General Dentistry in Albuquerque, NM

General dentistry is basic dental care that helps prevent cavities and other dental issues, as well as diagnose and treat more serious issues such as periodontal disease or a tooth abscess. It is a category of dental care that focuses on the overall health of your teeth. It encompasses a wide array of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic services to keep your teeth healthy and prevent dental problems.

What Is General Dentistry?

General dentistry is basic dental care that helps prevent cavities and other dental issues, as well as diagnose and treat more serious issues such as periodontal disease or a tooth abscess. 

What to Expect at a General Dentistry Appointment

If you have never been to the dentist before, you may be a bit worried about what will happen on your first visit. Rest assured that you will be provided with excellent care at your dentist’s office. Our dentist will answer any questions you may have, and he will go over your medical history with you as well. If you present any concerns, they can be addressed right away. Then, our dentist will perform a quick examination of your teeth to check for any decay, damage, or plaque buildup. He will then clean your teeth for you so that your smile is fresh and clean before you leave the office. 

Common General Dentistry Procedures

Some of these procedures include the following:

• Dental Exams and Cleanings

Dental cleanings are one of the most important parts of your regular dental care routine. A thorough cleaning removes plaque and tartar from your teeth, which can help prevent cavities and gum disease. During your cleaning, the hygienist will use special tools to remove both plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth. In some cases, the hygienist will first apply a special gel to your teeth to loosen up the plaque. Once the plaque is loose, the hygienist may use handheld tools that scrape along the surface of your teeth. These will remove any leftover plaque and restore the health of your gums. Some dentists use ultrasonic scalers as well, which are a type of tool that vibrates and loosens things up more quickly. The dentist in Albuquerque, NM may also recommend an antimicrobial mouth rinse to help you maintain good oral hygiene at home.

In addition to removing bacteria from the teeth, a thorough dental cleaning also improves the health of the gum tissue. If you have periodontitis, also known as gum disease, deep cleaning may be the only treatment you need to restore your oral health. You should consider scheduling a professional dental cleaning every six months, or more frequently if you have a history of periodontal disease or poor oral hygiene habits. This frequency allows you to remove plaque and tartar buildup from places your toothbrush won’t reach, so you can enjoy a clean and healthy smile.

• Fillings

If you have a cavity, your general dentist can fill it to restore your tooth to health. Traditional fillings can be made with metal amalgam or composite resin materials. These materials are matched to the color of your teeth, making them virtually invisible in the mouth. Your dentist can also replace old metal fillings with tooth-colored fillings for a more natural appearance.

• Crowns

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped covering that fits over a tooth, helping to restore its shape and strength. When decay in a tooth has progressed to a point where fillings cannot restore the tooth and the tooth is at risk of breaking or bending, a crown may be recommended. The crown itself is made from a strong material such as ceramic that is fabricated to look just like your natural tooth. Your dentist will prepare your tooth for the crown by removing a layer of enamel from the sides and top to make space for the new restoration. Then they will take a mold of your tooth to be the basis for creating a customized crown that will fit securely over your remaining tooth structure. Once the permanent version is ready, the dentist will attach it to your tooth with a permanent adhesive, ensuring that it stays in place for years to come!

• Bridges

A bridge is a fixed prosthesis that replaces missing teeth. The bridge is cemented to natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space. Bridges are either removable or fixed, with the latter being the most common. Dental crowns function as abutment teeth between which the bridging prosthetic tooth or teeth are secured. These abutment teeth cover the teeth on either side of the gap and support the replacement tooth between them. Bridges are made in a dental lab from impressions of a patient’s remaining teeth and gums to ensure a good fit and appearance. The dentist will first check over the models made by the lab to ensure that the bridge will be functional before it is secured via the abutment teeth.

• Dentures

If you have lost all of your natural teeth, dentures may be a good option for you. Removable partial and full dentures can replace missing teeth, both aesthetically and functionally. While they are removable, dentures are designed to fit comfortably in place and make eating and speaking easier. They are crafted to look natural and fit snugly against the gums to help reduce irritation.

Benefits of General Dentistry

Visiting a general dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning is important for your overall health. These regular appointments allow your dentist to look for signs of tooth decay and gum disease. Early treatment can prevent the symptoms from progressing, which would result in the need for more invasive treatments. A general checkup can also reduce your risk of developing more serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes. Regular cleanings and checkups can also help to improve the appearance of your smile by enhancing the color and evenness of your teeth. Finally, a general dentist can treat small issues like cavities, broken or chipped teeth, minor discolorations, and misaligned teeth. 

To learn more about the general dentistry procedures offered by Osuna Dental Care, call us at (505) 884-1989 or visit our dental office located at 5900 Cubero Dr NE suite B, Albuquerque, NM 87109.