In the dental field, there are several dental specialties. Some of the most common dental specialties include orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. These are the dentists that patients visit when they require special care from a professional who has completed additional training, degrees, or certifications. In most cases, patients visit general dentists for dental cleanings, exams, preventative procedures, diagnosis, and other basic oral health care treatments.

Educational Requirements for A General Dentist

General dentists complete the core educational requirements of dentists in the United States. First, they complete an undergraduate degree, then they must pass a standardized test to be accepted into dental school. Dental school is a four-year program. The first two years include all science classes, dental and oral anatomy, learning basic oral health care instruction and treatment on patients, and so much more. In the final two years, dental students take elective classes, explore the dental specialties, and continue practicing and perfecting their general dentistry skills.

Additionally, dentists must complete several hours of continuing education each year they are practicing. During these CE courses, dentists perfect their skills, learn new techniques, and earn certifications for treatments.

Services Offered by A General Dentist

If you have an oral health problem, it can most likely be solved by a general dentist—they learn over one hundred different procedures in dental school! These treatments can be divided into three categories: preventive, restorative, and cosmetic.

Preventive Treatments

Preventive dentistry aims to stop the development of oral health problems by helping patients achieve optimal oral health. General dentists offer the following preventive treatments:

• Examinations: a thorough look at patients’ teeth, gums, jaw, and throat for any signs of damage, decay, or disease
• Digital x-rays: a further look into patients’ teeth and jawbone
• Oral cancer screenings: to detect abnormalities within the soft tissues of the mouth
• Dental cleanings: removing plaque from the teeth and gumline
• TMJ treatment: fitting patients with customized mouthguards to prevent further dental damage

Restorative Treatments

Tooth decay, dental damage, and tooth loss can be solved with one or more of these restorative treatments:

• Dental crown: for severely decayed or damaged teeth
• Dental bridge: to replace one, two, or three missing teeth in a row
• Dental implants: a small titanium post that replaces a missing tooth from the root to the crown; can also be attached to a dental bridge or denture
• Tooth-colored fillings: a simple procedure to treat minor to moderate tooth decay with a realistic-looking, durable material
• Dentures: for patients with significant tooth loss

Cosmetic Treatments

General dentists also offer cosmetic treatments to address crooked, stained, chipped, and other smile imperfections. Some of the most common cosmetic dentistry treatments include:

• Professional teeth whitening: to brighten teeth up to eight shades in one short dental appointment
• Porcelain veneers: thin shells that fit over the front surface of teeth to conceal imperfections
• Orthodontics: traditional metal braces or clear aligners that shift teeth into proper alignment
• Gum contouring: removing or adding gum tissue to create a symmetrical and balanced smile
• Dental bonding: an affordable cosmetic treatment that covers intrinsic stains, chips, and cracks

Find A Grant Park General Dentist for All Your Oral Health Needs

Dr. Abbey J. Lee at Smiles for Grant Park is an experienced, trusted, and compassionate general dentist in Grant Park. She offers all of these services and more! To schedule an appointment with our friendly dental team, call (404) 328-7177 today.