An Informative Guide to General Dentistry
General dentistry is the branch of dentistry that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of various oral conditions. General dentists are responsible for providing services such as dental cleanings, fillings, and extractions. They can also provide patients with advice on how to maintain good oral health at home through proper brushing techniques and diet choices.
One of the main services provided by general dentistry is preventive care. This includes examinations and cleanings, as well as dental sealants and fluoride treatments. General dentists can also diagnose and treat a wide variety of oral conditions, such as gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss.
General dentists can also provide a variety of restorative services such as fillings, crowns, and bridges, as well as cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening and veneers.
Family Dentistry
Family dentists provide many of the same services as general dentists, but they also offer additional services that are specific to the needs of children and adults. A general dentist may restrict his practice to individuals of a certain age group, whereas a family dentist will see patients of all ages.
Family dentists typically have a greater focus on preventive care, and they can provide guidance on how to keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime. They also perform a number of restorative and cosmetic procedures.
One of the main differences between family dentistry and general dentistry is that family dentists can provide dental care for children as well as adults, including pediatric services such as checkups, cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments, fillings, and extractions.
Who Needs a Family Dentist?
Anyone who has young children in their family should consider visiting a family dentist at least once each year. In addition to providing children with regular dental checkups, a family dentist can also educate parents on how to care for their child's teeth.
In fact, the Canadian Dental Association recommends that parents start bringing their children in as soon as they have all of their first baby teeth. This allows dentists and pediatricians alike to provide routine oral health care and identify any potential problems early on.
If you do not have young children in your family, but you would like to establish a relationship with a dentist, it is still a good idea to visit a family dentist at least once per year. This will allow the dentist to get to know your dental history and provide you with the best possible care.
If you're looking for family dentistry in the NW Calgary area, Sage Meadows Dental is a family dentist in Sage Hill that offers general dental care for your entire family. Call us today at 587-315-7118 to book an appointment with our qualified team.
Oral Exams and Cleanings
It's important to have a regular oral exam and cleaning schedule. Oral exams help identify any potential problems with your teeth, gums, or mouth tissues. Cleanings help remove plaque and tartar buildup, which can cause cavities and gum disease.
An oral exam generally involves a visual inspection of all the teeth, gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth. The dentist will also feel around the jawbone and gums to check for any abnormalities. X-rays may also be taken to get a closer look at the teeth, jawbone, and gums. The oral exam may also involve checking for oral cancer or diabetes complications if oral health is suspected to be deteriorating due to other medical conditions.
An oral cleaning usually involves scraping away plaque buildup with dental instruments called scalers. These are specialized tools that have pointed ends used to clean under the gum line and between the teeth. Cavities can also be filled with a dental material called composite resin. This is a tooth-colored plastic that is put into the cavity, shaped, and hardened with a curing light.
A schedule for your dental exams and cleanings can be determined with the help of your dentist. Generally, adults should have an exam every six months. However, if you are at a higher risk for oral health problems (due to factors such as gum disease, smoking, or diabetes), then your dentist may recommend more frequent exams.
Cleanings can be done every three to six months, depending on how well you brush and floss at home.
If it has been more than six months since your last exam and cleaning, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Healthy teeth are the foundation of a healthy smile!
If you're looking for oral exams and cleanings in NW Calgary, Dr.Christina Coakwell and her team would be happy to assist you. Fill out the contact form or call us at 587-315-7118 to book an appointment.
Digital Dental X-Rays
Digital dental x-rays are images of the teeth and jawbone that are taken using a digital sensor instead of traditional film. They provide a high-resolution image that can be easily enlarged and enhanced, making it easier to diagnose problems.
Another advantage of digital dental x-rays is that they are more environmentally friendly. Traditional film x-rays require chemicals to develop the images, whereas digital x-rays use lasers to create the images. This means that there is less waste and no harmful chemicals emitted into the environment.
Digital dental x-rays are more cost-effective than traditional film x-rays. They can be stored on a computer or disk, which means that they can be easily transferred between dental offices. Traditional film x-rays can be costly to store and transfer, which is why digital versions are preferred by many dentists.
Why are digital dental x-rays important?
-
Digital dental x-rays are more sensitive than traditional film x-rays, meaning they can detect smaller problems early on.
-
Digital images can be stored and shared electronically, making it easy to get a second opinion or consult with other dentists.
-
Digital x-rays emit up to 90% less radiation than traditional x-rays, making them safer for both the patient and the dentist.
If you’re looking for digital dental x-rays in the NW Calgary area, please call our office to schedule an appointment. We offer dental x-rays at our Sage Hill location. Contact us today if you have any questions about dental x-rays or to book an appointment.
Oral Cancer Screening
The oral cancer screening process is an important part of maintaining good oral health. When it comes to oral cancer screening, the earlier you detect an abnormality or a tumor, the greater your chances of successfully treating it.
The screening process is typically quick and painless. The dentist will examine the inside of your mouth for any abnormalities, such as lumps or lesions. If any are found, the dentist may take a biopsy to determine if they are cancerous.
There are several things that can increase your risk of oral cancer, including:
-
Smoking or using tobacco products
-
Excessive alcohol consumption
-
Exposure to the sun without sunscreen
-
Poor oral hygiene
If you experience any of the following symptoms, please see a dentist as soon as possible for oral cancer screening:
-
A lump or lesion in your mouth that bleeds, is tender to the touch, changes colour or shape.
-
A sore on your lip or oral cavity that lasts longer than two weeks and doesn't heal with treatment.
-
Difficulty chewing food.
-
Discomfort while talking, eating, drinking, brushing teeth, or other daily activities due to oral abnormalities such as lesions or ulcers.
-
A change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth.
-
​Swelling on one side of your neck.
If you are looking for a dental practice that provides oral cancer screening in NW Calgary, contact us today! We offer quick and painless oral cancer screenings that can help identify any abnormalities or cancers at an early stage.