Responsibilities of a General Dentist
If you’re looking for a family dental care clinic in Houston, TX, you want to choose a good general dentist. General dentists are the leading providers of dental care to people of all ages.
These professionals play a role much like one played by primary care physicians. Just as your family doctor provides for the general, overall care of their patients, general dentists cares for the overall dental needs of their patients.
What to Expect
At a family dental center in Houston, TX, a dentist will typically conduct regular dental and oral health exams and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. They educate patients on the importance of good oral health habits and provide care in a timely manner.
A general dentist cleans, repairs, or removes teeth when necessary. They can administer anesthesia when needed for a procedure and make referrals to specialists.
Some professionals in general dentistry in Houston, TX, are also responsible for office management and may have additional duties such as recruiting, training and managing staff, assuring the proper maintenance of dental records, maintaining appropriate equipment and inventories, and managing budgets.
Prevention Focus
At a family dental center in Houston, TX, the focus is on prevention. Regular dental exams, including x-rays and professional teeth cleanings, provide the foundation needed to maintain good oral health. Your dentist may teach you ways to improve oral hygiene at home and, if needed, will recommend treatments such as sealants.
Restorative Services
The most common dental procedures involve eliminating tooth decay, but restorative services may also include treatments for broken or loose teeth, tooth pain, and gum disease. Procedures include crowns, bridgework, root canals, dentures, and treatments for missing teeth.
Cosmetic Dentistry
General dentists provide a wide range of cosmetic procedures including teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding, and porcelain veneers. A smile makeover can be a life-changing event.
Overall Health
Dental health is more important than most people realize. Few people realize there’s a connection between oral health and overall health, but a good dental exam can reveal other health issues.
Endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of your heart that occurs when bacteria from another part of your body, such as your mouth, spreads through the bloodstream and attaches to the heart. Research indicates that heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke might be linked to inflammation and infection caused by oral bacteria.
Gum disease is more frequent among people with diabetes and makes it harder to control blood sugar levels. Regular periodontal care can improve diabetes control.
General dentists are trained to identify certain health problems and offer appropriate treatment or referral to a specialist. Dentists can offer nutritional counseling, advice on tobacco cessation, and provide wellness information.
See a Dentist Regularly
Plan to visit a dentist regularly for preventative services or whenever you have an oral health concern. Depending on individual circumstances, your dentist may want to see you twice a year, every three months, or at some other interval.
Choosing a family dentist in Houston, TX, is important. Follow a regular schedule of preventive treatment and establish good oral hygiene practices at home. Regular brushing and flossing, and eating a balanced, healthy diet are important to maintaining good health.