Never Take Your Healthy Teeth for Granted

Dentists provide crucial services to their patients. You can choose to see a dental specialist if you desire, but many people will find that their dental care needs are met by a general dentist. Here are some of the things that a general dentist can do for you:

1. Offer preventative care.

Preventive care is a service provided to patients on an ongoing basis. Visiting a general dentist every six months allows you to take advantage of professional cleaning services. During these routine checkups, your dentist will polish your tooth enamel, floss between your teeth, and remove hardened tartar from the surfaces of your teeth. Diagnostic x-rays can be used to find cavities before they start to cause serious problems. Routine dental care can help you save money while also avoiding unnecessary pain in the long run.

2. Improve the appearance of your teeth.

Many general dentists choose to offer cosmetic dental services to their patients. For example, teeth whitening treatments can be used to lift stains from the surface of your tooth enamel, and dental veneers can be used to hide misshapen and cracked teeth. Dentists can also offer certain orthodontic treatments, such as Invisalign, to correct misaligned teeth. If the appearance of your teeth bothers you, you can speak to your regular dentist about possible treatment options.

3. Alleviate toothaches.

Many people will experience a toothache at some point in their lives. Toothaches are usually a sign that something is wrong, indicating a cavity or oral infection. Your general dentist can diagnose the cause of your toothache using x-rays and visual examination. Based on their findings, your dentist can perform restorative work to treat your toothache. Dental fillings, root canals, and antibiotics can be used to treat many of the causes of oral pain. 

4. Create a custom mouthguard for any occasion.

Mouthguards are designed to protect your teeth from damage. The type of mouthguard that you need depends on its intended purpose. People who play sports can benefit from athletic mouthguards designed to protect the teeth from external impact. These mouthguards can be made in fun, bright colors if you desire. Meanwhile, a nighttime mouthguard is designed to protect a person's teeth from bruxism while they sleep. Mouthguards can be an important way to safeguard your teeth, and your general dentist can create a custom mouthguard for you by taking an impression of your teeth in their office.

For more information, reach out to a professional such as Dr. Jon Douglas Lesan, DDS, RpH, PA.