General Dentistry FAQ

A general dentist is your primary care dental provider. This dentist diagnoses, treats, and manages your overall oral health care needs, including gum care, root canals, fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges, and preventive education.

All practicing general dentists have earned either a DDS or DMD degree (doctor of dental surgery or doctor of dental medicine, respectively). There is no difference between the two degrees or the curriculum requirements that dentists must meet. Some schools simply award one degree, while others award the other.

General dentistry covers all aspects of dentistry. The major purpose of general dentistry is to prevent, analyze, diagnose, and treat various oral diseases, and also to maintain the function and appearance of the teeth.

The most common procedures done by a general dentist include restorative procedures, oral surgery procedures, laser procedures, dental fillings, dental crowns, tooth extractions, dental implants, and braces.

The parts of general dentistry include preventive services, restorative services, cosmetic procedures, and overall health concerns.

General dentists are skilled professionals who provide complete care for your oral health including minor orthodontics. Orthodontists have advanced training and are highly specialized in the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of jaws and teeth. General Dentists and Orthodontists can correct the teeth that are not in the right position.

Common check-up and cleaning costs vary and are dependent on your individual needs. Dentists charge different rates depending on your situation and where you live. In most places, an average check-up includes an exam, x-rays, and cleaning. To learn more about your specific needs, schedule a virtual consultation with one of our Dentulu doctors.

General dentists can perform various types of oral surgery that include tooth extractions, root canal therapy, dental implants, minor oral surgeries, minor gum surgeries, and non-emergency small surgeries to extract teeth.