Even if you don't need special services, a visit to your general dentist can go a long way in keeping up with your oral health. According to DentalPlans.com, as many as 80% of dentists practice general dentistry. Here are some of the essential general dentistry services available.

1. X-Rays

One of the most important services a general dentistry practice provides is thorough X-rays. With an X-ray, your dentist can see beyond the surface. While they’ll do a visual exam of her mouth using their handheld tools, the X-ray can show any lingering problems down to the bone and root level. If you have a deep cavity, bone loss, wisdom teeth sprouting in, or other underlying problems that aren't obvious during the visual exam, an X-ray will expose it.

2. Professional Cleaning

The American Dental Association states that people should brush and floss their teeth at least twice daily. While you do your own oral cleaning at home, it's still not at the level that your general dentist can do. Your dentist has specific tools that remove plaque and tartar. They can get rid of certain stains and finish by buffing and polishing your teeth after removing surface-level build-up.

3. Exams

In addition to X-rays, your dentist conducts a full exam of your teeth and gums. They'll check for signs of decay, cracks, abscesses, gum disease, oral cancer, and more. From the exam, they can determine the next step in your ongoing dental plan for the year.

4. Fillings

Cavities are forms of dental decay that can be present at any age. When your dentist spots any decay in your teeth, they solve it by giving you a filling. During the process, they scrape out the decayed part of the tooth and fill the remaining spot with amalgam. As a result, the rest of the tooth remains healthy.

While many people may be focusing on tooth whitening and dental implants, don't forget about the benefits of general dentistry care. Thanks to your general dental practitioner, you can get a professional exam of your teeth and gums. They can quickly handle decay and check for signs of disease. If you're looking for a local general dentist you can trust and be comfortable with, contact Byrne Dental for a consultation.