Dentistry is the practice of preventing and treating diseases, and maintaining optimal health with your teeth, gums, and jaw. Dentistry is an essential part of maintaining overall health. Links have been discovered and further research is being conducted on the connection between dental disease and its impact on total body health. For instance:

Periodontal (gum) disease has potentially been linked to an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes, particularly in those over 65. Systemic infections have been linked to a starting point in the mouth.  Further research is being conducted on how infections spread form the mouth to the rest of the body, but preliminary studies indicate that this is surely the case. There has been a link discovered between the <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” href=http://jada.ada.org/cgi/content/abstract/132/7/1009>oral health of pregnant women</a> and the impact on the health of their newborns.

With mounting evidence between oral and overall health, regular dental visits are much more than a way to beautify your smile and keep your teeth happy.

Procedures

General dentistry includes all services required to maintain optimal oral health.  Checkups and cleaning are the most basic forms of <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” href=http://www.michaelfolckdds.com/general-dentistry.html>general dentistry</a>, but also included are:

Filling and bonding are both used to repair structural damages to the teeth caused by decay, or trauma. Dental crowns are used to encase decayed or damaged teeth to prevent further problems from occurring. Root canals are preformed on infected root structures, and encased in a crown. Bridges, implants, and dentures are all ways to replace missing teeth. Periodontal treatment is used to remove gum disease, preventing infections that may lead to myriad health problems. Pediatric dentistry includes fluoride treatments, and sealant applications to address the needs of children’s teeth.

General dentistry also includes treatments for snoring, sleep apnea, and a number of other basic oral health procedures.

Importance of Regular Checkups

The most basic form of general dentistry is routine checkups. In order to maintain a healthy mouth and catch any potentially harmful problems before they become severe health issues, it is important to see your dentist at least twice a year for an exam and cleaning. Gum disease, tooth decay, and oral infections can all be spotted, treated, or even prevented with this basic step.

If you live in Virginia Beach, Virginia, please <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” href=http://www.michaelfolckdds.com/contact.html>contact Michael Folck, DDS</a>, for your general dentistry needs and take the first step in assuring whole body health.

Your teeth and smile are important.  A great set of teeth is important for many reasons, practical and aesthetical. They ensure that you can properly chew your food, which is the first step in digestion. But a friendly smile is also important in creating great first impressions that can give others an idea about your personality. That is why it is vital to ensure that your teeth are taken care of by professionals who care about you and your mouth.

By making regular visits to the dentist, you can keep your dental hygiene in check. However, there are some tooth abnormalities, such as stains, chips, and unevenness, that can’t be fixed by a general dentist. Cosmetic dentistry varies from general dentistry because it focuses more on the aesthetical nature of your smile.

What is General Dentistry?

General dentistry focuses on the general health of your teeth. It is recommended that patients make regular check ups with their dentist every six months to one year.  General dentists provide patients with quality care while trying to diagnose, prevent and treat diseases that may occur within the mouth. General dentists may also be involved in some of these activities:

Extraction of teeth. Application of sealants. Removal of cavities. Root canals. Polishing and general oral hygiene.

General dentists’ responsibilities extend beyond this list, however, their specialties lie more in the medical and physical spheres of dentistry- checking up with patients to help prevent oral disease or to treat a condition that negatively affects their oral health.

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentists provide oral care that focuses on aesthetic improvements to the mouth that are functional, as well as visually pleasing. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the patient’s wishes for a beautiful, illuminating smile, while providing the patient with benefits for better oral health. Cosmetic dentistry may include the following procedures:

Tooth whitening and laying porcelain veneers are the two most common forms of cosmetic dentistry. Dental implants replace missing teeth, filling those gaps in your smile. Smile makeovers create that beautiful smile you’ve always hoped for. Gum recontouring. Dental bonding for minor chips and cracks in your teeth. Invisalign® orthodontics to make your smile straighter without braces.

These are just a few of the procedures that cosmetic dentists may specialize in. Cosmetic dentists should be chosen based on a variety of factors, not just their patients’ before and after pictures. Careful attention should be paid to where the dentist was trained, what sort of technology they use, a friendly and caring personality, and affordability.