General dentistry is the foundation of lifelong dental health, encompassing the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oral health issues affecting people of all ages. This practice offers routine services, including oral checkups, gum care, dental fillings, digital x-rays, and professional cleanings, all designed to maintain healthy teeth and gums. General dentists also play a significant role in the early detection of dental health issues, including oral infections, gum disease, and tooth decay, before they become more severe and expensive to treat.
General dentistry emphasizes patient education as a vital component of comprehensive care. It guides people on proper nutrition, flossing, brushing, and overall oral hygiene practices. This practice combines preventive care with timely treatment, enabling patients to achieve comfortable, functional, and confident smiles while supporting general health and well-being. If you need a reliable general dentist, contact The Encino Dentist. Our experienced dentists offer comprehensive dental services for the entire family.
What General Dentistry Entails
General dentistry includes a wide range of dental procedures, including the following:
Preventive Dental Services
Preventive dental services are meant to protect oral health by identifying oral issues before they develop or get serious. These services involve maintaining healthy gums and teeth through patient education, early detection, and routine care. Preventive dental services help reduce the need for more complicated and costly treatments by identifying issues like:
- Gum disease
- Cavities
- Enamel wear
These services also focus on proper nutrition, good oral hygiene, and lifestyle guidance to support long-term dental health. If you practice preventive care, you can maintain strong teeth, fresh breath, healthy gums, and a confident smile, while also supporting your overall health and well-being. The following are the standard preventive dental services:
Early Orthodontic Assessments
Preventive orthodontic evaluations are often performed on children. This helps identify tooth or jaw alignment problems early. It also enables early intervention, preventing the need for complicated treatment later.
Custom Mouthguards And Nightguards
Mouthguards can protect you from sport-related injuries, while nightguards prevent damage associated with teeth grinding. These devices help preserve tooth structure and jaw health.
Preventive Periodontal Maintenance
Regular periodontal maintenance cleanings help control bacteria, especially if you have a history of gum disease. It also helps maintain gum health and prevent the progression of disease.
Periodontal evaluations help to determine the depth of pockets around the teeth and establish early signs of gingivitis. Preventive gum care can help you prevent tooth loss and support your overall health.
Nutritional Guidance
Diet plays a vital role in dental health. Nutritional guidance involves counseling patients on how to reduce sugar intake and choose tooth-friendly foods. It also involves promoting behaviors that prevent enamel erosion and tooth decay.
Patient Education And Oral Hygiene Guidance
Hygienists and dental experts teach patients about proper flossing, brushing, lifestyle habits, and diet choices. Personalized instructions can help you maintain healthy gums and teeth between visits.
Oral Cancer Screenings
During routine visits, your dental expert will assess your mouth, tongue, lips, throat, and soft tissues. This will also help detect abnormal changes or lesions. Early intervention of oral cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Dental Sealants
Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of premolars and molars. These coatings seal deep grooves where bacteria and food accumulate. This reduces the risk of tooth decay, especially in adolescents and children.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride makes the tooth enamel strong. It also enables the enamel to be more resistant to acid attacks from sugars and bacteria. This treatment is vital to adults, teens, and children prone to cavities.
Dental X-rays
X-rays help identify hidden dental issues, such as abscesses, bone loss, impacted teeth, interproximal cavities, and developmental problems. Early diagnosis allows timely treatment and prevents complications.
Professional Dental Cleanings
Dental cleanings clear tartar, plaque, and surface stains that brushing and flossing cannot remove. Professional cleanings minimize the risks of cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease while enhancing breath freshness.
Regular Dental Examinations
Routine dental assessments can help your dentist understand your overall dental health, identify cavities, oral infections, bite issues, gum disease, and early symptoms of oral cancer. This can also help create personalized intervention plans and track changes over time.
