Even though dentistry consists of many different services, you might be surprised to learn that most of them are performed by a general dentist. While certain specialists handle certain procedures, your regular dentist takes care of the more common and popular services. At Affordable Dental Care PC in Rego Park, we care for patients across Forest Hills, Elmhurst, and the greater Queens area. Here is a look at the top services a general dentist offers, plus how a general dentist protects your long-term oral health.
A handful of services make up most of the work done in a general dentistry office. Here are the five you are most likely to need, from the simplest to the most involved.
While not the most necessary procedure, teeth whitening is by far the most popular among patients. Everyone wants a bright, white smile, and store-bought options simply do not compare to professional results. That leads many people to their local dentist for professional whitening that works in as little as one visit.
Perhaps the most essential service of all, routine exams and cleanings form the backbone of your oral health care. Most patients visit twice a year to have their teeth cleaned and their mouth examined, which helps treat and prevent problems early. These visits are one of the simplest and most affordable ways to stay healthy, and a routine dental checkup catches small issues before they grow.
You might not think fillings would be that common, but the average adult needs several over a lifetime. That means a general dentist places plenty of fillings for both adults and children, restoring teeth affected by decay and protecting them from further damage.
A dental crown is one of the most useful restorations in dentistry. Crowns repair a damaged tooth and restore it to natural function, and they protect the tooth from further damage so it does not need to be extracted. Dentists almost always prefer to save a tooth with a crown rather than pull it, and millions of people receive them every year.
No matter how hard we try, sometimes a tooth needs to come out. Unless the case requires surgery, a general dentist can perform a basic extraction in the office. Basic extractions are done for many reasons, whether a tooth cannot be saved, it threatens the surrounding teeth, or removal is a medical necessity. Your dentist handles both the extraction and the aftercare.
The list above covers the essentials, but a general dentist does more. Many also perform root canal treatment to save an infected tooth, provide ongoing preventative dental care such as sealants and fluoride, and serve as a family dentist for every age under one roof. In other words, a general dentist is your first stop for most of what your smile needs.
A big part of general dentistry is catching problems early. During an exam, your dentist checks for cavities, early gum disease, worn or cracked teeth, and other issues that are easier and more affordable to treat when caught early. X-rays reveal what the eye cannot see, such as decay between teeth or below the gumline. From there, your dentist builds a plan, whether that is a simple filling, a crown, deeper cleaning for the gums, or a referral to a specialist when a case calls for one.
Though they are called general dentists, they handle a large share of your oral health care and tie the whole picture together. They track changes over time, keep your preventive care on schedule, restore teeth when needed, and coordinate with specialists so nothing falls through the cracks. Seeing the same dentist regularly means someone knows your history and can spot small changes before they become big problems, which is exactly what keeps a smile healthy for the long run.
A good visit is a two-way conversation. A few questions worth asking include:
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From a routine cleaning to a crown or an extraction, your general dentist handles most of what your smile needs, and we keep that care affordable for patients across Rego Park and Queens. Contact our office to schedule a visit and keep your oral health on track.
Request an appointment or call Affordable Dental Care PC at 718-897-3434 for an appointment in our Rego Park office.
A general dentist handles most everyday dental care, including exams and cleanings, fillings, crowns, basic extractions, and teeth whitening. Many also provide preventive care, root canals, and family dentistry, and they refer you to a specialist when a case calls for one.
Yes. Cleanings and exams are the backbone of general dentistry, but a general dentist also restores teeth with fillings and crowns, performs basic extractions, treats early gum disease, and offers cosmetic options like whitening.
A general dentist refers you to a specialist when a case needs focused expertise, such as advanced gum disease, complex oral surgery, or orthodontics. They coordinate your overall care and bring in specialists only when it benefits you.
Most patients should see a general dentist twice a year for an exam and cleaning. Patients at higher risk of cavities or gum disease may need visits more often. Your dentist will recommend the right schedule for you.
Yes. Our office is on Queens Blvd in Rego Park (11374) and we provide general dentistry for patients across Queens, including Forest Hills, Elmhurst, and Kew Gardens. Call (718) 897-3434 to schedule.
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