General dentistry in Bridgeport CT includes a variety of dental care. It’s essentially an umbrella term covering all the needs not falling into a specialty category like cosmetic dentistry or orthodontics. On the most basic level, a general dentist offers routine exams, tests, x-rays, and twice-annual cleanings, but the available services branch out from that point.
Cavities are among the most common issues dentists see. Your dentist determines if cavities are present through oral exams, but x-rays reveal those not yet visible on the surface. Once a cavity is found, the decayed portion of the tooth is drilled away, and the space left behind is filled with porcelain, resin, metal amalgam, or other substances. These fillings help prevent further damage and decay.
If the pulp inside a tooth is infected, your dentist may recommend a root canal. This procedure involves drilling into the affected tooth and removing the pulp. After the infected or damaged tissue has been removed, the tooth will be filled and sealed with dental cement. Pain is eliminated, and the tooth is protected from future damage.
While the dentist tries to save otherwise healthy teeth, this isn’t always possible. In some cases, too much damage is present. Extractions are also part of general dentistry in Bridgeport CT. Non-surgical extractions involve loosening a damaged tooth by rocking it back and forth and pulling it. If too little of the tooth is left above the gum line to be pulled, a surgical extraction will be necessary.
When a tooth is extracted, it can be replaced by an artificial crown. These may rest on the surface of the gums and use surrounding teeth for support or be part of an implant system. Implants are a much more involved process requiring insertion of metal posts in the jaw and affixing the crowns to those. Though this procedure is more in-depth, it’s also a permanent solution.
For those who have a number of missing teeth, but are reluctant to have implants put into place, dentures may be the answer. They look and function like natural teeth but require no surgery. These are only a few of the more common services offered by a general dentist. Whether you need a routine cleaning or relief from a persistent toothache, contact us to schedule an appointment.