Restorative Dental Services
Restorative dental services focus on replacing and repairing teeth that have been damaged by disease, wear, injury, or decay, restoring normal appearance, comfort, and function. These treatments are essential for maintaining a clear speech, confident smile, and a healthy bite. Restorative dental services encompass procedures such as dentures, inlays and onlays, dental implants, root canal therapy, bridges, crowns, and dental fillings. Each service is meant to replace missing teeth, strengthen weakened teeth, and prevent further oral health issues. Apart from enhancing aesthetics, restorative dental services play a significant role in maintaining natural tooth structure and supporting overall dental health. By combining individualized treatment planning, modern technology, and advanced materials, restorative dental services help in the following ways:
- Reduce pain
- Helps patients regain proper chewing ability
- Enjoy long-lasting dental stability and improved quality of life
Restorative dental services include the following procedures:
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are the most popular restorative dental treatments, used to repair teeth damaged by wear, minor fractures, and decay. They are designed to restore the tooth’s structure, appearance, and function while preventing further decay.
A dental expert can recommend dental fillings if you have cavities caused by chipped teeth, small cracks, tooth decay, or areas worn down by bruxism. Early intervention can prevent decay from spreading to deeper areas of the tooth. Dental filling materials include:
- Glass ionomer fillings that produce fluoride, which is used to protect the teeth against future decay. These fillings are usually used for children or near the gum line.
- Ceramic fillings are aesthetically pleasing and stain-resistant, but are more expensive.
- Amalgam fillings are a combination of various metals. They are long-lasting, making them ideal for back teeth that handle heavy chewing forces.
- Composite resin fillings blend naturally with surrounding teeth because they are tooth-colored. They have visible areas and bond directly to the tooth structure.
Your dental expert will remove decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and place the filling material in layers. The dentist will then shape and polish the filling to ensure a comfortable bite. The advantages of dental fillings include:
- Helps in maintaining overall dental health
- Prevent further damage to the tooth
- Restore chewing function
- Relieve pain
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are restorative dental treatments meant to restore the function, strength, and appearance of weakened or damaged teeth. A crown is a custom-made ‘’cap’’, which fully covers the visible part of the tooth above the gum line. It protects the tooth from further damage while allowing it to function normally.
You could be a good candidate for dental crowns if your teeth are severely decayed, broken, cracked, or worn out. Dentists often place dental crowns after root canal therapy to protect the treated tooth and restore its function. This treatment is also used to support large fillings or applied to enhance the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth. Dental crowns are also used to cover dental implants and to hold dental bridges. Some of the common types of dental crowns include:
- Zirconia crowns offer excellent strength and a natural appearance, with high resistance to wear and chipping.
- Metal crowns are long-lasting and can resist heavy biting forces, usually used for molars.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns offer a combination of aesthetics and strength, making them suitable for both back and front teeth.h
- Ceramic or porcelain crowns offer a natural, tooth-colored appearance, making them ideal for front teeth.
During the procedure, your dentist will reshape the tooth, take impressions, place a temporary crown, and then cement the permanent crown in place. Dental crowns have the following advantages:
- Support long-lasting dental health
- Improves tooth appearance
- Protect weakened teeth, and
- Restore chewing ability
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is a restorative dental treatment that focuses on treating infection or severe damage in the inner part of the tooth, called the pulp. The pulp has connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. If the pulp is infected due to deep cracks, decay, repeated dental procedures, or trauma, you can experience significant swelling and pain. The purpose of root canal therapy is to remove infection while protecting the natural tooth.
Your dentist can recommend a root canal if the pulp of your tooth becomes infected or inflamed. Some of the symptoms include:
- An abscess near the tooth root
- Darkening of the tooth
- Gum swelling
- Pain when biting
- Sensitivity to cold or hot
- Persistent toothache
Early intervention can prevent the spread of infection to surrounding tissues and bone. During the procedure, the endodontist or dentist will numb the area and create a small opening in the tooth. Your dentist will remove the infected pulp and carefully clean, disinfect, and shape the root canals. The dentist will then fill the canals with a biocompatible material and seal them to prevent reinfection. In most situations, your dentist will place a dental crown afterward to protect the tooth and restore strength.
The following are the benefits of root canal therapy:
- It helps in maintaining proper bite alignment and overall dental health
- It restores chewing function
- It preserves the natural tooth
- It prevents infection
- Relieves pain
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are often used to replace one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap left in the smile. This treatment restores proper chewing function, improves speech, maintains facial shape, and prevents nearby teeth from moving out of position. Dental bridges are custom-made to blend naturally with the existing teeth.
