General and Restorative Dentistry

General and restorative dentistry involves the diagnosis of all issues relating to the health and function of the smile, including the treatment and repair of broken, infected, or otherwise damaged teeth, gums, and tissue. General dentists serve as the primary care provider for their patients, managing their oral health care needs and coordinating treatment with specialists when necessary.

There are a variety of services that can be performed by a general dentist, including everything from preventative care to the replacement of missing teeth. Explore this page for a brief overview of general dentistry treatment:

General and Restorative Dentistry Procedures

The following is a brief description of dental health issues that fall under the heading of general and restorative dentistry. Click on the links for more in-depth information about each subject.

• Dental Implants – an ideal solution for patients missing teeth. Implants are permanently set in the jaw and affixed with replacement teeth, preventing painful shifting in the mouth.
• Dental Crowns – when a tooth is severely damaged or decayed, dental crowns act as a protective cover, strengthening the tooth and reinforcing the jaw.
• Dental Bridges – for one or more missing teeth, dental bridges literally "bridge the gap" between remaining teeth, stabilizing the jaw by surrounding those teeth with attractive crowns.
• Dentures – replacing one or more teeth is easier than ever before with the multitude of denture alternatives available to patients. Dentures are now more comfortable and affordable than ever before.
• Root Canal – infected tissues in the tooth pulp can cause severe pain and eventually lead to tooth loss. Root canal therapy is designed to remove infected tissue with the goal of saving the tooth.
• Gum Disease – periodontal disease is characterized by swollen, tender, or bleeding gums. Both early and advanced periodontal disease can be treated with both surgical and non-surgical therapy.
• TMJ Disorders – a misaligned bite, bruxism (teeth grinding), and other factors can put stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). TMJ disorders can be the source of a variety of painful symptoms, from headaches to ear and neck pain.
• Full-Mouth Reconstruction – patients with severe dental problems often require a full-mouth reconstruction. Dentists performing full-mouth reconstructions often draw on both cosmetic and restorative dentistry solutions to improve the health, function, and appearance of the smile.

Family Dentistry Practices

Family dental practices offer general dentistry services geared toward adults as well as preventative care for children. The general dentists who operate these practices are trained to diagnose and treat patients of all ages. They often manage the family's care, and when necessary, refer them to specialists for more involved orthodontic or restorative dentistry treatment.

Find a General Dentist Through DocShop

If you would like to speak with a general dentist about restorative dentistry treatment for you or your family, DocShop can help you find a professional in your area.