General Dentistry

General dentistry involves the prevention and treatment of oral diseases, while focusing on the optimal oral health of your teeth, gums, and jaw.

Some of the procedures with general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry overlap, but the goals are different. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the aesthetics of your smile, while general dentistry focuses on your oral health. For example, if you suffer from tooth decay, general dentistry principles would advise having the decay removed and a filling placed. Cosmetic dentistry recommends a certain type of filling that focuses on the look of your smile (such as a porcelain or tooth-colored filling).

General Dentistry Procedures

General dentistry covers a wide range of procedures, from the diagnostic X-rays to wax moulds to create replacements for missing teeth. Some common general dentistry procedures include:

• Deep cleaning: A deep cleaning removes accumulated plaque and tartar in your mouth that can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease.
• Fillings: These can be made from a variety of materials including gold, amalgam (silver), porcelain and composite resin (tooth-colored).
• Dental crowns: these ‘caps’ fit over your natural teeth to cover broken or badly decayed teeth and protect them from further damage.
• Dental bridges: One way to fix missing teeth, this restoration attaches one or more fake teeth to your natural teeth on either side of your empty space.
• Root canal treatment: This is necessary when your tooth’s nerve tissue or ‘pulp’ inside becomes infected.
• Dentures: These false teeth are an affordable option if you are missing many teeth. Today’s dentures and partial dentures look and function more like your natural teeth than ever before.
• TMJ/Neuromuscular Dentistry: The treatment of jaw misalignment, migraine headaches and/or neck and back pain.

Oral Health and Your Overall Health

You cannot have good overall health if you have poor oral health. Research has shown a direct link between periodontal (gum) disease and your physical well-being. For example:

• Periodontal disease may increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes, particularly in those ages 65 or older.
• Some systemic infections have been linked to a starting point in the mouth. Additional research is being conducted on how these have spread to the rest of the body.
• Pregnant women are more susceptible to periodontal disease. Therefore, even mediocre oral health can cause gum disease during pregnancy, increasing your risk of giving birth to a low birth-weight or pre-term baby, miscarriage.

For additional information, please see How to Choose a General Dentist.

If you live in the Valencia, California area and are interested in enhancing your oral health, the dental team at Aesthetic Dentistry of Valencia can help. Dr. Joel Miller and his skilled dental team restore your mouth’s functionality and aesthetics, leaving you with a radiant smile that turns heads. Please contact our Valencia cosmetic dentistry practice today to schedule your no-cost consultation.