Family dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, treating, and rehabilitating diseases of the oral cavity and surrounding structures in patients of all ages. It also encompasses the management of oral health for the entire family. A general dentist on the other hand deals with teenagers and adults. Marion IA general and family dentistry practice at Cottage Grove Dental Care addresses problems related to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues, such as orthodontics (braces) or wisdom teeth removal. They also provide preventative care and education about proper oral hygiene habits.
Benefits of general and family dentistry
Avoid dental anxiety
Dental anxiety is a condition in which people experience extreme unease about visiting the dentist. People with dental anxiety may avoid going to the dentist for years or even decades because they fear what will happen during a visit.
General and family dentistry can help you overcome your fear of the dentist by providing you with a positive dental experience. The dentist will work with you to ensure your visit is as comfortable as possible. Besides, they will do everything possible to ensure you don’t suffer discomfort or pain during the procedure.
Improved oral health
Your oral health affects the rest of your body, so keeping your mouth in good condition is important if you want to live an active lifestyle free from pain or discomfort. General dentists offer many services that improve oral health, including teeth cleaning, dental exams, cavity fillings, and gum treatments.
Prevent tooth decay
General and family dentists provide regular checkups and cleanings to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. They also can identify signs that a patient may need more specialized treatment for tooth decay or other conditions such as sleep apnea or TMJ (temporomandibular joint dysfunction).
Improve your smile
General and family dentists can help you improve your smile through dental implants, veneers, crowns, bridges, and other cosmetic treatments. They also offer teeth whitening services to remove surface stains on teeth and improve their appearance.
Provide treatment for gum disease
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums caused by plaque buildup on teeth. It can damage the bone around teeth, leading to tooth loss if not treated properly by a dentist trained in periodontics (gum disease). General dentists are not trained in periodontics, but general practitioners treat gum disease with nonsurgical procedures such as scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) or surgery when necessary.
Provide comprehensive care
General dentists are trained to provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for all areas of dental health, from simple cavities to complex reconstructions, in one visit. This reduces the need to visit multiple specialists without the necessary training to provide complete care.
General and family dentistry focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions affecting the oral cavity, maxillofacial area, and adjacent and associated structures. General dentists can diagnose and treat children and adults for medical and surgical needs. They also provide emergency care for toothaches or injuries to the mouth or jaw. For quality general and family dentistry services, contact Cottage Grove Dental Care.