General dentists provide primary dental care for patients of all ages. A general dentist is probably the provider you are familiar with if you see a dentist for regular, routine checkups. General dentists focus their work on providing maintenance and disease prevention for teeth and gums.
A general dentist may provide such services as:
Some general dentists are trained to provide crowns and bridges, and some perform root canal surgery. When oral care needs are more complex, a general dentist will refer patients to a specialist, such as an orthodontist or periodontist.
Seeing your dentist regularly is important for your teeth as well as overall health. When you meet with your general dentist for a checkup every 6 months, you can prevent disease, catch issues before they become larger problems, and develop a relationship with your dentist that helps them become familiar with your specific teeth. General dentists are an important part of preventative health care.
