

Fillings

Cavities are one of the most prevalent kinds of dental ailments and can be treated with fillings. Cavities occur when bacteria in the mouth eat away at tooth enamel, causing decay. Cavities can lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss if not treated. If it finds a cavity, your dentist will frequently remove the decayed section of the tooth and fill the area with a restorative material.

Extractions

Despite every effort on the part of dentists to save natural dentition, there are times when severe decay, infection, or overcrowding dictates extraction. Wisdom teeth can also be extracted, especially if they are problematic for the patient, as well as patients who need to go through orthodontics.

Root Canal Therapy

A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat infection or injury that has affected the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) as a result of extensive decay, trauma, or infection. Pulp is the soft tissue in the center of a tooth, and when it becomes infected, it may become painful, and if not treated, create an abscess.

Gum Disease Treatment

Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a serious-scale problem that left untreated can lead to tooth loss or decay. It usually begins as gingivitis, a less severe type of gum disease that occurs due to plaque being present in the area right next to the gums. If it goes untreated, gingivitis may advance to periodontitis–an infection that reaches deeper tissues and the bone that supports your teeth.

Crowns and Bridges

Crowns are like tooth-shaped caps to cover a damaged or decayed tooth and return its size, shape, and function. Large fillings, teeth that are weakened by decay or previously root canal treated can also be a reason for crowns to get placed over the surface of such teeth.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars), where most cavities in children are found. Those hidden deep grooves make molars hard to clean with everyday brushing. Sealants fill in these grooves, creating a flat surface that reduces the risk of cavities.

Orthodontic Assessments

Although orthodontic treatment, including braces and aligners, is often thought to be completely separate from general dentistry, numerous Puyallup general dentists conduct orthodontic analyses and even treatments for mild cases of misalignment or bite problems. Braces made of metal or clear aligners are great for establishing function and aesthetics during the early years to correct crooked teeth, crowding, or bite issues.

General dentistry is designed to promote your oral health and help you maintain a functional smile filled with teeth that look great. From routine cleanings and fillings to crowns and gum disease treatment, general dentistry covers most things you need help with for the prevention or treatment of dental problems.