What is General Dentistry?
General dentistry practitioners are the dentistry equivalent of primary care providers. They serve as your top resource for preserving and improving your oral health. Covering preventive measures, restorative procedures, and cosmetic improvements, general dentistry involves the application of a variety of useful skills.
What Do General Dentists Do?
General dentistry is primarily focused on preventing problems from forming or becoming worse. To that end, Dr. Wetherill and his team provide services such as the following:
- Dental exams. These involve cleaning and examining the teeth to detect problems. General dentists and oral hygienists both play a role in dental exams, with the latter often handling much of the cleaning work and the former providing an expert visual inspection to determine issues and to formulate any necessary treatment plans.
- X-rays and other diagnostic methods. These help the dentist detect immediate issues and track changes over time.
- Restorative procedures. If problems have emerged with your teeth, your general dentist may recommend and perform restorative procedures as appropriate. Potential procedures include root canals, fillings, and crowns. Dr. Wetherill may also remove badly damaged teeth and provide denture services, and he may handle certain gum procedures as well.
- Referrals. In some cases, an issue may call for treatment from a specialist such as an oral surgeon (for complex extraction or implant placement), an orthodontist (for bite-related issues), or a periodontist (for advanced gum care). If that applies to your situation, Dr. Wetherill will point you in the right direction.
- Advice and care-plan forming. Everyone’s mouth is unique, and a big part of Dr. Wetherill’s job involves providing personalized advice on oral care to each patient.
How Often Should I See a General Dentist?
It’s important to see Dr. Wetherill here at Wetherill Family Dentistry regularly, even if nothing seems to be amiss. That’s because problems like plaque buildup may not be obvious to you at first, but they may cause issues if left undetected and untreated. A standard recommendation is for people to visit their dentist twice a year for checkups, but more or fewer visits may be appropriate, depending on your situation. For instance, if you have preexisting gum disease or are a smoker, you may want to see the dentist more often. We can work with you to set up an appropriate, personalized schedule.
With that said, there are some situations in which you should deviate from the schedule and see your dentist as soon as possible. Warning signs that you need to visit Dr. Wetherill include bleeding when you brush or floss, unusual oral legions, and loose or painful teeth. If in doubt, call Dr. Wetherill’s office for advice.
How Do I Find a General Dentist?
Because a general dentist can be such an excellent ally to you and your oral health, taking the time to find the right one is worth it. Wetherill Family Dentistry is proud to offer high-quality care for you and your family. Our dental team is here to help you keep your smile healthy.
Is a General Dentist Right for You?
If you are in need of dental care, contact our office and schedule an appointment with Dr. Wetherill in Wilmington today.
