General Dentistry Ottawa, ON
The first line of defense against oral health problems
In general dentistry, the dentist is the primary care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of conditions, disorders and diseases affecting the teeth, gums and maxillofacial (jaw and face) parts of the body. Even though general dentists primarily provide preventative care and minor restorative therapy, they are often able to perform a wide array of other dental procedures, including some minor cosmetic treatments.
The Canadian Dental Association recommends that patients visit their general dentist at least once every six months to ensure proper oral health and functionality. Regular oral health check-ups and maintenance help to prevent the development of serious dental problems that may require more extensive and costly treatments.
Dental Services
General dentists are highly educated and trained in multiple facets of dentistry, providing a variety of different services for you and your
family including:
- Crowns and bridges
- Dentures
- Dental implants
- Gum disease (Periodontal) treatment
- Orthodontics
- Root canal therapy
- Teeth cleanings
- Bonding
- Dental fillings
General dentists who do not perform a certain treatment will provide you with a specialist referral.
Dental Exam
During your exam, our Ottawa, ON dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems. Your dentist may also want to take X-rays to see what is happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. Whether these X-rays are traditional or digital, the images provided will help your Ottawa dentist discover dental issues not visible to the naked eye.
Professional Teeth Cleaning
Your dental hygienist will begin your cleaning by exploring the surface of your teeth to determine if you have any cavities and to examine the quality of existing fillings. The dental hygienist will then perform a periodontal exam to make sure your gums adhere tightly to your teeth, and no periodontal disease or bone loss may be occurring. Next, your hygienist will carefully clean your teeth with a variety of tools to remove any hard mineral buildup (tartar) from your teeth. Then your hygienist will floss your teeth, use a polishing compound, and apply fluoride if needed.
If our dentist in Ottawa or our hygienist finds tooth decay or gum disease, they will talk to you about changing your brushing or flossing habits. In severe cases, they may recommend antibiotics or other dental treatments. If your teeth and gums appear to be healthy, your dentist will probably recommend that you continue your brushing and flossing routine as usual.
