Nathaniel Leedy, DMD
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

What is Comprehensive General Dental Care?

General dentistry involves diagnosing, treating, and preventing various diseases, conditions, and disorders affecting your gums, teeth, and maxillofacial (jaw and face) region of your body. Unlike dental specialists, who focus on one specific dentistry area, general dentists provide a wide range of treatments and procedures related to the overall maintenance of your tooth health and oral hygiene. They also treat patients of all ages.

Why do People Need to See a General Dentist?

A general dentist is your primary dental care provider, responsible for diagnosing, treating, and managing your overall oral health care. Here is why you should visit your general dentist:

Oral Health

Visiting the dentist is one of the best ways to make sure you have good oral health. From dental checks and cleans to treating gum diseases and tooth infections, fixing cracks and chips, to whitening your teeth when you feel the need, a general family dentist can help ensure you have a healthy, functional, bright smile. Regular dental visits allow your dentist to detect and treat any oral health issues early on when they’re still minor and can easily be treated, protecting your oral health.

Overall Health

Dental and oral health is an integral part of your overall health and well-being. Like other areas of your body, your mouth teems with harmless bacteria, mostly harmless. Without proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, these bacteria can cause oral health issues like gum disease and tooth decay. They can also enter your bloodstream, causing severe general health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and cancer. Visiting your general dentist will help keep your mouth clean and healthy and allow your dentist to check up on your oral and overall health over time.

When Should You See A General Family Dentist?

We recommend going to the dentist twice a year (every six months), but depending on the state of your oral health, we may need you to come in more often to allow us to monitor your oral health more closely. You should also see a general dentist whenever you are concerned about your oral health; maybe you have a toothache or a cosmetic procedure you think will help improve your smile. Whatever the case, don’t hesitate to contact the dental office.