Dental cleanings preserve oral health through preventive care. These biannual appointments also create the opportunity to ask a general dentist about other dental services. Perhaps the patient is interested in treatments to rebuild enamel or those that alter the smile’s appearance. Learning about the different services available can give you a better idea of which to ask about after your next dental cleaning.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fluoride — a natural mineral found in water, soil, and air — can reduce a patient's risk of tooth decay. It can also help remineralize tooth enamel. A general dentist can apply fluoride as a varnish, gel, or foam to all tooth surfaces at the end of a dental cleaning. These treatments are painless and only take a few minutes to apply.
Dental sealants shield against plaque and tartar, reducing the risk of tooth decay. They differ from fluoride treatments in that they are only applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars. They consist of resin or glass ionomer, two tooth-colored materials also used to fill cavities. Further, they are intended for children with increased tooth decay risk while they learn to care for their teeth. That said, adult patients can benefit from sealants.
When teeth grinding and jaw clenching wear down the teeth and recede the gums, the teeth can become more sensitive and prone to disease. A night guard can cushion the teeth and prevent these issues. Therefore, patients who grind their teeth are encouraged to ask a general dentist about a night guard after a dental cleaning.
The dentist can recommend over-the-counter generic night guards that fit the patient’s needs. Many dentists also provide custom night guards. In these situations, they can usually take impressions of the mouth for night guard creation during the same appointment as a cleaning.
General dentists can pull and replace decayed or damaged teeth. Typically, the dentist recommends a tooth extraction and replacement before a patient asks. However, patients always have the option to ask whether these services would be beneficial or to ask for more details and options when recommended. For example, most patients will have several tooth replacement options, such as flipper teeth, dental bridges, and dental implants.
Although general dentists focus on oral health, many provide services that enhance the smile's appearance. Common examples include teeth whitening, dental bonding, or dental veneers that create a more picturesque smile. If the general dentist does not perform these services themselves, they can still help the patient determine their candidacy for them. For instance, veneers require a healthy amount of tooth enamel to be placed.
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Ready for your next dental cleaning? Contact our Athens office to schedule an appointment today. At Life Point Dental Athens, we are happy to answer questions about any additional services and whether they would be right for the patient’s oral health needs.
Request an appointment or call Life Point Dental Athens at 706-395-2221 for an appointment in our Athens office.
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