If you’re like many people, you see your dentist more than any other oral health care provider. That’s why it’s so important to find a Pompano Beach general dentist that you trust. They help you prevent dental problems and treat them before they become major issues. Dentists also keep you looking good. Your smile is usually the first thing people notice when they meet you. Regular visits to a general dentist ensure you’re always presenting the best version of yourself.
What Does a Pompano Beach General Dentist Do?
It’s a common misconception that all dentists are the same. In fact, the field is broad. Close to 150,000 dentists currently practice in North America. Some of them are specialists. A specialist focuses on one aspect of dentistry, such as implants or orthodontics. But four out of five practicing dentists are general dentists. General dentists provide a broad array of services. They take X-rays, clean your teeth, and examine you for cavities or tooth decay. If they find problems that are beyond their scope to treat, they can refer you to a specialist.Seeing your Pompano Beach general dentist keeps dental problems to a minimum. Here are some services your dentist can offer you:
Preventative Care
The easiest way to prevent dental problems is to stop them before they start. The sooner you get rid of tooth decay or fill a cavity, the less likely you’ll end up with a major dental issue, such as lost teeth. This represents a big part of a general dentist’s job. They examine your teeth for minor issues and fix them before they become major issues.A Pompano Beach general dentist visit features several types of preventative care. The first is the dental exam, with early detection as the goal. You’ll also receive a cleaning, usually by a licensed hygienist. The cleaning goes beyond the brushing and flossing you should be doing on your own. The hygienist removes embedded plaque and tartar before they cause your teeth to rot.Every so often, the dentist will want to X-ray your teeth. X-rays help dentists spot hidden problems they can’t see with the naked eye. You may also elect to have a fluoride treatment. Many dentists believe fluoride prevents tooth decay by making teeth more resistant to acid and bacteria.
Restorative Care
Remember as a kid when the dentist would give you a “no cavities” sticker after your visit? It still feels good to leave the dentist knowing your teeth are in top shape. Occasionally, however, a problem needs addressing. Your Pompano Beach general dentist can help.The most common dental problem is a simple cavity or tooth decay. A general dentist can take care of these issues quickly by removing the decay and filling the cavity. Perhaps you had an accident and knocked a tooth loose, or you woke up with unexplained tooth or gum pain. Your dentist can help with that, as well.Your Pompano Beach general dentist can also treat more serious issues. Maybe your tooth is too decayed for a filling to suffice. The dentist can perform a root canal or have a crown made. Also, general dentists can diagnose and treat certain types of tooth and gum disease.
Cosmetic Care
For many people, looking their best provides most of their motivation to go to the dentist. In today’s image-conscious, social media culture, having a winning smile is important. Your Pompano Beach general dentist can make your smile whiter and brighter.
Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dentist service. It has come a long way, too. The latest technology can get your teeth up to eight shades whiter in a one-hour visit. If you’d rather do it on your own, a general dentist can offer whitening trays to use at home. These trays are much more effective than the ones you can buy at the drugstore.If you have a discolored or chipped tooth, one way to improve its appearance is with cosmetic bonding. The dentist applies resin to the tooth and then cures it with blue light. This gives it a natural look and lessens the appearance of the imperfection.
General Health
You might think your dental health is a matter of appearance. But really, it’s a reflection of your overall oral health. You can tell a lot about someone’s oral health by looking at their teeth. Poor dental health suggests other issues going on inside the body.Moreover, if you let dental problems fester, they can turn into bigger oral health issues. Certain oral issues, for instance, can worsen diabetes and contribute to cardiovascular disease.
Obstructive sleep apnea, a dangerous condition that causes you to stop breathing while asleep, counts as an oral disease. A Pompano Beach general dentist can often detect and treat it.General dentists do more than clean your teeth. They stop dental problems before they start, and they can even prevent you from developing serious medical issues. Don’t neglect your dental health. Make an appointment with a dentist in Pompano Beach today.
