9 Common Procedures in General Dentistry Services

Most of us run to the general dentist when we experience a dental problem like a toothache, oral swelling, or gum bleeding. A general dentist takes care of all our oral needs, from preventive care to cosmetic dentistry to restorative dentistry. Whatever oral condition you have, visit a general dentist near you for a consultation.

The dentist will examine your mouth and design a customized treatment plan to address your condition and restore oral health. If you have a special case, the general dentist will refer you to the appropriate dental specialist, like an orthodontist, periodontist, or endodontist.

Common Procedures in General Dentistry

Some common procedures offered by a general dentist include:

• Dental Fillings

The dentist might recommend a dental filling if you have a cavity or tooth decay. The procedure is quite straightforward and typically requires a single appointment. The dentist will numb you so you won’t experience any pain or discomfort.

Next, they will drill through the tooth and remove decayed or damaged parts of the tooth. Then the dentist places a filling material to seal the holes left after cleaning the tooth. Options include gold amalgam, silver amalgam, composite resin, and porcelain.

• Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a quick and less invasive way to repair minor tooth damage. It involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin to the tooth and reshaping it to achieve desired results. Dental bonding can also cover up dental stains and correct minor tooth gaps and misalignments.

• Dental Crowns

If your tooth is extremely cracked, chipped, decayed, worn down, stained, or broken, a dental crown is a great way to hold together the tooth and prevent further damage. A dental crown supports a traditional crown, covers a tooth with a large filling, covers a dental implant, or protects a tooth after a root canal. You can choose different materials for your crown, including gold, zirconia, porcelain, composite, and porcelain-fused-to-metal.

• Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride treatment is an essential natural mineral that strengthens your teeth and protects them from decay and cavities. The dentist will apply a fluoride varnish to the tooth with a brush, swab, or a tray worn over the teeth for a few minutes. You should wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride treatment sufficiently.

• Regular Dental Checkups

You should see your dentist at least twice yearly for dental checkups and cleaning, and good at-home habits and hygiene. These checkups are essential to remove plaque and tartar build-up in the mouth and ensure excellent oral health.

Similarly, it allows the dentist to check for potential issues and address them in time before they advance to severe problems. Most dentists also perform oral cancer screenings to check for early signs of oral cancer. Early detection of oral cancer is your best chance of cheaper, faster, and more successful treatments.

• Tooth Extractions

While saving your natural tooth is ideal, a dentist can recommend removing a tooth if it’s extremely damaged or decayed beyond repair. Tooth extraction may also be necessary to eliminate overcrowding or the symptoms of an impacted wisdom tooth.

• Dental Implants

A dental implant is the best, longest-lasting, and most natural way to replace a missing tooth. The procedure involves placing a dental implant into the jawbone. Next, the abutment and crown go over the implant. An implant poses the look, bite function, and appearance.

• Dentures

When you’ve lost most or all your natural teeth, a general dentist can design a denture to replace your missing teeth. A partial denture replaces a few lost teeth, while a full denture replaces all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw.

• Dental Sealants

A general dentist can apply dental sealants to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to reduce the risk of decay and cavities. Dental Sealants are especially recommended for children and teenagers at a greater risk of developing cavities.

Schedule an Appointment Today with Our Dentist in Raynham

Are you interested in general dentistry in Raynham, MA? Visit or contact Raynham Dental Group, the Office of Dr. Michael Scanlon, to schedule your appointment today.