Teeth are one of those interesting parts of our bodies that experience wear and tear every day, regardless of how well we look after them. For this reason, you need the help of a dentist in Grande Prairie to keep your teeth and gums happy and healthy.
Your oral health directly affects your overall health. Strangely enough, your oral health is actually linked to many medical conditions, and many chronic medical conditions can have an impact on your oral health. That is why our team at Northern Dental Centre always inquires about your medical history.
Believe it or not, dentists play a larger role in your overall health than you may think. For this reason, seeking general dentistry near you is a necessity. Here’s why.
General Dentistry: The Basics
General dentistry covers a host of dental treatments that range from the typical dental cleaning and exam to root canal therapy. In essence, general dentistry aims to preserve your natural teeth and maintain your oral health for as long as possible.
What is a General Dentist?
A general dentist is your primary dental care provider. Our general dentist near you can provide dental services for the entire family.
To qualify as a general dentist, one must first complete an undergraduate degree before undergoing four additional years of study at a dental school. After that, they will need to complete a certain amount of hours of dental work under the supervision of a licensed dentist before they can complete their studies and become an official dentist.
What Services Does General Dentistry Include?
As you likely already know, general dentistry in Grande Prairie encompasses a wide variety of services, such as:
- Preventative services- these are dental treatments offered with the goal of helping you maintain optimal oral health by preventing the disease from developing in the first place. Routine dental checkups and cleanings fall under this category.
- Restorative services- if our dentist notices a problem, such as a tooth decay or a fractured tooth, they may offer restorative services. Examples include dental fillings, dental crowns, and gum disease treatment.
- Cosmetic services- general dentists also have the ability to help you get a shining and radiant smile. There are many cosmetic procedures that a general dentist can offer, such as dental veneers and teeth whitening.
- Overall health concerns- as mentioned earlier, your oral health can reflect the state of your overall health. Some dental problems have been known to affect other parts of the body and vice versa. For instance, gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. On the other hand, sores in the mouth have been linked to diabetes in the body. A general dentist can identify these issues and get you to the right medical professional so that they can be solved.
How Often Should You Visit a General Dentist?
Now that you know all the services involved in general dentistry, you may be wondering how often you really need to see a general dentist. Even if your teeth and gums appear to be healthy, you must visit a general dentist at least once every six months for a professional dental cleaning and checkup. This will ensure that your oral health remains in excellent shape for years to come.
If you would like to book an appointment with our experienced dental team, please do not hesitate to contact us at Northern Dental Centre.