Marietta Dentist

Who is the single medical care provider you see more than any other? For many people, the answer is: their dentist, also known as a Doctor of Dental Surgery or DDS in short. There’s a good reason for that– it’s because general dentistry is exclusively oriented toward the prevention of disease. In fact, it is approximated that virtually 65 percent of all dental treatment plans are either diagnostic or preventative. By placing a strong emphasis on oral health and effective hygiene, general dentists help people avoid the progression of oral health conditions. If left without treatment, these eventually cause pain, lost time at work or school– and an estimated cost of billions of dollars yearly.

General dentists are the principal providers of dental treatment to people of all ages. At a periodic visit to your family dental office, you will most likely have an extensive assessment of your mouth (including teeth, gums, and other structures), a skilled cleaning, and a conversation regarding your dental (and overall) health and wellness. If your assessment exposes the existence of tooth decay, you will quite possibly also have a filling in the impacted tooth. Yet these types of techniques, although commonplace, are barely the primary services your general dentist offers.

What Do Doctors of Dental Surgery Do?

Of an estimated 143,000 dentists practicing in North America, some 80 percent are actually general dentists. Unlike specialists, who are mostly concentrated on a specific aspect of dental practice, general dentists deliver a wide multitude of services that are essential to your long-term health, including:

Preventative Dentistry

These help you preserve good oral health by stopping disease before it takes hold in your mouth. Regular exams (incorporating diagnostic images such as x-rays) and skilled teeth cleanings are a foundation of deterence. Your general dentist might give patients detailed instructions to enhance their at-home dental cleanliness and may also suggest preventive procedures like sealants if needed. And if you lead an active lifestyle, you can be outfitted with a customized mouthguard at your dentist’s office.

Restorative Dentistry

When a concern is found, your dentist will ensure you get timely and suitable treatment. Possibly the most frequent (and highly successful) dental restoration involves removing tooth decay and setting a filling in the impacted tooth. However, that’s not the only restorative procedure general dentists offer. They supply you a place to go when you need prompt treatment for dental trauma– for instance, a broken, loosened or knocked-out tooth. General dentists are able to identify and treat the sources of tooth pain or periodontal (gum) disease. They can additionally offer treatments for missing teeth, place crowns or bridgework, and help you get furnished with dentures. A few provide more advanced treatments, including root canal therapy, orthodontics, and dental implants, as well.

Cosmetic Dental Procedures

Many general dentists can really help you get the dazzling smile you’ve always desired with a variety of cosmetic procedures. These include teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding– even porcelain veneers. If a brighter smile is what you’re searching for, ask your general dentist about a smile transformation.

General Health Problems

In many ways, your oral health can be considered a mirror of your overall health. Some dental complications may mirror issues in other parts of your body, and vice versa. For example, untreated oral infections can lead to worse control of diabetes, an increased likelihood of cardiovascular disease, and complications while pregnant. General dentists are qualified to identify these and other issues, and offer suitable treatment or referral when necessary. One special trouble is obstructive sleep apnea, a possibly deadly condition that can sometimes be treated with an oral appliance. General dentists can also offer nutritional counseling, advice on tobacco cessation and general health and wellness information.

What Qualifications Does a DDS Have?

After completing their undergraduate education, all general dentists have successfully completed four years at an accredited dental school. Further, they have fulfilled the requirements (including testing and continuing education) of state licensing boards. Some dentists have the initials DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) following their names, while others have DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery). The only difference between the two is the title used on their dental school’s degrees; their education and training is exactly the same.

In addition to their standard training, some general dentists receive distinct training in particular areas– for example, implant placement, cosmetic procedures, or other therapies.

When Should I See My Marietta Dentist?

The short answer is: every six months for preventative services– and otherwise, whenever you have a worry about your oral health. You may have an obvious signal (such as a toothache or bleeding gums) that something in your mouth needs attention. Or, you may have heard of a cosmetic procedure that you’d like to find out more about. In either case, don’t hesitate to call the dental office.

Routine Dental Appointments

In regards to routine dental appointments, there isn’t a single schedule that fits all patients. Depending upon your particular circumstances, your Marietta dentist may wish to see you twice a year, every three months, or another time period. Whichever it is, do not let those appointments go! Maintaining the recommended schedule of preventive treatment and practicing effective oral hygiene at home are the two best ways to avoid dental disease– and keep your smile looking bright and healthy for the rest of your lifetime.