General dentistry involves services that focus on preventive maintenance. These services help prevent tooth decay or other diseases of the teeth, mouth, gums, and tongue, including cleanings and routine examinations.

If preventive measures aren’t enough, general dentists will resort to restorative dental care — restorative services fix damage caused by tooth decay, trauma, or other oral diseases.

Examples of restorations include crowns and root canal treatments.

Restorative Services

When a problem is detected, your dentist will ensure you get quick and appropriate remedy. Probably the most common and effective dental restoration involves removing tooth decay and placing a filling in the treated tooth. General dentists also offer a place to go when you need immediate treatment for dental trauma—for example, a broken, loosened, or knocked-out tooth.

General dentists can determine and treat the causes of tooth pain or gum disease. They may also offer services for missing teeth, place crowns or bridges, and help you get fitted with partial or complete dentures. Some provide more advanced treatments, such as root canal treatment, orthodontics, and dental implants, as well.

Overall Health Concerns

Your oral health can be seen as a mirror of your overall health. Many dental problems can reflect issues in other parts of your body and vice versa.

For example, ignored oral infections can lead to poor control of diabetes, an increased occurrence of cardiovascular disease, and problems during pregnancy. General dentists are educated to identify these and other issues and offer appropriate treatment or referral as needed.

One special concern is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), a potentially deadly condition that can sometimes be addressed with an oral appliance. General dentists can also offer health and diet counselling, advice on tobacco cessation and general health and wellness information.