General dentistry includes a wide range of services to keep your mouth clean and healthy on a regular basis. Regularly scheduled visits to a general dentist near you help contribute to your overall oral and physical health.

Taking Care of Your Oral Health

Managing your dental health is an essential part of maintaining your overall health. General dentists diagnose and treat some of the most common dental problems people experience.

If you’re looking for a general dentist near you, you can search from dental practices across Canada that are part of the 123Dentist network.

Common Dental Procedures

General dentistry includes a range of dental care components designed to maintain oral health and keep your smile shining brightly.

Comprehensive Oral Exams

Oral exams allow your dentist to assess your oral and overall health, diagnose issues, and develop a treatment plan that is personalized to your needs. Your first dental exam may include various diagnostic techniques and are often accompanied by a medical questionnaire to establish your overall medical and dental history.

Dental Hygiene and Teeth Cleanings

Practicing good oral hygiene at home is essential for preventing oral disease. However, dental care typically also includes regular scheduled cleanings from a dentist and/or professional dental hygienist to support your oral health between appointments. During a dental hygiene appointment, your teeth will be cleaned and flossed, and you may also receive additional treatments such as fluoride treatments.

Gum Grafting

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is an infection that can lead to the loss of gum tissue and, eventually, teeth. Gum grafting procedures may be required to restore the height of the gums and preserve existing natural teeth. If you have thin gums, pain while chewing, or other signs of advanced gum disease, gum grafting can help resolve these issues.

Oral Cancer Screening

Initial screening for oral cancer is typically completed in a regularly scheduled dental exam. Your dentist will look for irregularities in the tissues of your mouth and may also check the surrounding areas of the face, including the neck, cheeks, and jaw. Early diagnosis of oral cancers can lead to more effective treatment outcomes.

Root Canals

Decaying or cracked teeth are often treated with a root canal procedure. The infected tissue is cleaned out from the inside of the tooth and the remaining spaces is filled and sealed. The natural tooth is saved so that the alignment of the teeth can be preserved.

Dental Sealants

Dentists use sealants to protect teeth from damage or decay caused by bacteria. They are applied to the surface of the teeth. Tooth decay can cause a variety of other issues, which is why dental sealants are an important preventative oral health measure.

Tooth Extractions

Teeth may need to be removed for a variety of reasons. Damaged teeth can be removed to prevent further issues in the mouth, or you may need to have teeth removed in preparation for other treatments. Wisdom teeth extractions are also necessary for some people.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth may become discoloured due to a range of factors, including staining from coffee, tea, wine, and berries, or from smoking or taking certain medications. The 123Dentist network of dentists has a range of teeth whitening products and services available, including in-office and at-home teeth whitening treatments.

Dental X-Rays

Dental x-rays of different types are often performed in a regularly scheduled appointment.  X-rays help dentists look at areas of the teeth, gums, and jaw that are not immediately visible. In many cases, they also allow your dentist to monitor small issues or abnormalities, which can then be managed through a treatment plan and monitored using follow-up x-rays.

Root Canals, Dental Implants & More

Your general dentist may also recommend you to other dental professionals for certain conditions. This could include someone who is trained in other dental specialties, such as a dentist who fit oral appliances such as aligners, mouthguards, and sleep apnea devices.

How Dentists in Canada are Educated

Most general dentists have studied in an accredited Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program at a dental school, which is a designation that is recognized worldwide across Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia. Dentists often receive continuing education to stay up to date with the technology, procedures, and tools being developed to improve dental care in Canada and across the globe. Dentists in Canada must also be registered and licensed through the province they work in.

Find a Dentist

The 123Dentist care network has general dentistry clinics near you. Use our simple search to find a local dentist. Or, if you need more information about general dentistry, please contact us directly.