A general dentist does much more than fill cavities. You may never need to see a dental specialist to keep your teeth in good shape. That's one reason it is important to find a dentist you like and who can take care of all your problems when they arise. Some forms of dentistry that require surgery or specialization in areas like sleep apnea may require a visit to a specially trained dental professional, and in that case your dentist can refer you to someone. Here are some of the services a general dentist may provide.

Teeth Whitening

If you want whiter teeth, then your dentist can make that happen quickly and safely. In the case of laser whitening, you'll see results the same day. Your dentist may also offer whitening trays that use stronger gels than you can buy over the counter. This means you'll get results much quicker than if you try to whiten your teeth at home.

Chip Repair

A chipped front tooth can impact your smile and make you feel self-conscious. Your dentist has a few options for repairing a chip depending on the degree of damage. It might involve placing a veneer on the tooth or using a white filling. If the chip is a big one, your dentist may cover it with a crown.

Gum Disease Treatment

While you should have regular dental cleanings to keep your teeth in good shape, you may need to have a deep cleaning if you show signs of gum disease. The early stages of gum disease can often be treated by scaling and planing the teeth, which involves scraping away plaque and tartar from under the gums.

Treatments For Dry Mouth And Bad Breath

If you have oral problems caused by a dry mouth, your dentist can help by recommending dental products that keep your mouth moist. This might be artificial saliva or medications that help you make more of your own saliva. You'll also need special toothpaste and mouthwash that doesn't dry your mouth. Dry mouth leads to increased cavities and bad breath, which can both be treated through regular visits to the dentist and proper treatment for your dry mouth.

Cosmetic Improvements

A general dentist not only improves the health of your teeth, he or she can also make cosmetic improvements as well. This can be done by applying veneers or crowns over your front teeth to make them whiter, more uniform in appearance, and to fill in the gap of a missing tooth. Your dentist can place a single crown on a tooth or create a bridge of three crowns. You could even have a partial denture made to fill in the gap from one or more missing teeth.

If you like the idea of having one dentist do most of your dental work, then choose a general dentist that offers a variety of services. Some dentists like to specialize in certain areas such as teeth whitening or cosmetic procedures, but a general dentist can handle many types of dental care. Some forms of dental work require a dentist with additional training that's beyond the scope of a general dentist, but for most of the routine care you'll need, a general dentist can provide you and your family with a lifetime of care.

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