Fairfax Dentist

A general dentist focuses on oral health and hygiene. Although brushing and flossing are important to do, visiting the dentist is essential as well. Procedures such as dental exams and cleanings maintain healthy smiles by detecting issues early on and preventing new ones. Most patients need to visit the dentist twice a year for exams and cleanings. While others may be recommended for additional visits depending on their unique situation. Learn more about general dentists below and contact us today.

Procedures

General dentists provide a wide range of services that are essential to your dental health. These include the following. Cosmetic procedures- many of the general dentists can help you obtain your ideal smile with cosmetic dental procedures.  Procedures include cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers, dental implants, and teeth whitening.  General services – once a problem has been found, your dentist will ensure that you will get the timely and proper treatment required. The most popular and highly successful dental restoration includes eliminating tooth decay and applying fillings to an affected tooth. In addition, the dentist can diagnose and provide treatment for periodontal disease, tooth pain, and tooth infection.  Preventive services- this will help in taking care of your oral health before you experience a disease. Regular checkups and expert teeth cleanings are the basis of prevention. Your general dentist will give you detailed guidelines to improve your home-based oral hygiene and also recommend preventive measures such as sealants if needed. If you have an active lifestyle, your dentist can fit you with a custom-made mouthguard as well. Overall health concerns- Surprisingly, some of your dental problems mirror the issues in other parts of your body. Fortunately, general dentists have undergone proper training that enables them to identify these issues and offer treatment or referrals when needed. One important concern is the obstructive sleep apnea that can be treated with an oral appliance. They can also provide nutritional counseling, general health, and wellness information and also advice on tobacco termination.

Qualifications

Most of the general dentists have usually completed four years at an accredited dental school after completing their undergraduate education. They should also have completed requirements that include testing and continuing education of state licensing boards. Some doctors have certain titles such as DMD- doctor of dental medicine while others have DDS- Doctor of dental surgery. The unique difference between them are the titles used at their dental schools; their education is usually the same. Some of these general dentists receive specialized training in particular areas such as cosmetic procedures and implant placement.

When Should I See a Dentist?

You should visit a dentist every six months for preventive services and whenever you have a dental concern. Routine dental visits should always be maintained to avoid extensive work. In addition, tooth pain and bleeding should always be reported to your dentist as it may be a dental emergency. Nevertheless, each patient is unique and will be recommended a treatment plan that meets their needs. Learn more by calling Sapphire Dental. New and existing patients may call 703-912-0485 or book an appointment online.