3 Routine General Dentistry Services for Kids and Adults

Only half of all Australians have visited their dentist in the past year. This doesn’t sound too bad until you consider the fact that dentists around the world agree that we need routine dental checkups every six months!

Regular checkups with your dentist help protect and preserve your smile. You can catch dental issues as soon as they show up, which prevents them from escalating in severity. Dentists also provide unparalleled advice about looking after your teeth and keeping your family’s teeth healthy. 

So, which dental procedures are considered general dentistry services? And when will your dentist recommend each one? Let’s find out.

1. Filling of Dental Cavities 

Cavities are holes in the surface of your tooth. They are caused by plaque, a bacteria that breaks down your tooth enamel by producing acids after you eat. If left untreated, these small holes will grow wider and deeper. Eventually, the hole can reach the nerve inside your tooth, which is painful and requires a root canal to treat. Children’s teeth are especially prone to cavities because they have a thinner layer of enamel and their brushing habits and motor skills are not as refined as an adult. 

To repair cavities, dentists first clean the area thoroughly to make sure no bacteria remain on the tooth. They then use a composite resin material to seal the hole and restore the tooth to its original shape. Dentists use a composite resin that matches the colour of your teeth to make the filling as subtle as they can. 

2. Tooth Extractions  

Sometimes, a tooth is too damaged to save or restore. In these cases, dentists perform a tooth extraction to safely remove the damaged tooth. Removing the damaged tooth prevents further decay, reduces the chance of fractures, and eliminates any discomfort. 

Dentists may also recommend a tooth extraction if a tooth has compromised function or poor structural integrity. These pose a high infection risk, so dentists preemptively take care of the issue with an extraction. 

During extraction, dentists make use of pain management techniques to keep their patients comfortable and pain-free. Getting a tooth removed doesn’t need to be scary!

3. Thorough Teeth Cleaning

One of the best services that a family dentist provides is a thorough cleaning of your teeth. These are recommended once every 6 months. Even if you brush, floss, and use mouthwash every single day, there can be a long-term buildup of plaque, tartar, and bacteria in your mouth which cannot be removed by home hygiene methods. Dental cleaning removes this buildup to keep your teeth safe from cavities and decay. 

Sometimes, during a routine dental cleaning, your dentist may also recommend a scaling and rooting treatment. This is the deep clean of dental cleaning and addresses the areas of your teeth that sit behind your gum line. These areas are breeding grounds for bacteria and are prone to cavities. This cleaning protects against gum disease progressing into a severe type which means loss of bone surrounding the teeth, called periodontal disease. 

Look After Your General Dentistry Needs With The Bondi Dentists

Looking after your smile has never been easier. Here at The Bondi Dentists, we believe that good dental hygiene and adequate dental care are all you need to keep your teeth happy for years to come. 

Are you due for your next routine checkup? Visit us today for all your family dentistry services and general dentistry needs.