Our lives are hectic and fast. There are a million things to think of and every day is a race. It is no wonder then that most of us neglect to take proper care of our teeth and gums either due to lack of time or by indulging in unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking etc. that may be taken up as a stress-reliever.

Careless attitude towards dental hygiene and lack of knowledge about how to take care of teeth can lead to a host of dental problems. It is always best to take good care of your teeth and prevent dental problems. But if you do notice signs of damage and decay, get in touch with your dentist right away. The earlier dental problems are treated, the better the results will be.

Most people believe that the maximum damage you can cause by neglecting to brush and floss regularly are limited to cavities, toothaches, gum problems or at the very worst - teeth loss. However, things can get even murkier. Studies show that infection and swelling caused by bacterial activity in damaged teeth can lead to secretion of toxins that can affect arteries and lay the foundation for future complications such as cardio vascular diseases.

Read on to learn more about dental care and how general dentistry can help you prevent teeth and gum diseases and also cure them.

What is General Dentistry?
General dentistry practice involves the identification and treatment of disorders and diseases affecting not just the teeth and gums, but also the maxillofacial (the jaw and face) region of the body. There are also several dental enhancement options that fall under the purview of general dentistry.

General dentistry procedures include dental implants, crowns, dental bridges, dentures and root canals. These procedures ensure that the treated teeth remain healthy and strong, provided they are sufficiently cared for by the patient.

What are the most common General Dentistry procedures?
Some of the most common general dentistry procedures are as follows:

Dental bridges
Bridges are fixed partial dentures that are used to replace missing teeth. A dental bridge is a prosthetic device that is fabricated to the proportions of the patient’s mouth and surrounding dental structures. The neighboring teeth are slightly modified so that the bridge may be fixed over them.

Dentures
Dentures are also known as dental plates, false teeth or falsies. They are prosthetic devices that are used to replace missing teeth. Dentures need the support of the surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity. There are two types of dentures, complete dentures and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when the patient does not have any teeth and partial dentures are used to replace some missing teeth.

Root canal treatment
Root canal treatment or endodontic therapy is performed when bacteria and other microorganisms infect the dental pulp chamber. The dental pulp is removed, the chamber is cleaned and filled with antiseptic material to prevent infection.

To know more about General Dentistry and what dental procedure is most suitable for your problem, contact the expert dentists at Santa Monica.