When you experience tooth pain or discomfort, it’s easy to know that it’s time to see a dentist. But you shouldn’t just visit the dentist when there’s a problem. Routine dental care and cleanings are crucial to maintaining your oral health. Having a general dentist in Fayetteville, AR, can often help reduce the chances of developing certain dental conditions, such as decay. If you aren’t seeing a dentist regularly, you could be putting your teeth, gums, and jaw at risk.
What a General Dentist in Fayetteville, AR, Does
Many dentists, like doctors, will specialize in certain fields of dentistry. Endodontists, for example, deal with the inner pulp of your tooth. If you need a root canal, your dentist will likely refer you to an endodontist. However, not all dentists specialize in just one area. A general dentist works much the same way as a general practitioner for medicine. They are skilled at maintaining your oral health and catching the early warning signs of a problem.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene
While brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day is a great way to remove plaque buildup, it’s nearly impossible to remove all plaque on your own. Over time, plaque can start to produce harmful acids that weaken your enamel and often lead to decay and cavities. When you visit your general dentist for a routine hygiene appointment, they can often help remove plaque buildup to prevent further damage. Most patients need to see their dentist about every six months to help keep their oral health high. However, your dentist may suggest a three or four-month schedule instead, depending on your oral hygiene history.
Identifying Potential Problems
With any dental condition, the sooner you identify the problem and treat it, the better. Issues such as decay can continue to spread and worsen as time goes on. If you can catch the problem early enough, most conditions can be treated with minimally invasive procedures. If you wait too long, however, you may need more extensive treatment.
When you go in for your routine cleaning, your dentist will likely also examine your mouth. This often includes a visual examination as well as X-Rays. Your dentist is trained to identify early warning signs of damage, decay, or other problems. In many cases, your dentist can catch dental conditions before they develop into serious problems.
Referrals
In many instances, your dentist will likely be able to provide the treatment you need to maintain your oral health. However, there are some times when you might need the help of a specialist. Your dentist will know exactly who to refer you to for further diagnosis and treatment.
If you don’t have a general dentist, you could be opening yourself up to serious dental problems. At Greenway Dental Care, we provide high-quality preventative dental services to help keep your oral health high. Call us today at (479) 217-3178 to set up your initial exam and see why general dentistry is so important.