Reasons You Might See a General Dentist vs. a Dental Specialist

General Dentist Ashburn, VA

Wondering when you may make a general dentist office visit? There are many different types of dentists that people can choose from nowadays; their choice simply depends on their dental needs.

Reasons to see a general dentist

Considering seeing a general dentist in Ashburn? According to WebMD, a general dentist diagnoses, treats and manages overall oral health care needs, which includes gum care, root canals, fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges, preventive education and treating diseases of the mouth. This makes general dentists dental professionals who are similar to medical doctors in that they both provide people with primary care services.

This is the type of dentist that everyone must make regular dental appointments with in order to ensure that their oral health is in good shape. Making regular dental appointments with a general dentist is not only necessary to ensure that there are no existing problems with one's oral health but also so patients can undergo regular dental cleanings. Regular dental cleanings are essential to remove any plaque buildup on one’s teeth that can cause gum disease.

While general dentists can typically perform most of the same dental procedures that dental specialists can, sometimes it is necessary for a general dentist to refer a patient to a dental specialist. This is often because the patient is in need of a more complex procedure or because the patient has health conditions that require them to receive extra dental care.

Reasons to see a dental specialist

Dental specialists are dental professionals who have decided to undergo additional education and training in order to specialize in a certain dental area. Examples of dental specialists include endodontists, periodontists, orthodontists and prosthodontists. A general dentist might refer one of their patients to see an endodontist, for example, because endodontists are specifically trained in performing root canal treatments, as well as other types of difficult root procedures.

Furthermore, general dentists will often refer their patients to a periodontist when they are in need of treatment for periodontal disease that is affecting a patient's bone, an orthodontist for dental patients experiencing bite problems and a prosthodontist for patients in need of in-depth tooth replacement services, like dental implants, dental crowns, dental bridges and dentures. The only time that general dentists will refer their patients to dental specialists is when the patient is in need of difficult and/or complex dental treatment.

Bottom line

Are you in need of a general dentist? If you have dental problems and are wondering what type of dentist you should visit, it is important to understand that making an appointment with the general dentist is the first step. If additional dental treatment is necessary due to a patient's more complex dental needs, then the general dentist will refer them to a dental specialist.

Request an appointment here: https://www.oaktreedentalashburn.com or call Oak Tree Dental at (703) 945-1285 for an appointment in our Ashburn office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Ashburn, VA.

 

Recent Posts

Ask A General Dentist: What Habits Can Improve Oral Health?

A general dentist will tell you that the habits you develop play a vital role in the quality of your long-term oral health, and good daily habits can significantly reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease and other common oral health concerns. By understanding the most effective habits and making an effort to implement them…

What To Expect At Your General Dentist Visit

It is common knowledge that oral health is important and includes regular visits to the general dentist. However, due to busy schedules, there is hardly any time to keep up with those appointments, especially if people do not know what to expect. Routine dental appointments help ensure that potential issues never develop or get out…

Bruxism Treatment: 5 Ways To Treat Teeth Grinding

Wondering if bruxism treatment is your next step because you are constantly grinding or clenching your teeth? While the underlying reasons for why someone clenches or grinds their teeth are still being researched, it is believed that lifestyle factors play a large part. Bruxism is more commonly diagnosed in those who have a sleeping disorder,…

Why You Should Choose Mercury Free Dentistry Procedures?

Whether we visit a dentist for a major denture implant or to replace a filling, we seek an experienced professional who knows their job. A professional dentist always considers it important to inform you about the pros and cons of your dental treatment. In recent years, many dentists have raised their concerns about the safety…

Recent Posts

What Materials Are Used In Zirconia Crowns?

What Materials Are Used In Zirconia Crowns?

Zirconia is quickly becoming a more common choice of material for dental restorations. Continue reading to learn more about zirconia crowns as they compare to other restoration materials. Zirconia has been used in medicine for more than half a century. Many people might be left wondering what makes zirconia crowns so unique. This article discusses…

Three Questions To Ask Your Dentist About White Dental Fillings

Three Questions To Ask Your Dentist About White Dental Fillings

White dental fillings are a lot more popular than traditional silver amalgam fillings nowadays. Also known as composite fillings, the materials used are made from mixing plastic and glass resins. They can be color-matched with the patient’s teeth, so any repairs look natural in their mouth.That leads to significantly improved aesthetics over conventional amalgam fillings,…