While 87% of children in the US visited their dentist in the past year, only 63% of adults have scheduled an appointment. With general dentistry services, you can improve your entire family’s oral health and dental hygiene. Brighter, healthier smiles can improve your family’s confidence and overall health.

Not sure which general dentistry service suits your family’s needs? Here are five you can benefit from while visiting your St. Louis dentist.

Read on to learn more about dental services today. 

1. Diagnostic

Before recommending specific treatment options, your family dentist will first need to conduct diagnostic services. Diagnostic dentistry can include:

• Dental X-rays
• Oral visual examins
• Periodontal check-ups
• Oral cancer screenings

Diagnostic services help your dentist determine the specific oral health care concerns that need addressing. Then, your dentist can develop a customized treatment plan based on your current needs. 

You’ll likely receive an oral examination with every dental check-up, and dental X-rays every few appointments. With children, dental X-rays help your dentist track the development of their adult teeth and gums. Dental X-rays are encouraged at least annually for both adults and children to confirm no underlying changes require addressing. 

Almost all diagnostic services are non-invasive. They can help dentists better understand how to best help their patients. Scheduling a diagnostic check-up every six months will help your dentist help you achieve optimal oral health.

Don’t skip routine appointments with your dentist. Routine appointments will allow your dentist to spot problems before they develop further.

For example, they might recognize symptoms of gingivitis (gum disease) before it progresses into periodontitis. Without treatment, periodontitis could lead to lost teeth.

Diagnostic services will ensure you receive immediate treatment, allowing you to save money and avoid stressful health concerns.  

2. Preventive

Routine appointments at your family dentist’s office will also allow you to benefit from preventive dentistry services. Prevention is your general dentist’s primary oral health focus. Learning how to avoid oral health problems will ensure you remain a healthy smile.

Prioritizing your oral health through preventive dentistry can reduce your risk of oral health concerns like cavities and gum disease.

For example, your dentist might recommend:

• Educational services
• Dental sealants
• Fluoride treatments
• Dental cleanings

Your dentist can make recommendations and offer tips you can use at home to improve your oral health.

For example, they might recognize you’re brushing too hard, causing bleeding gums. They might recommend you switch to an electric toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Their tips can help improve your smile while preventing the spread of bacteria between appointments. 

Most preventive dentistry services are non-invasive. They’re usually covered by dental insurance (though check with your dental insurance provider to confirm).

With routine appointments, you can improve your dental hygiene and reduce your risk of needing more invasive care. 

3. Restorative

If your dentist recognizes cavities, gum disease, or dental trauma, they’ll recommend restorative dentistry services. Restorative services aim to restore your oral health and the appearance of your smile if problems develop. 

Common restorative services include:

• Tooth replacement
• Deep dental cleaning
• Dental crowns
• Dental fillings

If you’re missing a tooth, the surrounding teeth can begin leaning toward the gap. Your teeth might begin to appear crooked if you delay treatment. Before that happens, talk to your dentist about restorative services.

They might recommend dental implants, removable dentures, or fixed bridges. Your St. Louis dentist can make recommendations based on your situation and needs.

The dental implant procedure can involve more than one appointment. During the first appointment, your dentist will place the screw-like implant into your gums. After the surgical site heals, osseointegration will occur.

Osseointegration ensures the implant is secure within your gum line. Once the area heals, your dentist can place a crown atop the implant. A dental crown is designed to look like your natural teeth to restore your smile. 

They might also recommend root canal therapy, pocket reduction, or gum grafting. 

4. Cosmetic

About 61% of Americans wish they could change something about their teeth, with discoloration as a top concern. If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your smile, talk to your dentist about cosmetic services.

Cosmetic dentistry services can include:

• Dental bonding
• Teeth whitening
• Dental veneers

These services can improve the appearance of your smile, which can also benefit your oral health. For example, teeth whitening can minimize bacteria, reducing your risk of decay and gum disease. 

After these treatments, make sure to improve your oral health to maintain your new and improved smile. About 44% of people wish they’d done a better job of prioritizing their oral hygiene. 

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your smile, schedule a consultation appointment with your St. Louis dentist. They can help you determine which cosmetic dentistry services align with your goals and needs.

5. Sedation

You and your children might benefit from sedation dentistry services before a procedure. Your doctor can provide sedation options to ensure you’re comfortable during appointments. Sedation is suitable for both children and adults suffering from dental anxiety.

Sedation dentistry can relieve pain while preventing distress. Your dentist can perform any necessary procedures without disruption. 

Discover General Dentistry Services in St. Louis Today

These general dentistry services can improve your oral health and smile. Visit your dentist in St. Louis to discuss your family’s oral health care needs. With help from an experienced dentist, you can make informed treatment decisions from healthier, brighter smiles.

Want to discuss general and family dentistry services with your St. Louis dental team? We’re here for you.

Schedule an appointment today to get started.