Are Dentures Part of General Dentistry Services

A general dentist performs general dentistry services and can serve as the first point of contact for patients who need other types of dental care. Some services, such as dentures, may require a referral to a dentist who focuses on a specific area of dentistry.

General dentists vs. prosthodontists

The general dentist is usually responsible for preventative care, such as annual exams and tooth cleanings, and some tooth repair and cosmetic procedures, such as fillings and tooth whitening. A prosthodontist is a specific type of dentist who focuses on restoring missing teeth.

General dentists

All dentists must hold either a DDS (doctor of dental surgery) or DMD (doctor of dental medicine) degree, which requires three or more years of undergraduate education, plus four years of dental school. The primary focus of general dentistry services is the prevention of disease. General dentists offer a variety of services aimed at preventing disease and repairing damaged teeth:

  • Preventative services, such as regular exams and teeth cleaning
  • Educational services, such as oral hygiene instructions
  • Restorative services, such as filling or extracting decayed teeth, repairing loosened or knocked-out teeth and treating gum disease
  • Cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening, dental bonding and porcelain veneers
  • Identifying health concerns, such as oral infections, sleep apnea, tobacco use and general health and wellness

It is recommended that patients visit a general dentist at least once every six months for preventative care and whenever an acute issue occurs, such as tooth pain, bleeding gums or trauma. Some general dentists can assist with fitting dentures or refer patients to a prosthodontist.

Prosthodontists

Prosthodontists must complete three additional years of post-graduate education beyond the four years of dental school. Their area of focus is treating dental and facial problems that involve missing teeth. Treatments a prosthodontist may perform include dental implants, crowns, bridges, dentures and treatments for temporomandibular disorders.

Getting dentures

According to a study in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, 37.9 million American adults will need dentures in 2020. The process of getting dentures usually begins with an examination by a general dentist, who may then refer patients to a prosthodontist for further evaluation.

Process

A prosthodontist begins by examining the patient and determining if dentures are a recommended treatment option. If dentures are needed, then the next step is to design a prosthetic that properly fits the patient's mouth and achieves the cosmetic appearance the patient desires.

To achieve the proper fit, the dentist first takes measurements and impressions of the patient's jaw. Those impressions are used to create a model that is placed in the patient's mouth and adjusted to achieve the desired fit and look. The adjusted model is used as the basis to make a set of dentures. This process can take a few months to complete.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry Services in Forest Hills, NY.

Conclusion

A general dentist is a good place to start for patients who may need dentures. A dentist providing general dentistry services can recommend treatments and provide a referral for any services that may need to be performed by a prosthodontist or other dental professional.

Request an appointment or call Gentle Touch Dental Care at 718-924-2387 for an appointment in our Forest Hills office.

Related Posts

Can Sensitive Teeth Be A Symptom Of Receding Gums?

Receding gums are the result of a severe case of gum disease (known as periodontitis) that is left untreated. If you have receding gums, then there is an increased risk of experienced sensitive teeth as well as other discomforting symptoms.If left untreated, receding gums can lead to the loosening and ultimately the loss of teeth…

Can Mouthwash Help Prevent Receding Gums?

Worried about receding gums? Read on to learn about how to prevent this condition. Receding gums can put the long-term health of teeth at risk. The good news is that mouthwash, along with other at-home oral care routines and regular cleaning and check-up visits with your dentist, can significantly reduce the risk of periodontal (gum)…

How Common Are Receding Gums?

Concerned about gum recession? Read on to learn the commonality of receding gums and how they can be treated and prevented. Receding gums are common among individuals with periodontal disease. However, there are different levels of gum recession, and the severity of the concerns depends on how far the gums have receded.Receding gums can become…

Gentle Touch Dental Care

Share
Published by
Gentle Touch Dental Care

Recent Posts

Can Sensitive Teeth Be a Symptom of Receding Gums?

Receding gums are the result of a severe case of gum disease (known as periodontitis)…

6 days ago

Can Mouthwash Help Prevent Receding Gums?

Worried about receding gums? Read on to learn about how to prevent this condition. Receding…

1 week ago

How Common Are Receding Gums?

Concerned about gum recession? Read on to learn the commonality of receding gums and how…

2 weeks ago

How a Dentist Diagnoses Receding Gums

Receding gums is a condition that leads to gum tissues pulling back from teeth roots.…

2 weeks ago

What Are the Leading Causes of Receding Gums?

Concerned about gum health? Read on to learn more about receding gums and how they…

3 weeks ago

Dental Bridge vs. Implants: Which Tooth Replacement Option is Right for You?

Both dental bridges and implants are effective tooth replacement options, each with distinct advantages and…

3 weeks ago