General Dentistry Services Livermore, CA
A general dentist can perform most dental services. General dentistry includes preventative treatment and the diagnosis of many issues affecting the teeth and gums. Regular visits to a general dentist help prevent the development of serious dental problems.
General dentistry is available at Livermore Dental Spa in Livermore and the surrounding area. Our staff is ready to provide the necessary preventative care for your entire family. Call us at (925) 344-3993 to schedule an appointment.
What to Expect from the Dentist
A general dentist should be thought of as a primary care dental provider focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and overall oral health care needs of the patient. This can include fillings, gum care, and even preventative education. Livermore Dental Spa will work with each patient to develop a customized dental hygiene plan.
A dentist also plays a role in a patient's overall health. Our staff will take a complete health history, including any medications they are taking, and discuss how they can affect oral health. For instance, diabetes is known to increase gum disease risk, while medicines contributing to dry mouth can increase tooth decay risk. Symptoms of other diseases can also show up in the mouth first.
Patients can also expect to discuss diet and oral hygiene habits. Other lifestyle habits, such as tobacco use, are necessary to disclose as well. It is essential to be upfront about any activities that can adversely affect oral health.
“A general dentist should be thought of as a primary care dental provider focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and overall oral health care needs of the patient.”
Get Regular Checkups
Routine dental cleanings should be a part of everyone's life. While the most common recommendation is a visit every six months, The American Dental Association says the dentist should determine the number of visits needed for each individual. General dentistry visits help maintain good oral health by giving our staff a chance to stop the disease before it gets worse.
A typical routine checkup includes a thorough cleaning and polishing to remove any buildup of plaque and tartar on the surfaces of the teeth and along the gum line. New patient appointments and visits after a few years typically require X-rays as well. After the cleaning, Livermore Dental Spa will do a comprehensive exam, carefully checking all the teeth and any areas of concern. Afterward, we will discuss the results of the checkup and schedule a follow-up visit if needed.
“Routine dental cleanings should be a part of everyone’s life.”
General Services
Dentists may provide a range of general services, such as bad breath treatments, dental sealants, fluoride treatments, and dental fillings. Bad breath treatment may include special mouth rinses and toothpaste to kill an excess of bacterial plaque. Dental sealants are thin plastic coverings that bond to teeth to protect the premolars and molars from debris and bacteria to prevent cavities.
Fluoride treatments involve applying a concentrated fluoride solution to the tooth enamel to strengthen it and stop cavities. It may come in the form of a rinse, gel, varnish, or foam. Dental fillings are one of the most common dental procedures. This service involves removing the decayed, cracked, or worn down portion of the tooth and filling it to restore its form and function.
“Dentists may provide a range of general services, such as bad breath treatments, dental sealants, fluoride treatments, and dental fillings.”
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Additional Treatments
General dentistry also offers additional treatments and screenings to treat more serious oral health issues such as broken teeth and gum disease. Patients should call the office as soon as they experience any dental pain or discomfort. The longer a patient waits, the more significant a problem can become.
A dental crown can protect weak and cracked teeth. A dental crown consists of a cap placed over the tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. This procedure can also restore a tooth that is broken or worn down or support a tooth with a large filling.
Root canals are used to repair and save a tooth that is damaged or badly infected. Livermore Dental Spa will remove any decay and address the diseased portion of the tooth's pulp. The inside of the tooth is then cleaned, and the area is filled and sealed.
Gum disease, like gingivitis, can cause severe infection when left untreated. One option is deep cleaning. This involves scraping off the tartar both above and below the gum line, as well as root planning, which helps the gums reattach to the tooth. Livermore Dental Spa may also prescribe medications to help control bacteria.
We also offer oral cancer screenings. This is typically done during a routine visit and helps to identify concerns early. If needed, we may perform additional tests to identify areas of abnormal cells in the mouth.
“General dentistry also offers additional treatments and screenings to treat more serious oral health issues such as broken teeth and gum disease.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What can I expect from the dentist?
Q. How often do I need to visit the dentist?
Q. What additional treatments are available at a general dentist?
Q. What services are offered by a general dentist?
Q. What might I learn from my general dentist?
People Also Ask
Q. What is involved in the dental cleaning portion of a checkup?
Q. How can someone find out what procedures their dental insurance covers?
Q. Why do I need my wisdom teeth or other teeth removed?
Dental Education From a Dentist
While treatments and services are important, dentists also provide vital patient education to keep mouths healthy between appointments. Dentists can offer information on nutrition and general health and wellness education. Education plays a significant role in oral health since patients only receive check-ups a few times each year.
Patients can develop greater trust with their dentist and learn how to take care of their teeth in between office visits. Providing dental education is equally as important as other aspects of their dentistry since proper dental knowledge is essential for patients who want to maintain good oral health. Since every patient is unique, our team focuses on their individual needs to share relevant information about proper prevention and maintenance.
“Dentists can offer information on nutrition and general health and wellness education.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is preventative dental care?
A. Preventative dental care helps patients prevent oral diseases and maintain good oral health throughout their lives. It includes patients' actions and professional services and procedures. This kind of dental care can reduce the risk of developing more complex and severe oral health conditions.
Q. How long do dental sealants last?
A. Dental sealants are not a permanent solution to preventing cavities. Sealants will gradually wear away over time due to natural wear and tear. Patients will usually need to replace their sealants after five years, but in some cases, they can last for up to 10.
Q. What is plaque?
A. Plaque is a sticky film that constantly builds up on teeth. It consists of bacteria and can harden into tartar that is difficult to remove. Patients with too much plaque can have tooth damage, leading to decay and even tooth loss.
Q. What is tooth pulp?
A. The tooth pulp is the innermost layer of the tooth. It contains the nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes damaged, we must remove it to prevent the infection from spreading.
Q. What happens if I do not get treatment for gum disease?
A. In mild cases of gum disease, people will experience red and swollen gum tissue. The swelling can make smiles appear less attractive and make brushing painful. When later stages of gum disease are left untreated, it can result in jaw damage and even tooth loss.
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Dental Terminology
Learn More About General Dentistry Services
General dentistry can not only help maintain oral health but also addresses many common concerns. Let Livermore Dental Spa in Livermore tell you more about improving your smile. Give us a call at 925-344-3993.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business, license, and website security
- Livermore Dental Spa was established in 2023.
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- We serve patients from the following cities: Livermore, Alameda, Pleasanton, Dublin, Ulmar, Tracy, San Ramon, Danville, Mountain House and Castro Valley
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