General dentistry
Article Source: HealthSnare.com
General dentistry covers a huge range of treatments, including routine check-ups, tooth extractions, fillings, dental X-rays and cleaning treatments. Most general dental treatments are covered by the NHS in the UK, meaning that they are available at subsidised rates; private dentists do carry out general treatments but you will need to pay up for such high quality treatment.
What does general dentistry incorporate?
Most dentists advise their patients to go for a routine check-up every six months; if you have very good standards of oral health, you may only have to attend check-ups once every twelve months. During a routine check-up, the dentist will take a look at both the inside and outside of the mouth and check your notes to see if anything has changed since the last time you came; for example, they may notice early signs of a cavity forming or they many notice changes in the positioning of the teeth. They will write any changes in your records. If your teeth and gums are healthy, you will be advised to return for another check-up in due course; if you require further treatment, you will be asked to arrange another appointment so that you can have your treatment.
It is very common to need treatment on your teeth; almost all adults have at least one filling and many people have several fillings. Fillings are a routine treatment, which should not take long and should be relatively painless; the dentist will use local anaesthetic to numb the tooth before they fill the cavity using a cement-like soft substance, which hardens as it sets. White fillings are currently not available on the NHS so you will have to pay more for this service; many people choose to pay extra to have a white filling because they cannot be seen when you open your mouth.
Should an accident occur...
If you have had an accident or injury, which has damaged your tooth or you have severe decay, you may need to have a tooth extracted. This sounds like a brutal experience but it isn't nearly as bad as it sounds. Your dentist will give you an injection of local anaesthetic to numb the tooth before they pull it out; this will prevent you from feeling any pain during the procedure. Once the tooth is numb, they will use a special dental instrument called an elevator to pull the tooth out of its socket; they will usually loosen the tooth by moving it from side to side in its socket first.
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Date: Wed, 18 Aug 2010 Time: 11:12 PM
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