Major Dental Treatments in General Dentistry

General dentistry is the foundation of your oral health. It is actually referred to as preventative dentistry. General dentistry includes routine cleanings, dental exams, and x-rays. It also focuses on oral hygiene education and good nutrition. General dentistry helps to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.

Listed below are major dental treatments provided under general dentistry. 

Fillings

If your dentist in Murfreesboro TN recommends a filling, it’s usually because your tooth has become decayed or is cracked. The dentist will remove the decay in your tooth and replace the damaged area with the filling material. Fillings can also be used to repair teeth that have worn away.

Metal fillings were once a popular choice for fillings, but advances in technology have led to composite resin fillings. Composite resin is the same color as the teeth, making it unnoticeable. Dr. Smith places fillings that complement the patient’s smile, making it look natural.

Crowns and Bridges

Crowns and bridges are prosthetics that cover a damaged tooth or fill a gap between two teeth. They are cemented onto the teeth and may last for many years with proper care. A dental crowns In Murfreesboro, TN may be recommended if your tooth has been cracked or chipped. A bridge may be recommended if your tooth is missing. 

Dentures

Dental prosthetics like dentures are used to replace missing teeth. They consist of artificial teeth set into a gum-colored base. Dentures can be full or partial. Full dentures are used to replace an entire row of missing teeth, while partial dentures are used to replace missing teeth when other teeth still remain.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a popular treatment to replace lost teeth, since they’re the only treatment option that restores both the tooth and root. The implant post is surgically implanted into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone and becomes a natural part of the mouth. Once the implant heals, restorations such as crowns or a bridge can be fixed to the post. They’re also strong and durable, capable of lasting many years. Call us to learn more.

Root Canals

Root canals are one of the most common treatments in general dentistry. They involve cleaning out the inner area of the tooth and removing the infected pulp. The pulp is the soft area on the inside of the tooth. This pulp contains the nerves and blood vessels.

The pulp can become inflamed or infected due to tooth decay. This can be caused by a number of factors including not brushing and flossing the teeth properly, allowing teeth to decay and bacteria to build up. If left untreated, the tooth can become so inflamed that an abscess may form.

These are just a few examples of major dental treatments available in general dentistry. Your dentist in 37129 will assess your oral health needs and recommend the most appropriate treatments to help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile. Regular dental visits are essential for early detection and treatment of dental issues and for maintaining optimal oral health.

To learn more about general dentistry, call Stonegate Family Dentistry at (615) 624-6919 to book an appointment. You can also visit us at 206 A N Thompson Lane, Murfreesboro, TN 37129.