General dentists are usually the primary oral health care providers for people of all ages. Much like a family physician who looks after the general health of the entire family, a general dentist can, and often does, take care of the dental health of all members of the family, from infancy on. Here are examples of many of the services a general dentist can provide:
Preventative Dental Care
The majority of what a general dentist does is preventative. As a patient, attending regular dental check-ups can significantly increase one’s dental health. The dentist often performs dental X-rays during check-ups which show any risks or dangers to your oral health. General dentists also offer advice for home oral hygiene that is aimed at improving general dental health. In the event of cavities or tooth decay, the dentist can perform a variety of procedures to reduce or stop the spread of the decay including tooth filling and tooth cleaning.
Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry aims to fix structural issues such as damaged or missing teeth. Solutions include crowns, or in worst-case scenarios, partial or full dentures. If you have lost some of all of your teeth to decay or gum disease, a general dentist can fit you with either either partial or full dentures which closely resemble your natural teeth and gums. A full set of dentures replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw, while a partial denture replaces a limited number of missing teeth and is often attached to the existing teeth on either side of the gap.
Cosmetic Dentistry
General dentists are aware that while oral health is of primary importance, how people look and how confident they feel when they smile also plays a large role in their outlook on life. Crooked, misaligned, or stained teeth can play havoc with one’s self-image. Dentists use one or more of a number of procedures that improve the shape and color of your teeth and give you a beautiful radiant smile. These include:
Whitening: Teeth that are naturally yellowish, or stained by red wine, coffee, tea, nicotine and certain medications can be made to look much whiter using advanced techniques.
Veneers, Bonding and Crowns: The shape, length or size of an existing tooth can be changed with a veneer - a wafer-thin shell that is custom-made of either porcelain or composite resin bonded to the tooth. In a slightly different procedure, "bonding" is a process in which an enamel-like material is applied to the tooth, sculpted into the desired shape, then hardened and polished. Crowns or tooth-shaped "caps" that partially or completely cover the visible part of the tooth can also greatly improve its appearance.
Value Dental Care offers some of the best dental solutions at affordable rates in the Nature Coast area. We ensure that all our patients’ needs are met every time they visit us. We have a team of professional and courteous staff who always keeps their patient's best interests at heart. From root canals to cavities, to restoring teeth, we exceed all expectations in a wide array of services. Contact us today at either our Spring Hill or Crystal River location to schedule your next appointment!