What is General Dentistry?
General dentistry is the branch of dentistry that focuses on the overall maintenance of your oral health. It involves preventing, diagnosing, and treating common dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. General dentists, like your general dentist in Honolulu, Dr. Nishime, are highly trained professionals who offer a broad range of dental services.
Your general dentist will also educate you on proper oral hygiene practices to help prevent future dental problems. General dentistry is essential for maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile and preventing serious oral health issues.
Benefits of General Dentistry Services
General dentistry services offer a range of benefits beyond just regular cleanings and exams. Here are some ways in which general dentistry can improve your oral health and overall well-being:
Prevents Dental Problems: General dentistry services include preventive measures such as regular checkups, cleanings, and oral cancer screenings. These procedures can help prevent dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay before they become serious.
Early Detection of Dental Problems: Regular dental checkups can help detect dental problems at an early stage before they become serious. General dentistry services often involve the use of diagnostic tools such as X-rays and digital imaging to help identify issues such as impacted teeth, jaw problems, and gum disease.
Saves Money: Treating dental problems at an early stage is less expensive than treating them at a later stage. By regularly visiting a general dentist, you can address dental issues before they become more complicated and require costly treatments such as root canals, extractions, or dental implants.
Improves Overall Health: Poor dental health is linked to several health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. General dentistry services can help maintain good oral health and improve overall health by reducing the risk of these and other health problems. Additionally, a healthy mouth and teeth can improve your quality of life by making it easier to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Our General Dentistry Services
At Advanced Restorative Dentistry, we provide a wide range of general dentistry services to our patients. Here are some of the services we offer:
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are types of dental restorations used to repair teeth that are damaged or decayed. They are custom-made to fit into the tooth and are usually made of porcelain or composite resin, which is colored to match the shade of the surrounding teeth. Inlays are used when the damage is confined to the center of the tooth, while onlays are used when the damage is more extensive and covers one or more of the tooth cusps.
Both inlays and onlays are considered a more conservative approach than dental crowns since they only replace the damaged or decayed portion of the tooth. They also offer a natural-looking and long-lasting solution for restoring the shape, strength, and function of the tooth. Inlays and onlays can be great options for patients who want to restore their teeth while maintaining the appearance of their natural smile.
Bridges
A dental bridge is a restoration used to replace missing teeth with a false tooth or teeth anchored by dental crowns on healthy teeth adjacent to the gap. They improve appearance, chewing, and speaking abilities while preventing surrounding teeth from shifting. With proper maintenance, bridges can last for years, providing a durable and long-lasting solution for missing teeth.
Complete and Partial Dentures
Complete and partial dentures are custom-made removable dental appliances that can replace missing teeth. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when only some of the teeth are missing.
Both types of dentures are made of a combination of acrylic and metal and can be held in place with suction or denture adhesive (complete dentures) or attached with metal clasps or precision attachments (partial dentures). Dentures can improve your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. They also help prevent the remaining teeth from shifting and can support facial muscles, which helps maintain your overall facial structure.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings, also known as composite fillings, are a popular choice for dental restorations. They’re made of a durable resin material that can be matched to the color of your natural teeth, making them virtually undetectable. Tooth-colored fillings are a great option for repairing small to medium-sized cavities, as well as for cosmetic improvements to the appearance of your smile.
Dental Prophylaxis
Dental prophylaxis, also known as teeth cleaning, is a routine dental procedure that removes plaque and tartar buildup from difficult-to-reach areas around your teeth and gums. It’s recommended every six months by dentists to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. The process involves specialized tools to clean and polish teeth, improving their appearance and reducing the risk of systemic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry offers a range of methods to help patients feel calm and relaxed during advanced restorative dental procedures. Nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation are all safe and effective options to help patients feel drowsy and comfortable during their appointments. In some cases, general anesthesia may also be used for more complex procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Regular dental checkups are essential to maintaining good oral health. Our dentist recommends scheduling a visit every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning.
Regular checkups can help catch any problems early, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of more serious issues down the line. However, the recommended frequency of checkups may vary depending on your individual dental health needs, so it’s best to consult with your dentist to determine the appropriate schedule for you.
Most dental insurance plans cover general dentistry services, such as checkups, cleanings, fillings, and extractions. However, the extent of coverage may vary depending on your insurance plan and specific dental needs. It’s always best to check with your insurance provider to confirm what services are covered and what out-of-pocket costs you may be responsible for.
Some insurance plans may also have restrictions on the frequency of certain services, so it’s important to be aware of any limitations in coverage. Your dentist’s office can also assist you in understanding your insurance benefits and coverage.
No, general dentistry services aren’t painful. Our team takes every precaution to ensure that our patients are comfortable and relaxed during their appointments. We use the latest dental technology and techniques to minimize discomfort and make your visit as pleasant as possible.
The duration of a general dentistry procedure depends on the type of procedure being performed. For example, a dental cleaning may take 30-60 minutes, while a root canal treatment may take one to two hours. Our team will provide you with an estimated timeframe for your procedure before beginning.
For Comprehensive General Dentistry, Call Your Honolulu Dentist Today!
At Advanced Restorative Dentistry, we’re committed to providing the highest quality general dentistry services to our patients in Honolulu and surrounding areas such as Kailua, O‘ahu, and Kapolei, HI. Our dental team, led by Dr. Nishime, ensures that each patient receives personalized care and attention. We use the latest dental technology and techniques to provide our patients with the best possible experience.
If you’re looking for a trusted general dentist in Honolulu, look no further than Advanced Restorative Dentistry. Call us today at (808) 732-0291 to schedule an appointment or click the button below to request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you achieve optimal dental health!