General dentistry refers to a broad spectrum of oral health concerns. General dentists, also commonly referred to as family dentists or simply dentists, are experts at preventing, recognizing, diagnosing, and treating a variety of oral health problems ranging from disease to injury and everything in between. While dental specialists focus on a single area, general dentists can provide comprehensive dental care to remedy multiple issues and maintain oral health.
Although most people associate general dentistry with restorative treatments such as fillings or root canals, the vast majority of general dental care is actually preventative in nature. Preventative dental treatments performed by a general dentist include: dental consultations, teeth cleaning, the application of dental sealants and fluoride treatments, and dental x-rays. In addition to preventative and restorative services, general dentists can also perform cosmetic dental treatments.
Did You Know?
The enamel on our teeth is the strongest substance in the human body. Although it has been reported to be stronger than steel, teeth are still susceptible to damage due to tooth decay and the constant force of chewing and biting.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for general dental services?
Yes! Everyone ages six months and up is an ideal candidate for general dental services. Because the majority of general dental services are preventative, regular dental visits decrease the risk of developing dental issues and work to maintain your oral health. In fact, it is recommended to visit Ace Dental Care at least once every six months for your dental cleaning, consultation, and dental x-rays. How long has it been since your last dental visit? Don’t wait, schedule a consultation with Dr. Pushpa Sachdeva of Ace Dental Care today!
What types of general dental services does Ace Dental Care offer?
Ace Dental Care offers general dental services including preventative services, restorative services, and cosmetic dental services. For more information about each individual service, please visit our services page.
Preventative:
- Dental cleaning & consultation
- Dental x-rays
- Dental Sealants
Restorative:
- Crowns and Bridges
- Composite Fillings
- Dentures
- Dental Implants
- Inlays & Onlays
- Root Canals
Cosmetic:
- Teeth Whitening
- Veneers
How can I prepare for my dental appointment?
To get the most out of your dental appointment, we strongly encourage you to take some time and prepare some questions for the dentist. Some possible questions you may want to discuss are:
- What type of toothpaste should I be using?
- How is my brushing/flossing technique?
- Do I need mouthwash?
- How is my oral health and how can I improve it?
- Why do my gums bleed when I floss?
Additionally, we also encourage that you look up directions ahead of time and aim to arrive early to our office. If you are a new patient, you will want to arrive 10-15 minutes early to fill out paperwork. You should also bring a list of current medications and health issues, as these will be discussed during your dental consultation.
What can I expect when undergoing preventative dental services at Ace Dental Care?
When visiting Ace Dental Care for general dental services, you will most often be undergoing preventative services. Your regular dental checkup will consist of dental x-rays, consultation, and a professional teeth cleaning.
Your dental appointment will likely begin with dental x-rays. These x-rays will obtain multiple images of your teeth and bite at multiple angles. Dental x-rays use an extremely small amount of radiation and are considered to be safe for the majority of the population. They are an important diagnostic tool and can be used to identify possible dental and structural issues.
After your dental x-rays are taken, Dr. Sachdeva will perform an oral examination of your teeth, gums, bite, and surrounding structures. Once the exam is completed, she will discuss her findings and your dental x-rays. She will then answer any questions you may have and make treatment recommendations as needed.
The final part of your regular dental appointment is the professional teeth cleaning. Professional teeth cleanings remove both plaque, tartar, and bacteria from your teeth. While plaque can be removed by regular brushing and flossing, tartar is much harder and can only be removed with special dental tools. If left on your teeth, plaque will eventually harden into tartar and continue to harbor harmful bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
During a professional teeth cleaning, our dental hygienist will use a special tool called a scaler to gently scrape the plaque and hardened tartar off the surface of your teeth. Then, they will brush your teeth with a gritty toothpaste and floss them to remove any lingering debris. Finally, your mouth will be rinsed and a fluoride varnish will be applied to protect your teeth.
What can I expect when receiving restorative or cosmetic services from Ace Dental Care?
Restorative services are those that restore damaged, decayed, or missing teeth to their prior function. Cosmetic services are those that improve the overall aesthetics of your smile. In some cases, restorative and cosmetic services can overlap. Some examples of this include: crowns and bridges, composite fillings, dental implants, and inlays and onlays. All these services restore tooth function while also improving the aesthetics.
When receiving restorative or cosmetic services, your expectations for treatment depend upon the type of treatment being performed. Some services are more involved than others and require more recovery time, while others can be performed in a single appointment with minimal to no downtime. Before you agree to any procedure, Dr. Sachdeva will explain these expectations so that you can make an educated decision regarding your dental treatment.
How can I maintain my oral health in between dental appointments?
In between dental appointments, you will want to maintain your oral health by practicing good oral habits. These habits should include twice daily brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste and daily flossing. During your consultation, you should ask about the best brushing and flossing technique so that you can get the most out of your daily routine. In some cases, you may also want to add mouthwash to this daily routine.
You can also maintain your oral health by protecting your teeth from becoming damaged. When teeth become damaged, bacteria can get inside the tooth and cause complications. One of the best ways to protect your teeth is to simply avoid detrimental behaviors such as smoking, ice chewing, nail biting, using your teeth to open packages, and biting down on hard objects or candies. Additionally, if you play sports or are a habitual tooth grinder or you clench your teeth, you should look into wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth.
A final way of maintaining your oral health is to have a dental sealant applied. Dental sealants are thin coatings that effectively seal the tooth and prevent bacteria from eroding the enamel and entering the tooth. They are most commonly applied to the chewing surfaces of molars, and are used primarily for children or for those who have trouble brushing towards the back of their mouth.
Dr. Pushpa Sachdeva has been providing some of the best dental care in Nairobi for over 33 years. For comprehensive, family-friendly dental care for all ages, schedule a consultation at Ace Dental Care today!
