General dentistry includes all of the routine care that you need in order to maintain healthy and good-looking teeth, gums, and jaws. Your general dentist offers preventive care, diagnoses dental conditions, and treats conditions that affect your oral health.

Dental Exams

A dental exam is performed in order to check the condition of your teeth, gums, jaw, and any restorations that you have. If you have already been diagnosed with a dental problem or another medical issue that affects oral health, the dental exam allows your dentist to monitor your oral health. Your teeth and gums will be checked for decay and infection, and your soft tissues will be examined for abnormalities such as sores or unusual growths.

Diagnosing Dental Problems

About once per year, your general dentist will take X-rays of your teeth. These X-rays are used as a way of diagnosing dental problems, such as cavities between two teeth or a loss of mass in your jaw bones. Dental X-rays are safe, and you will be covered with a leaded apron for added safety. Your dentist also diagnoses dental problems by taking measurements, such as measuring root exposure to check for gingivitis and periodontitis.

Reasons to See Your Dentist

A general dentist treats a wide variety of dental issues. In addition to coming in every six months for a dental cleaning and checkup, you may also need to see your dentist for a toothache, painful gums, or a problem with a restoration. Other signs that you need to come in to see the dentist include dry mouth, difficulty eating, or the development of a sore in your mouth.

Contact the dental office of Jim Spurgeon, DDS, today to make an appointment or learn more about general dentistry services.