When people think of general dentistry, they most likely envision regular dental exams, professional teeth cleanings and preventive treatments like fluoride treatments. However, a general dentist’s work extends far beyond that.

Having a dedicated general dentist means having a healthcare professional familiar with your oral health history and tailoring treatment plans accordingly. Here are four ways a general dentist can elevate your quality of life:

Preventive Care

Most people have interacted with general dentistry in some way—general dentists are the professionals responsible for teeth cleanings and regular checkups. These routine dental treatments help prevent problems like gum disease and tooth decay by catching issues at their earliest stages, when they’re easier to treat.

The old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” has never been more true than when it comes to your oral health. Visiting your general dentist twice annually for routine exams and cleanings can make all the difference in the health of your mouth, teeth and gums.

During these appointments, your general dentist will also evaluate the condition of any dental restorations you have and may recommend oral hygiene products or diet/habits changes to improve your oral health.

Early Detection of Issues

During regular check-up visits, general dentists can detect and prevent both oral health problems and diseases that could impact other aspects of a patient’s life. For instance, sores and lumps in the mouth can be early warning signs of oral cancer. A general dentist can recognize these symptoms and refer patients for a biopsy to confirm whether the tissue is cancerous.

By focusing on prevention and patient education, general dentistry can help individuals maintain healthy smiles for years to come. Make it a priority to schedule regular appointments for thorough oral exams, professional cleanings, X-rays, and oral cancer screenings. These routine exams can spot issues early, before they become serious concerns, such as tooth decay and gum disease. They can also identify lifestyle habits that can increase a person’s risk for oral cancer, such as smoking.

Individualized Attention

During regular visits, general dentists become familiar with the patient’s oral health history and can quickly identify issues that could develop into bigger problems. They also have the ability to create comprehensive plans that take into account a patient’s individual needs and budget.

Treatment options include a variety of preventive treatments such as teeth cleanings, fluoride applications and dental sealants. In addition, a general dentist is able to provide restorative treatments like fillings and crowns that restore damage caused by tooth decay or injury.

General dentists are also able to fit patients with orthodontic devices such as braces and clear aligners, and can even treat snoring and sleep apnea with oral appliances. Similarly, they can provide cosmetic enhancements such as in-office teeth whitening and veneers.

Comprehensive Care

Taking a comprehensive approach to oral health means considering the impact of one treatment on other areas of the mouth. For example, if you have to have teeth extracted, the dentist will also consider how that will affect your bite and your gums.

Dentists who offer comprehensive care may also provide treatments that improve the appearance of your smile, including teeth whitening and veneers. This is often a big draw for people who aren’t happy with the look of their teeth and want to improve their self-esteem.

Comprehensive dental practices typically have hygienists on staff to perform routine cleanings and exams, as well as specialists to tackle more complex issues. This provides a “one-stop shop” for the majority of your oral health needs. This can make it easier to stay on top of your dental care and reduce the chances of more serious problems down the line.

Cosmetic Enhancements

General dentists often provide cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening. Many also offer gum contouring, a procedure to improve the shape of your gum line and make your teeth appear longer and more proportionate.

Other routine procedures general dentists can perform include root canals, tooth extractions and dental fillings. They also work with patients on oral hygiene practices and can recommend treatments like fluoride applications or mouthguards to prevent gum disease.

General dentists can also refer you to an oral surgeon or prosthodontist if your problem falls outside their area of expertise. Oral surgeons can treat more complex issues involving the mouth, face and jaws while prosthodontists focus on designing and fitting dental prosthetics like dentures and bridges. They can also perform surgical procedures if necessary.