General dentists, including our Los Gatos dentist, offer all types of dental maintenance to restore oral health when an issue arises.
We also treat patients of all ages in our dental office, including children.
What Does General Dentistry Include?
Preventive dentistry is about preventing oral health conditions through:
- Checkups
- Teeth cleanings
- X-rays
- Fluoride treatments
- Dental sealants
But general dentistry is all about maintenance and restoring oral health. Examples of oral health treatments include:
- Tooth-colored fillings
- Root canal therapy
- Tooth replacement
- Tooth extractions
- Tooth restorations
- TMJ and bruxism treatment
- Periodontal treatment
5 Common General Dentistry Treatments
#1 Cavity Treatment in Los Gatos
Treating tooth decay is probably the most common general dentistry procedure out there. Cavities affect patients of all ages and require intervention from a qualified dentist.
Cavity treatment involves numbing the decayed tooth, removing the cavity, and sealing the tooth with an aesthetic restoration called a tooth-colored filling.
#2 TMJ and Bruxism Therapy
TMJ is the joint that connects your lower jaw to your lower face. When this joint does not function properly, it is often referred to as TMD or TMJ. In some cases, TMJ is linked to bruxism—grinding and clenching your teeth.
#3 Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry means restoring your teeth. It can be a tooth-colored filling used to treat a cavity, for example, or a dental crown to cap a treated or weak tooth to prevent further damage.
#4 Tooth Replacement
Missing teeth impact your self-esteem and your oral health. Fortunately, your dentist offers tooth replacement options to complete your smile.
Tooth replacement options include:
- A dental bridge—A restoring tooth secured to healthy teeth with dental crowns
- Dental implant—A replacement tooth root used to anchor a dental crown or an implant-retained restoration like a denture
- Dentures and partials—Removable prosthetics that stand in for various levels of tooth loss.
#5 Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal treatment saves your teeth and prevents the spread of periodontal infections and inflammation to other areas. Treatment is designed to keep periodontitis contained and reduce gum infections and inflammation.
Contact Your General Dentist in Los Gatos
For more information about general dentistry or the treatments we offer, give us a call. And always reach out if it is time for your next checkup and teeth cleaning.