St. Louis, MO
General Dentistry
Teeth are strong, durable structures that endure massive amounts of pressure each day. It is important to protect the teeth and keep them strong through daily brushing and flossing as well as regular professional care from a licensed and experienced general dentist.
General dentistry involves the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a wide range of dental conditions, as well as the maintenance of overall oral health for patients of all ages.This comprehensive care from a general dentist is usually the only source of care patients require for their dental needs. There are several different dental specialties, but general dentistry encompasses the basics of these specialties.
General Dentistry Specialties
Restorative Dentistry
A gingival lift, also known as a gum lift or gum contouring, is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to reduce and reshape highly visible gums. For patients who have always been bothered by having a gummy smile, this treatment can correct the problem and offer an aesthetic improvement.
Lasers are the safest, most effective way to perform a gingival lift. Laser precision allows the dentist to reshape the gums to create better symmetry in the smile while cutting back on excess gum tissue. Lasers only remove the targeted area of the gums, leaving all surrounding tissue unharmed. A laser gingival lift also offers patients a more comfortable experience since it causes very little pain and therefore requires only topical anesthesia. In addition, laser treatments result in almost no bleeding and tissues tend to heal more quickly than after traditional surgery.
- Fillings
- Dental crowns and bridges
- Dental implants
- Dental bonding
- Dentures
- Root canals
Cosmetic Dentistry
Many people seek cosmetic dental care after certain dental conditions or because of dissatisfaction with the appearance of their teeth. These procedures can improve the color, shape and size of the teeth and enhance the overall smile. Cosmetic dental treatments often improve self-confidence. Some of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments may include:
- Teeth whitening
- Porcelain veneers
- Bonding
- Full mouth reconstruction
Gum Disease Treatment
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a common dental condition that plagues many patients. Gum disease can be managed through treatments such as scaling and root planing, which can be performed by a general dentist. Surgery and other advanced treatments may be performed for later stages of the disease.
While there are specialists for many of these dental treatments, a general dentist is able to perform most of these procedures. Complicated issues may be referred to a specialist such as a periodontist or prosthodontist, while age-specific patients may benefit from seeing a pediatric or geriatric dentist.
Regular visits to the dentist are recommended at least once every six months in order to maintain proper oral hygiene and screen for any potential problems. Receiving regular checkups can help improve dental health and prevent major problems from developing. It is important for patients to work with their dentist to maintain their oral health. General dentists care for most patients‘ dental needs regardless of their age or treatment. These dental treatments restore health and beauty to the smile.