You could be eligible for dental bridges if you lose one or more teeth because of injury, decay, or gum disease. The surrounding teeth can move into the space if replacement is not done. This can cause jaw discomfort, bite issues, and increased risk of decay or gum disease. Some of the common types of dental bridges include:
- Implant-supported bridges that are held by dental implants instead of natural teeth, providing excellent firmness and durability
- Resin-bonded bridges that use metal or ceramic wings bonded to the surrounding teeth, maintaining more natural tooth structure
- Cantilever bridges that are anchored by a crown on only one adjacent tooth and are used in sections with less biting pressure.
- Traditional bridges that use crowns put on adjacent teeth to support an artificial tooth in between
During the procedure, the dentist will support the teeth or implants, take impressions, place a temporary bridge, and cement the final restoration. The benefits of dental bridges include:
- They support long-lasting oral health
- Maintain proper tooth alignment
- Improve appearance and speech, and
- Restores chewing efficiency
Inlays And Onlays
Inlays and onlays are modern restorative dental treatments that focus on repairing slightly decayed or damaged teeth. They are used when a conventional filling is not adequate, but an entire dental crown is not required. Inlays and onlays are often referred to as indirect fillings because they are custom-made outside the mouth and placed on the tooth for a precise fit.
The dentist can recommend inlays and onlays if you have extensively decayed teeth, fractures, or old, failing fillings that leave healthy tooth structures intact. Inlays and onlays are commonly used on premolars and molars, which can withstand the forces of chewing.
Inlays are used within the grooves of a tooth, but do not cover the chewing cusps. On the other hand, onlays cover one or more cusps, offering added strength and protection to the tooth. These fillings are made from porcelain, gold, or composite resin. Composite and porcelain provide a natural, tooth-colored appearance, while gold is known for its long-lasting durability.
During the procedure, your dentist will remove decay, take impressions or a digital scan, and place a temporary restoration. The dentist will bond the custom inlay or onlay to the tooth.
The importance of inlays and onlays includes:
- They preserve the natural tooth structure better than crowns
- Enhances aesthetics
- They are durable
- Offers a precise fit
- Provide superior strength
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a modern, durable remedy for replacing lost teeth, meant to closely mimic the appearance, feel, and function of natural teeth. Unlike removable types, dental implants are used to replace the crown and tooth root, offering superior stability and preserving jawbone health.
A dental implant has a titanium or zirconia implant post, which is surgically placed into the jawbone, and an abutment that links the post to the restoration. It also has a custom-made crown, which appears and functions like a natural tooth. The implant post joins to the jawbone through a process known as osseointegration, making a solid and permanent foundation.
Your dentist can recommend dental implants if you have lost one or more teeth because of decay, gum disease, or injury, and have sufficient jawbone density and healthy gums. Dental implants can replace a single tooth, support a bridge, or secure full-arch restorations.
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment focuses on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws to enhance both dental function and appearance. It is used to address problems like crossbites, underbites, overbites, gaps, overcrowding, and crooked teeth. Orthodontic treatment helps improve the following by gently guiding teeth into proper positions:
- Chewing efficiency
- Speech clarity
- Long-term dental health
Types of orthodontic treatments include:
Retainers
Retainers are used after aligners or braces to keep your teeth in their appropriate positions. Both removable and fixed retainers are used to prevent teeth from moving back to their initial alignment.
Early Orthodontic Treatment
Also known as interceptive orthodontic treatment, early orthodontic procedure starts in childhood to guide jaw growth and address developing orthodontic problems early. Children with severe crowding or jaw growth issues are the best candidates for this treatment. This treatment streamlines future care and enhances long-term outcomes.
Orthodontic Expanders
Orthodontic expanders are devices used to expand the upper jaw, creating room for crowded teeth and correcting crossbites. Adolescents and minors whose jaws are still developing are the best candidates for this procedure. This procedure prevents the need for tooth extractions later.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces use a specialized bracket system, which holds the wire without elastic ties. Patients who are pursuing quick treatment and fewer office visits are eligible for this treatment. This treatment minimizes friction, makes for easier cleaning, and has a shorter adjustment period.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are transparent, removable trays custom-made to fit the teeth. You can change every few weeks to guide teeth into alignment. This treatment is ideal for mild to moderate alignment issues. They are invisible, removable for eating, and cleaning.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are attached to the inner surface of the teeth, making them invisible from the front. They are suitable for patients seeking discreet orthodontic treatment. Lingual braces also offer a hidden appearance with effective tooth movement. However, you may take some time to adjust to it, and it can initially affect your speech.
