General dentistry involves preventative dental care services to keep teeth healthy. This includes professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup from teeth as well as patient education to prevent tooth decay and gum disease from occurring in the first place. Other types of general dental care include filling cavities, treating broken or chipped teeth, root canal therapy, and more. All of these treatments can be necessary depending on the condition of a patient’s dental health to help restore the enjoyment of their smile!

At Dr. Rice Area Dental, we encourage seeking treatment for common dental problems early because it is essential to maintain your oral health and prevent complications like periodontal disease from developing. 

Types of General Dentistry Procedures

A dentist can perform several procedures that are considered part of general dentistry. These procedures include routine cleanings, X-rays, tooth extractions, and fluoride treatments. Our dental hygienists will remove any plaque buildup on your teeth during a regular professional cleaning. 

Plaque is a sticky substance that can cause cavities and gum disease. If the plaque is not removed, it can harden over time into tartar, something only a dentist can remove. 

Our hygienists also check your teeth for signs of decay or disease. X-rays also look for any signs of damage or infection below the gum line. Once teeth show signs of damage, we can remove them before they cause further complications. Fluoride treatments are also offered to children as a preventative measure against tooth decay. 

The Advantages of General Dentistry

Many patients do not realize that general dentistry can help their smiles more than they realize. Regular visits to your dentist are an essential part of your overall wellness and dental health. Through these visits, we can monitor and spot any early signs of potential problems with your teeth or gums. When caught in the early stages of an issue, these problems can be straightforward to correct. On the other hand, if allowed to progress further, the problem can become much more severe and complex to treat. For this reason, we strongly believe in the importance of preventive dental care in our practice.

Regular checkups, cleanings, and at-home oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing can prevent the need for more extensive dental treatments. These shorter appointments allow us to catch and treat minor issues before they can worsen, saving you time, stress, and money in the long run by avoiding the need for more intensive procedures.

General Dentistry services are necessary to maintain oral health and keep your smile looking beautiful! Visit Dr. Rice Area Dental at 3712 Canyon Lake Dr., Rapid City, SD 57702, or call (605) 342-3939 for the best dental care.