General dentistry is the first line of defense against oral health complications. A general dentist performs a variety of treatments for patients, including preventative and curative care. Cleanings are an example of preventive care performed by a general dentist. Dental cleanings are recommended every six months to remove the plaque and tartar you missed during your oral hygiene routine. Getting cleanings regularly will prevent your teeth from staining and decaying and help prevent tooth loss caused by gum disease. During a cleaning, your dentist will also perform an examination to identify any dental diseases as early as possible.
Fillings and crowns are common examples of curative care performed by a general dentist. Fillings are used to repair a tooth that has suffered a cavity, has cracked, broken, or become worn down. In this case, the doctor will remove the damaged portion of the tooth and fill the area using a material, such as gold, porcelain, or composite resin. Crowns are used to restore the natural appearance of the tooth and also help to protect it from becoming even more damaged. A crown is a little cap that fits over the damaged tooth and will cover the entire visible part of the tooth.
At Northridge Dental Group, we perform general dental treatments for our patients, including: