General dentistry services in Largo

Why Go to the Dentist?

Your primary dental care provider is most likely a general dentist. They provide routine care for your teeth and gums. Many general dentists will see patients of all ages, although some may specialize in treating children. Instead of focusing on just one aspect of dental care and treatment, they typically provide a wide range of services that will keep your teeth and gums healthy and free from diseases.

What Does a General Dentist Do?

Whether your dentist’s general practice focuses on adults or children or provides family dentistry services, the focus is to help your teeth last a lifetime. Your dentist will want to see you on a regular basis for routine checkups to catch tooth decay or gum disease early, when easiest to treat. If necessary, your provider will fill cavities and may also perform a deep cleaning on your teeth to remove any tartar buildup.

Additionally, your primary dentist will show you how to properly brush and floss and may recommend products for optimal oral health. When you have any symptoms, such as tooth pain, your dental care provider will determine the problem and come up with a treatment plan to correct the condition and show you ways to prevent further issues in the future.

Along with basic care, there are different types of procedures and treatments that might be required to keep your mouth healthy and your smile looking its best at any age. When you need more than a regular exam and cleaning, we also offer the following general dentistry services:

• Tooth Repair & Replacement: Cracked, broken and chipped teeth need to be fixed, and missing teeth can be replaced.
• Crowns: Ceramic crowns cover weak or damaged teeth to provide protection and a natural appearance.
• Porcelain Crown: These crowns also cover and protect teeth but are more durable than ceramic.
• Dental Bonding: This is used to cover imperfections such as cracks, chips or discoloration for a more attractive smile.
• Dental Bridges: Consisting of one or more teeth, bridges fill gaps where teeth are missing and are attached to nearby teeth.
• Fillings: Basic fillings are used to fill in cavities from decay to strengthen teeth and keep them functioning properly.
• Composite Filling: These fillings look like your natural teeth, so are good for areas that are visible when you smile.
• Porcelain Fillings: Also tooth-colored, porcelain fillings maintain their appearance without discoloration.
• Laser Dentistry: By utilizing the power of light, laser dentistry can be used as a treatment for both hard and soft tissues without drilling.
• Sealants: Sealants get into the grooves on the chewing surfaces of teeth to provide increased protection against cavities.

How Often Should You Go to the Dentist?

Each patient has different needs, so the frequency of your dental care visits may differ from those of your friends or family. Your age, oral health and previous concerns are just a few of the factors that may be used in determining how often you should see a dentist in general practice. However, if your teeth are in good shape and you don’t notice any issues, your dentist will likely recommend routine checkups every six months.

How Much Is a Dental Visit?

The cost of a visit to a general dental office may vary based on your location and the types of general dentistry services that you need. Fortunately, your insurance provider may cover some or all of the cost associated with your oral health care. Feel free to contact our us to see how much an initial consultation costs.

How Dentists Clean Teeth

Even though you may take good care of your teeth at home, there’s still a chance you can develop tartar from plaque buildup. Your dentist will use special tools to remove tartar before using a gritty type of toothpaste and powered brush to clean your teeth and may also floss in between your teeth before rinsing. Finally, you may receive a fluoride treatment if needed.

How Long is a Dentist Appointment?

The length of time that you’ll spend at an appointment will depend on the general dentistry services you’ll receive at that particular visit. A routine exam and cleaning typically take about an hour. Follow-up exams may take 30 minutes or less. However, if you’re undergoing more extensive procedures, these may take up to several hours. It’s always best to ask ahead of time if you have questions about how long your appointment could take.

How to Prepare for a Dentist Appointment

As with any other appointment, you should arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete any paperwork, bring your insurance information, and have a list of any medications you take or conditions you have. If you’re nervous, just let us know as we can help to make you more comfortable and relaxed.