Like any other healthcare profession, dentistry has many different fields, including general dentistry. A general dentist, such as Dr. Ulibarri of Ulibarri Family Dentistry in Fort Collins, acts as the first defense against tooth decay, gingivitis and gum disease. To help patients prevent tooth decay and gum disease, general dentistry emphasizes oral health education and preventative services.
Oral Health Education
As a part of preventative care, Dr. Ulibarri believes it's imperative to supply patients with key dental information. To make sure a
patient properly cares for his/her teeth and gums, dental professional at your Fort Collins, CO will develop a customized dental hygiene plan. Different patients mean different teeth, and different teeth call for customized care.
Annual Dental Appointments
It’s recommended that patients visit the dentist at least twice a year. This allows a dentist to detect any dental abnormalities (decay and gum disease) before they escalate and cause extensive dental damage. A typical dental checkup goes as follows:
- X-rays
- Dental exam
- Professional cleaning
- Review of exam
After an annual checkup, a dentist will go over the exam results with a patient. They may need to discuss concerns and plans for further treatment to fix any dental issues.
Minor Restorative Procedures
Besides preventative care, a general dentist often times can provide restorative services at the dental practice. Some typical restorative procedures are included in the list below:
- Dental fillings
- Periodontal treatment
- Bonding
- Crowns
It’s important to check with your dentist to see if these restorative services are available. Optimal oral health is a team effort between patient and dentist. To avoid dental woes, a patient needs to maintain a strict oral hygiene regiment (recommended by a general dentist) and eat healthy.