General Dentistry:
Achieve and Maintain Optimal Health

What is a general dentist? 

At our practice in San Antonio, TX, we offer a wide range of treatments, including general dentistry options.The main difference between a general dentist and a dental specialist is the range of services offered to patients. In the past, a dentist was one of many dental care providers, and referrals to specialists were much more extensive than they are today. With the introduction of contemporary procedures, techniques, technology, and services, it’s become more affordable and more practical for general dentistry practices to emerge. 

For instance, a visit to the dentist once meant receiving a thorough exam, including X-rays, a tooth cleaning, and discussion of any potential problems or things you could do to improve your oral health. If there was sign of decay, you’d likely have another appointment to receive a filling, or if your teeth were misaligned, your dentist might have referred you to an orthodontist. 

Now, much remains the same, up to the point of referral. A general dental practice has the knowledge and resources to handle procedures on site that used to require specialist care. 

What kinds of services does a general dentist offer? 

As well as conventional dental exams, cleanings, and cavity fillings, general dentists may offer many services, both therapeutic and cosmetic. 

Preventive services include sealants and fitting of mouthguards, in addition to conventional services such as exams and cleaning. 

Cosmetic services, such as teeth whitening, veneers, and cosmetic bonding, are offered to improve the quality of your smile. 

Dental restorations beyond conventional fillings include crowns, bridges, and dentures, as well as root canal therapy, implants, and orthodontics. 

Crossover health concerns include treating the dental aspects and complications that accompany other health problems. For example, you may require fabrication of an oral appliance to treat sleep apnea or help to quit smoking. 

What special training does a general dentist require? 

Dentists may carry the doctor of dental surgery (DDS) or doctor of dental medicine (DMD) designations. Both degrees consist of the same study curriculum, which includes three or more years of undergraduate education as well as four years of dental school. The degree name is up to the individual school to determine. There’s no fundamental difference between degrees. 

The American Dental Association believes that the dental profession built around general dentistry provides the best standard of care for the public.