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.
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:
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 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.
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.
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 San Francisco, CA.
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 Serenity Dental Spa at 415-376-6196 for an appointment in our San Francisco office.
A dental practice is where you turn when something feels wrong with your teeth or gums. Knowing when to call a dentist can help prevent small problems from damaging your oral health. Many people wait too long to get help, which can lead to more pain and more complex treatments. Learning the signs that need…
Root canal treatment often sounds intimidating, yet endodontics focuses on relieving pain and saving natural teeth with precise, evidence-based techniques. An endodontist specializes in diagnosing tooth pain and treating the soft tissue within the tooth. When deep decay, cracks, or prior dental work inflame the pulp, bacteria gain access and create significant discomfort. A root…
Regular dental checkups are the key to good oral health, as they prevent potential dental problems before they become more serious. Visiting a dental practice not only helps maintain the health of the teeth and gums but also contributes to overall well-being. Knowing what to expect before visiting a dental practice for a routine checkup…
A dental practice is where you turn when something feels wrong with your teeth or…
Root canal treatment often sounds intimidating, yet endodontics focuses on relieving pain and saving natural…
Regular dental checkups are the key to good oral health, as they prevent potential dental…
Tooth replacement plays an important role in restoring comfort, confidence, and oral health when one…
Regular visits to a dental practice provide essential care for achieving and maintaining optimal oral…
Many individuals experience oral health issues beyond surface-level discomfort due to underlying conditions and require…
