As some point in your lifetime, it is highly likely that your dentist will refer you to a specialist. After being referred to a specialist, you may start to wonder what your general dentist does in comparison to other dental professionals.
By understanding the difference between general dentistry and specialization, you will gain insight as to when you should visit the former or the latter. This insight ultimately leads to better dental care and treatment.
A General Dentist is a Primary Dental Care Provider
A Howell NJ general dentist is what is referred to as a primary dental care provider. Primary care providers handle all of the typical dental care responsibilities that do not require additional education and specialization. For example, most Howell NJ general dentists do not perform root canals and tooth extraction because the procedure requires a specific set of skills.
One of the main reasons as to why the dental association differentiates between a primary care provider and specialists is to ensure that patients are receiving the quality care that they deserve. Specializations allow general dentists to do their jobs and give another subset of professionals the opportunity to truly hone in on what they enjoy and excel at.
Overseeing Dental Cleaning
There are a number of primary duties that a general dentist performs, but one of the most common that you may be familiar with is overseeing dental cleanings. In some instances, the general dentist may perform the cleaning on their own instead of having a dental technician take care of it.
At the end of the dental cleaning, the general dentist will come by and review the state of your teeth. This procedure may entail checking your gum line, looking for cavities, and determining the strength of each tooth.
Cavities and Fillings
Another responsibility that your general dentist may perform is taking care of cavities and fillings. A cavity is the initial stage of tooth deterioration. By cleaning the cavity and filling the tooth, your general dentist can help you prevent the need for a root canal.
Education
Finally, your general dentist’s duties include, but are not limited to educating you about your dental health and giving you pertinent advice about what you should do in certain situations. For instance, your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction or a root canal, depending upon their assessment of the state of your tooth.
Call Comprehensive Dentistry in Wall Township New Jersey at (732) 556-9600 to schedule an appointment or contact us if you have any questions about the dental care services we offer.
