General Family Dentistry Waco Dental
The American Dental Association defines general dentistry as “the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of diseases, disorders, and/or conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area, and/or the adjacent and associated structures and their impact on the oral body. In simpler terms, this means that general dentists are responsible for maintaining or restoring your oral health. They do this by providing both preventative and restorative services.
Did You Know?
In addition to preventative and restorative dental treatments, general dentists can also provide cosmetic dental treatments that improve the overall look of your smile. These include veneers and teeth whitening procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need general dentistry?
Yes! Everyone from the age of 6 months to 120 needs general dentistry. In fact, the American Dental Association recommends visiting your local dental office at least once every six months for a dental exam and teeth cleaning. These are two common general dental services that help to preserve your oral health and prevent dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease. How long has it been since your last dental exam? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Martin today.
What can I expect when receiving general dental services from my Waco dental office?
All dental services will begin with a dental exam. If this is your first visit, dental x-rays will also be taken to evaluate the underlying bone structure. During a dental exam, Dr. Martin will examine your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, damage, or gum disease. If this is your first visit, they will also ask you about your medical and family history, as well as any current medications you are taking. Finally, they will review your dental x-rays and answer any questions you may have.
After your dental exam, you can expect to have your teeth professionally cleaned by a dental hygienist. During a teeth cleaning, plaque and tartar will be removed from the entire surface of your teeth with a dental scaler. Some dental scalers gently scrape the plaque off your teeth, while others use a thin stream of water. After the scaler, your teeth will be brushed, flossed, and rinsed to remove any debris. Once they are clean, a fluoride polish will be applied to the surface of the teeth.
If any dental issues were identified during your exam, you may either receive restorative treatment that same day or at a later date. In cases where restorative treatment is needed, Dr. Martin will discuss the procedure so you know exactly what to expect.
What types of services can my general dentist provide?
Dr. Martin can perform preventative treatments such as: dental exams, teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants. He also offers restorative treatments such as: crowns & bridges, dentures, dental implants, fillings, inlays & onlays, and root canals. Finally, he also offers cosmetic treatments like veneers and teeth whitening.
