Most people view general dentists as the primary dental caretakers. Besides, these specialists specialize in general dentistry, meaning that they can treat and manage all kinds of oral health problems. That said, you can always consult a general dentist whenever you have a dental problem. Their experience, knowledge, and skills allow them to perform most, if not all, dental procedures. Here is a breakdown of things a general dentist can do for you.

Restorative Procedures

If you have a dental problem that has ruined the structure and functionality of your teeth, you should consider visiting a general dentist. These professionals have unmatched knowledge when it comes to restorative dentistry. So, if you need your damaged oral structures restored or repaired, a general dentist may be the right professional for the job. Below are a couple of restorative dentistry procedures they can do for you.

• Dental Implants: This is a procedure that involves replacing damaged teeth with implanted artificial teeth.
• Filling: This dental procedure helps repair a tooth that has cavities and decay. The dentist will use composite or amalgam fillings to repair the cavities.
• Dental Crowns: Decay and damages that are irreparable via filling can be repaired with the help of dental crowns (caps that take the shape of your teeth).
• Bonding: If your tooth has a broken or missing part, the dentist can recreate and bond it to the remaining tooth.

Prevention and Early Detection

General dentistry is not all about treatment, it also covers prevention. Visiting a general dentist often allows for preventative care. The dentist can help prevent dental problems by getting rid of plaque buildup thoroughly. Besides, they will offer fluoride treatments that should prevent tooth decay. 

Apart from preventative oral care, a general dentist can spot the early stages of various dental problems. They will conduct x-rays and various procedures to examine whether your teeth and gums are infected. This way, it will be easy to treat dental problems and reverse early decay.

Teeth Whitening

Discolored teeth can hurt your self-confidence. Surprisingly, many people struggle to restore their teeth using OTC teeth whitening products instead of visiting a general dentist. For your information, these professionals are pretty good at cosmetic procedures, meaning they can help whiten your teeth. They have got the necessary tools and products to remove stubborn stains from your teeth. So, if you have been holding back that smile due to stained teeth, it's time to get a teeth whitening procedure.