General Dentistry

Jul 13, 2013 | Cosmetic Dentistry, Dentistry General

General dentistry is defined by the American Dental Association (ADA) as “the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment (nonsurgical, surgical or related procedures) of diseases, disorders and/or conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and/or the adjacent and associated structures and their impact on the human body”. At Alkass Dental, Dr. Alexander Alkass aims to prevent as many dental disease, disorders, and conditions with his general dental care services. As such, preventative care is primarily practiced.

However, in cases where dental diseases, disorders, or conditions do develop, Alkass Dental is also well-equipped to handle a variety of general dental care services all aimed at restoring your teeth. Such restorative procedures can include: fillings, dental crowns and bridges, removable and partial dentures, dental implants, inlays and onlays, root canals, and porcelain fused to metal (PFM) restorations.

Did You Know?

Brushing your teeth twice daily is highly important to maintain your dental health. By not brushing your teeth twice a day, you increase your chances of developing dental decay by 30%. It is estimated that 25% of American adults currently do not brush their teeth twice a day.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

WHAT IS A GENERAL DENTIST?

A general dentist is a dentist who does not focus on an area of specialty (orthodontics, endodontics, maxillofacial surgeon, etc.) and instead provides a wide range of services to address a variety of dental concerns. A general dentist must hold a DDS (doctor of dental surgery) or a DMD (doctor of dental medicine) degree, although these degrees are the same in terms of their education.

DO I NEED GENERAL DENTAL SERVICES FROM ALKASS DENTAL?

Everyone can benefit from general dental services and it is recommended by the ADA to visit Alkass Dental at least twice a year for a dental checkup and teeth cleaning. Since the majority of general dentistry aims to prevent dental disease, disorders, or conditions from occurring, you should receive general dental care even if you believe you are in good dental health. Most dental issues don’t cause noticeable symptoms until they are in the advanced stages. Regular preventative services ensure that any dental issues can be identified and resolved before they have a chance to get worse. Additionally, if you are having any dental symptoms or problems, you will want to schedule an appointment.

WHAT GENERAL DENTAL SERVICES DOES ALKASS DENTAL OFFER?

Alkass Dental offers many preventative services such as dental exams, dental x-rays, dental sealants, and professional teeth cleaning. In addition, Alkass Dental also offers restorative dental care including fillings, dental crowns and bridges, partial and removable dentures, dental implants, inlays and onlays, root canals, and porcelain fused to metal (PFM) restorations. To receive preventive dental care or to inquire about which restorative treatment fits your individual dental needs, schedule a consultation with Dr. Alkass of Alkass Dental today!

IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO TO PREPARE FOR MY GENERAL DENTAL CARE APPOINTMENT AT ALKASS DENTAL?

Yes. To prepare for your appointment at Alkass Dental, you will want to carefully consider your dental health in the time approaching your appointment. Make a note of any changes you have noticed and any questions you may have about your oral health.

Additionally, if you are a new patient be sure to look up directions to our office ahead of time to avoid being late or flustered when arriving. You will also want to arrive about 10-15 minutes prior to your appointment to take care of any new patient paperwork before your appointment begins.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY GENERAL DENTAL APPOINTMENT AT ALKASS DENTAL?

During your general dental appointment at Alkass Dental, Dr. Alkass with start by performing an oral examination. He will examine your teeth, gums, and bite, and may gently probe at your teeth to test for sensitivity. He may also ask you questions about your dental habits or overall health. Dr. Alkass will ask you if you have any questions for him and take time to address your concerns.

Following your oral exam, dental x-rays will likely be taken. Dental x-rays only take a few minutes to complete and don’t cause any discomfort. During your dental x-rays, you may be asked to hold your cheeks away from your teeth with a special tool or bite down on a plastic disc. This is so Dr. Alkass can get a clear view of your underlying bony structures without the interference of excess soft tissue. Dental x-rays can be used to detect cavities that are just beginning to develop or cavities that are in non-visible places. They can also be used to evaluate your tooth roots and jaw bone, as well as your overall bite. Overall, dental x-rays are an important diagnostic tool for Dr. Alkass. Although some people have concerns about the radiation, dental x-rays use such a small amount of radiation that they are considered safe for children and adults.

Once your dental exam and dental x-rays are completed, the final part of your general dental care appointment is to have your teeth professionally cleaned. Your professional teeth cleaning will begin with one of dental hygienists gently scraping the plaque and tartar off your teeth with a scaler. A scaler is a specialized tool designed to remove excess tartar. While the majority of plaque can be removed with normal brushing, tartar has hardened on your tooth’s surface and can only be removed with a scaler. After the plaque and tartar has been removed, your teeth will be brushed with a gritty toothpaste and flossed to remove any additional debris. Then, they will be rinsed, treated with fluoride, and polished.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER MY GENERAL DENTAL APPOINTMENT WITH ALKASS DENTAL?

After your general dental appointment at Alkass Dental, you will need to schedule your next dental appointment. If you are simply continuing with preventative care, this appointment will be scheduled out six months. However, if you require restorative treatments, your appointment will likely be scheduled sooner.

Whether your next appointment is preventative or restorative care, you will want to make sure to practice good oral habits between your appointments. Good oral habits consist of brushing twice a day for at least two minutes at a time and flossing once a day. You will also want to avoid detrimental habits like using your mouth as an opener, smoking, tobacco products, and biting your nails. Finally, be sure to brush with an ADA approved fluoridated toothpaste and change your toothbrush every 3-4 months.

HOW MUCH DOES GENERAL DENTAL CARE COST?

Preventative dental care is the most affordable of all dental care. Also most dental insurance companies provide full coverage for preventative services. Restorative dental care can be more expensive and the cost of restorative care depends on the extent and type of treatment. To obtain a quote on your dental care, schedule a consultation with Dr. Alkass today!

For the best general dentistry has to offer, schedule a consultation with Dr. Alexander Alkass today! Alkass Dental proudly serves Oakland County and the communities of Waterford, Bloomfield, Keego Harbor, Pontiac, Sylvan Lake, and White Lake.

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