General dentistry services in St. Petersburg
Maintaining the health of your teeth and gums is one of the most important things you can do to keep your smile beautiful, bright, and pain-free for a lifetime. It will also ensure that your overall physical health stays intact. Establishing a good oral health care routine that consists of receiving regular care from a general or family dentist will allow you to easily accomplish the goal of keeping your smile both healthy and beautiful.
What Is a General Dentist?
A general dentist is a medical professional serving as a primary dental healthcare provider for patients of every age. Instead of specializing on one area in the field of dental health, general dentists offer a variety of services that allow their patients to maintain their dental health via the treatment and prevention of diseases that affect the teeth and gums.
What Kind of Dental Care Does a General Dentist Provide?
General Dentistry Services
There are a variety of services that are considered to be general dentistry services. These include examinations, procedures, and treatments that can help you and your family members achieve excellent dental health. The following list describes the different services that our general dentists can provide.
- Tooth Repair and Replacement: Our dentists can repair or replace broken or missing teeth.
- Crowns: Dental crowns are placed over the top of an existing tooth that has become damaged or decayed.
- Porcelain Crowns: This type of dental crown is made from tooth-colored porcelain so that it blends in well with your existing teeth.
- Dental Bonding: This service repairs a tooth that is cracked, chipped, or broken with a tooth-colored substance.
- Dental Bridges: If you have one or more missing teeth, our dentists can place a dental bridge that will fill in the existing gap and restore the appearance of your smile.
- Fillings: Dental fillings are used in cases where a patient has a cavity. After the dentist has removed the infected area of the tooth, a filling is then placed to restore the look and function of the tooth.
- Composite Fillings: This is a type of tooth filling that is made out of tooth-colored materials.
- Porcelain Fillings This is another type of tooth filling that also matches the look of your natural teeth.
- Laser Dentistry: Laser dentistry utilizes lasers to provide treatment. This often allows for faster healing timeframes.
- Sealants: A dental sealant is a thin coating that is applied to the surface of the teeth so that they are less likely to become decayed.
How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?
There are a number of factors that determine how frequently you should visit your dentist. These include your age and the condition of your dental health. Most healthy patients are advised to schedule appointments for checkups with their dentists every six months.
How Much Do Visits to the Dentist Cost?
The exact cost of your visit to a family dentist depends on the type of treatment that you need. Dental insurance also determines the amount that you will owe. To learn more about how much your initial visit with one of our dentists will cost, contact our office today.
How to Make an Appointment with a Dentist
You may be wondering, "How can I book an appointment with a general dentist near me?" We're here to tell you that scheduling an appointment is simple. Just call our practice and we'll help you book your appointment at a date and time that is most convenient for you.
How Long Do Appointments with the Dentist Last?
The majority of dentist general practice appointments range anywhere between 30 minutes for a quick follow-up to several hours in cases where extensive dental work is necessary. The majority of routine visits take approximately an hour to complete. If you're worried about how long your visit will take, call us to receive more information.
Preparing for a Dentist Appointment
It's normal to be a little nervous before you see your dentist. To help ease some of your anxiety, be sure to arrive on time, have a list of any medications you are currently taking, and know the details of your dental insurance coverage.
What Happens If You Don’t Go to the Dentist?
Skipping out on visits to the dentist makes it difficult to know when tooth decay, gum disease or other issues are beginning to develop. Regular visits to a general dental office allow your dentist to catch issues early on, when they are easier and less expensive to treat. Contact us today to book an exam with one of experienced dentists.