General Dentistry
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General dentistry plays a key role in your oral health—which is why it's so important to see your dentist regularly. Neglecting your oral hygiene or putting off visiting your dentist for cleanings and examinations can allow problems to get worse—and require much more extensive care.
Why Do I Need a General Dentist?
General dentists partner with you to keep your mouth healthy. They diagnose, treat, and prevent oral disease. They identify problems before they become serious and can offer advice and instruction for better oral hygiene. And if you do have a serious problem, a ColumbiaDoctors general dentist will refer you to a specialist and work with them to coordinate your care.
What Services Does a General Dentist Provide?
General dentists can offer a wide ranges of services, depending on your needs:
Regular Exams
Your dentist will check for everything from tooth decay and gum disease to oral cancer, so that any issues that arise can be identified and treated early—before they cause serious health problems.
Professional Teeth Cleanings
During your visit, your dentist or dental hygienist will use special tools to clean your teeth, removing any buildup of plaque or tartar (a hard, crusty layer of plaque and minerals that can trap stains and discolor your teeth). Your teeth will also be flossed and polished.
It's recommended that you get your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year to maintain healthy oral hygiene.Â
Customizing and Creating a Crown/Bridge
Your dentist will customize your crown to blend in with your other teeth. If you are missing more than one tooth, your dentist can create an implant-supported bridge to replace the entire section at once. Since this part of the process usually takes some time, your dentist may also give you a temporary crown, bridge, or denture to allow you to eat and speak normally.
Cavity Filling
When plaque (a layer of harmful bacteria) forms on your teeth, it produces acids that can damage tooth enamel. As the enamel breaks down (tooth decay), cavities can form. Cavities are small holes that can grow larger over time and cause significant damage to the tooth.
Your general dentist will clean out the tooth decay and repair the cavity using a dental filling. Made of a variety of materials, these fillings plug the cavity and stop the tooth decay from getting worse.
Your dentist may also offer additional services, like teeth whitening or other cosmetic procedures. Talk to your dentist about the services they offer that might be right for you.
How Often Should I See My Dentist?
At ColumbiaDoctors Dentistry, we recommend that you visit your general dentist at least twice a year. We are dedicated to making your visit friendly and comfortable, so that you'll be happy to return!
Why ColumbiaDoctors Dentistry?
At ColumbiaDoctors Dentistry, we offer modern, advanced dental care in a friendly environment. We want to build a relationship with you that will last—so we're committed to making your visit comfortable and convenient. Our dentists are all faculty members at the College of Dental Medicine at Columbia, with years of experience. And with five ColumbiaDoctors Dentistry locations throughout Manhattan, you'll be able to find a dentist near you.
