General dentistry is the branch of dentistry that many of the general public are most familiar with. If you visit your dentist on a twice yearly basis or have undergone procedures such as a routine scale and polish: this will have been carried out by a general dentist.
General dentistry is non-specific as compared to specialisms such as orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry. Dentists in this field undertake a wide variety of treatments but do not perform specialised procedures unless they have undergone training in a particular area. They will refer you to a specialist dentist if necessary.
General dentistry is your first port of call for help and advice about prevention of tooth decay and gum disease: caring for your teeth and gums on a regular basis: restoring your teeth and/or gums to their normal state and function.
GENERAL DENTISTRY PROCEDURES
This includes the following treatments:
- Fillings
- Extractions
- Scale and polish
- Replace silver amalgam fillings with white fillings
- Dental sealants
- Dental hygiene, e.g. advice about brushing and flossing the teeth.
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Dentures
- Root canal treatment
They also provide a regular check-up service plus diagnostics, e.g. X-rays.