Ceramic Braces
These braces work similarly to metal braces, but have clear brackets or tooth-colored that blend in with natural teeth. They are suitable for patients who want less noticeable braces. Ceramic braces are more aesthetically pleasing than metal braces, while providing similar effectiveness. However, they are more fragile and can stain if not cleaned properly.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most popular and effective orthodontic treatments. The dentist will adjust the wires regularly to gradually align the teeth into their proper position.
Cosmetic Dental Procedures
The purpose of cosmetic dental treatment is to enhance the appearance of the gums, teeth, and overall smile, while also improving oral function and boosting confidence. This treatment combines modern dental techniques with artistic expertise to address issues such as gum irregularities and uneven tooth shapes. It also addresses issues like tooth misalignment, gaps, chips, and discoloration. Unlike restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry focuses on aesthetics, helping you to achieve a brighter, balanced, and natural-looking smile. Most cosmetic dental treatments are minimally invasive and customized to suit each patient’s personal goals, dental structure, and facial features. This treatment can significantly boost your self-esteem by enhancing the appearance of your smile. It can contribute to a more youthful and confident look and improve your social interactions. The following are types of cosmetic dental procedures:
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Unlike conventional metal fillings, tooth-colored composite fillings match seamlessly with natural teeth. Tooth-colored fillings are designed to restore cavities while maintaining a natural and attractive smile.
Cosmetic Dental Implants
Dental implants are designed to replace missing teeth, restoring the natural appearance of your smile. The implant supports a crown designed to match the surrounding teeth, offering both cosmetic and functional benefits.
Tooth Contouring And Reshaping
Tooth contouring and reshaping are used to gently reshape the teeth by removing small amounts of enamel, correcting minor imperfections such as irregular shapes, slight overlaps, and uneven edges. It is painless and effective for eligible candidates.
Smile Makeovers
A smile makeover combines several cosmetic procedures tailored to your goals. It includes crowns, bonding, veneers, whitening, and orthodontics to achieve a complete smile transformation.
Gum Reshaping or Contouring
The purpose of gum reshaping is to enhance the appearance of the smile by reshaping uneven or excessive gum tissue. This treatment is popular for correcting a gummy smile or uneven gum lines, making better tooth-to-gum proportions.
Invisalign And Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are removable, transparent orthodontic devices used to straighten teeth discreetly and effectively. They gently move the teeth into proper alignment and are popular due to their convenience, comfort, and aesthetic appeal, which surpass that of traditional braces.
Cosmetic Dental Crowns
Cosmetic dental crowns are popular because they cover the entire visible section of the teeth to restore their strength, size, shape, and appearance. These devices are made from ceramic or porcelain for a natural appearance. They are also used for severely damaged, misshapen, or discolored teeth.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves applying a tooth-colored resin to repair discolored, cracked, chipped, or slightly misaligned teeth. The resin is hardened and shaped with a special light. Bonding is minimally invasive, cost-effective, and often completed in a single dental visit.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are custom-made, thin shells often made from composite resin or porcelain. Veneers are bonded to the front teeth to address uneven shapes, gaps, cracks, chips, discoloration, or mild misalignment. Porcelain veneers offer a natural appearance and are resistant to stains.
Teeth Whitening or Bleaching
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental treatment. It removes discoloration and stains caused by smoking, drinks, foods, or aging. Whitening can be performed in-office using professional-strength agents or at home with kits prescribed by your dental expert. This treatment brightens your teeth without changing their structure.
Find An Experienced General Dentist Near Me
For reliable and affordable dental services for patients of all ages, contact The Encino Dentist. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality general dental services in a welcoming environment. Our team of dentists is dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain healthy, beautiful teeth. From preventive to restorative and cosmetic dental services, you can count on us to meet your family’s oral health needs. Contact us today at 818-650-0429 to speak to one of our dentists.