What Happens During a Visit With a General Dentist?

Understanding what happens during a general dentist visit allows patients to know what to expect. They are then more likely to undergo any necessary treatment that they need for good oral health. Knowing what to expect also helps those who experience dental anxiety.

About general dentists

Wondering if a general dentist in Gainesville can provide you with the primary dental care services that are necessary for good oral health? Many people choose to look for a local dentist in or near their city, as this makes it convenient for them to undergo any necessary dental treatment. Common dental procedures that general dentists perform include placing dental fillings, dental crowns and dental bridges, as well as dental cleanings, tooth extractions and root canals. General dentists also offer cosmetic services, including braces and teeth whitening treatments.

What patients can expect when visiting a general dentist

The list below includes three common treatments that general dentists perform, along with what happens during the appointments.

What happens when dental fillings are placed

Patients with cavities need to get dental fillings, as otherwise, the decay will continue and eventually destroy the tooth. Placing dental fillings requires a general dentist to first clean away all the decay using special dental tools. Next, they will use one of the different types of dental filling materials to fill in the treated area, making the tooth strong once again. The entire placement process does not take long to perform, and patients will first be numbed before the procedure so they do not feel anything.

What happens during a dental cleaning

Dental cleanings are necessary procedures that every dental patient needs to undergo in order to avoid gum disease. When it comes to how often patients need to have their teeth professionally cleaned, some patients will need to go every three months, some every six months, some every nine months and some every 12 months. The dental cleaning procedure requires dentists to use special dental tools in order to carefully scrape off any plaque on the patient's teeth.

What happens during a tooth extraction

Common reasons that a dental patient would be in need of tooth extraction services are because they have a tooth that has excessive decay or an infection or because they are experiencing tooth crowding. Patients who need to have one or more teeth extracted will first be numbed so they do not feel anything during the extraction process. The dentist will then use a special tool to loosen the tooth, and once the tooth is loose enough, it will be extracted from the mouth. Once a patient undergoes a tooth extraction, they will need to choose a tooth replacement option because a healthy mouth has a full set of teeth.

Bottom line

Are you in need of a general dentist? Now you know what happens when you make an appointment with this type of dentist. You also know what to expect when undergoing certain types of treatments. Knowing what to expect when visiting a general dentist makes it easier for one to go to the dentist, especially those who experience any level of dental anxiety or dental fear.

Request an appointment here: https://princewilliamdental.com or call Prince William Dental at (703) 662-8287 for an appointment in our Gainesville office.