General dentistry is the heart of oral health care, serving as your primary line of defense against dental problems. At its core, general dentistry involves:
- Routine checkups to maintain overall oral health.
- Professional teeth cleanings to prevent cavities and gum disease.
- Early detection through diagnostic tools like X-rays.
- Restorative procedures, such as fillings and crowns, to repair damaged teeth.
Are you trying to keep your family’s smiles bright and healthy? At PS Dental in Tigard, we offer a comprehensive suite of services custom to meet all your dental needs.
As a dedicated general dentist with over 30 years of experience, I, Dr. Parisa Sepehri, strive to ensure every patient receives personalized care. From routine checkups to complex treatments, my goal is to help you maintain optimal oral health. Let’s explore what general dentistry can do for you and your family.
Understanding General Dentistry
General dentistry is the foundation of oral health care, focusing on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of various oral health conditions. It involves a wide array of services aimed at keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
General Dentistry vs. Cosmetic Dentistry
While general dentistry is primarily concerned with maintaining oral health, cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth and smile. General dentists ensure your teeth are healthy and functional, addressing issues like cavities and gum disease. In contrast, cosmetic dentists work on enhancing the visual aspects, offering treatments like teeth whitening and veneers.
Think of general dentistry as the maintenance of your car’s engine, while cosmetic dentistry is like adding a fresh coat of paint. Both are important, but they serve different purposes. General dentistry provides the oral health benefits necessary for overall well-being, while cosmetic procedures can boost confidence and self-esteem through appearance improvement.
General Dentistry vs. Orthodontics
Orthodontics is a specialty within dentistry that deals with the correction of misalignments of the teeth and jaws. While general dentists can perform some orthodontic procedures, such as fitting clear aligners, orthodontists receive additional education and training to handle complex cases involving braces or jaw alignment issues.
For instance, if you have a general dentist at PS Dental in Tigard, they might refer you to an orthodontist for issues beyond their scope, like severe bite problems. General dentists focus on treating cavities and gum disease, while orthodontists tackle the structural alignment of your teeth and jaws.
Both fields complement each other, working together to ensure both the health and alignment of your teeth are optimal. Regular visits to your general dentist can help catch potential orthodontic issues early, ensuring timely intervention.
General Dentistry Services
Preventive Services
Preventive services are the cornerstone of general dentistry. They focus on keeping your teeth and gums healthy to avoid problems before they start. Regular exams and cleanings are key components of this approach. During these visits, your dentist will check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
Fluoride treatments and sealants are also part of preventive care. Fluoride helps strengthen teeth, making them more resistant to decay. Sealants, on the other hand, are thin coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where cavities often form. They act as a barrier, protecting teeth from plaque and food particles.
Restorative Services
When dental issues do arise, restorative services step in to bring back the function and appearance of your teeth. Fillings are the most common treatment for tooth decay. They restore the tooth’s structure after decay removal, preventing further damage.
For more significant tooth damage, crowns and bridges come into play. Crowns cover and protect a damaged tooth, while bridges replace one or more missing teeth, anchored by adjacent healthy teeth. Dentures offer a solution for those missing multiple teeth, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits.
Cosmetic Procedures
While maintaining oral health is the primary focus, many people also seek treatments to improve their smile’s appearance. Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure that lightens teeth, removing stains and discoloration. This simple treatment can dramatically improve your smile’s brightness.
Veneers are another cosmetic option. These thin shells, usually made of porcelain, cover the front surface of teeth, masking imperfections like chips, gaps, or misalignments. A smile makeover combines several cosmetic procedures to achieve a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing smile.
Whether you’re looking to maintain your oral health or improve your smile, general dentistry services at PS Dental in Tigard, OR, offer comprehensive solutions custom to your needs.
Qualifications and Training of General Dentists
Becoming a general dentist requires a commitment to extensive education and training. This journey begins with an undergraduate degree, typically in a science-related field. Afterward, aspiring dentists must attend an accredited dental school, which usually takes four years to complete. During this time, students earn either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. Despite the different titles, both degrees involve the same rigorous curriculum and training.
Dental school education covers a wide range of topics, from anatomy and physiology to oral pathology and patient care. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical practice, working under the guidance of experienced dentists to treat patients.
Upon graduating from dental school, dentists must obtain a state license to practice. This involves passing national and state exams to demonstrate their competence in dental care. Each state has its own licensing requirements, which may include additional exams or continuing education.
Some dentists choose to pursue a residency program after dental school. While not mandatory for general dentistry, a residency can provide further specialization in areas like pediatric dentistry or oral surgery. Residencies typically last one to two years and offer advanced training in a specific field.
In summary, the path to becoming a general dentist is demanding but rewarding. It combines comprehensive education, hands-on training, and a commitment to lifelong learning to ensure the highest standard of care for patients.
Frequently Asked Questions about General Dentistry
What is meant by general dentistry?
General dentistry encompasses the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of a wide range of oral health conditions. It serves as the foundation of dental care, focusing on maintaining overall oral health. This includes routine checkups, cleanings, and addressing common dental issues like cavities and gum disease. General dentists are your primary care providers for oral health, offering personalized care plans to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
How many years is general dentistry?
Becoming a general dentist requires a total of eight years of education. This includes four years of undergraduate studies, typically in a science-related field, followed by four years at an accredited dental school. During dental school, students earn either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. Both degrees prepare students for the diverse challenges of general dentistry, with a curriculum that covers everything from anatomy to patient care.
When should I see the dentist?
It’s recommended to visit your dentist twice a year for regular checkups. These visits are crucial for maintaining your oral health and catching potential issues early. During these appointments, your dentist will perform a thorough examination, looking for signs of decay, gum disease, or other concerns. Regular checkups help prevent serious dental problems and ensure that your oral health needs are met.
By keeping up with these routine visits, you can enjoy a healthy smile and avoid more extensive treatments in the future. Prevention is key to maintaining optimal oral health.
Conclusion
At PS Dental Services in Tigard, Oregon, we are committed to providing comprehensive dental care that caters to the unique needs of every family member. Our focus on general dentistry ensures that our patients receive not only routine care but also expert guidance to promote healthy dental habits.
Our team, led by the experienced Dr. Sepehri, is dedicated to helping you maintain a healthy smile through a variety of services. From preventive care like regular cleanings and exams to more advanced treatments such as dental implants and root canal therapy, we have you covered.
We believe that maintaining good oral health is a cornerstone of overall well-being. That’s why we emphasize the importance of prevention and early intervention. By focusing on these aspects, we help our patients avoid more complex and costly procedures in the future.
Our practice also offers cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening and veneers, allowing you to improve your smile’s appearance. Combined with our general dentistry services, we aim to provide a holistic approach to dental care.
Whether you’re in need of a routine checkup or advanced restorative treatment, PS Dental Services is here to support you every step of the way. Trust us to deliver the quality care you and your family deserve.
A healthy smile begins with a commitment to regular dental visits and good oral hygiene practices. Let us partner with you on your journey to optimal oral health.
Dr. Parisa Sepehri
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