General Dentists are considered maidens in oral health problems. They offer a comprehensive line-up of procedures that also include
cosmetic procedures. General dentists don’t just stop with dental school but go on to pursue further education by attending workshops, lectures, and additional courses, thus acquiring higher education than a DDS and DMD degree.
So, what are the procedures that a general dentist performs?
Since general dentists are referred to as our primary dental caretakers they treat and manage the overall dental care. The basic expectations from a general dentist are visual inspections and evaluation of teeth and gum health, teeth and gums X-rays, Sleep apnea treatment, Tooth sealants, minor dental procedures like cavity removal,
root canals,
dental crowns, and cleaning.
Having said that, here is a list of the procedures a general dentist in Cary and Raleigh might have to perform or get an experienced specialist to do:
- Restorative Procedures
- Maxillofacial Procedures
- Laser Procedures
Restorative Procedures
When something goes wrong with a tooth, restorative dentistry is how we fix it. These procedures cover everything from minor decay to significant structural damage, and your general dentist in Raleigh NC is trained to handle the full range of what your teeth might need over a lifetime of use.
Fillings
Fillings are one of the most common restorative procedures performed in a general dentistry practice. When a tooth develops a cavity or sustains minor damage, a filling restores its shape, function, and strength. After a visual exam and X-rays confirm the presence of decay, the damaged material is removed and the area is filled with a durable composite or amalgam material.
Root Canals
A root canal becomes necessary when infection or decay reaches the inner pulp of a tooth. Left untreated, that infection can spread and ultimately cost you the tooth entirely. During the procedure, the infected tissue inside the root canal is carefully removed, the area is cleaned and treated with an antibacterial filling, and the tooth is sealed and typically capped with a crown for long-term protection.
Dental Bridges
When one or more teeth are missing, a dental bridge fills the gap using an artificial tooth anchored to the natural teeth on either side. Beyond the cosmetic benefit of a complete smile, bridges serve a functional purpose of preventing surrounding teeth from shifting into the open space, which can create bite problems and additional dental work down the road. Your dentist in Cary NC can evaluate whether a bridge is the right solution based on the health of your surrounding teeth and bone structure.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to emerge, typically in the late teens or early twenties, and they frequently cause problems when there isn’t enough room in the jaw to accommodate them. Impacted wisdom teeth can crowd surrounding teeth, cause pain, and create pockets where bacteria collect. Removal is one of the most common dental procedures performed and is often recommended proactively before complications develop.
Material used in Restorative Procedures
The material used in Restorative Dental procedures are Glass Ionomers, Composites, Metals, Amalgam Alloys, Noble and Base Metals, Polymers and Ceramics.
Maxillofacial Procedures
These maxillofacial procedures include treatment of the face, mouth and jaw. They also include some oral surgeries like
dental implants, TMJ, cleft lip palate and reconstructive procedures.
Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal treatments are procedures done to treat less invasive and major gum disease, tooth scaling, and cleaning.
Laser Procedures
This procedure involves the use of dental equipment. Lasers are used to remove decayed teeth, tooth whitening and during bonding procedures.
Build a Lasting Relationship with a Dentist in Cary NC
Look for one of the best dentists in Cary for your general dentistry needs. Our general dentist in Cary NC and Raleigh NC is very welcoming and can make you feel comfortable and have many years of experience in general dentistry.
Your smile is worth protecting, and it starts with the right dental team in your corner. At Smiles of Cary, we’re here for every stage of your oral health journey — from routine cleanings to restorative care that brings your smile back to life. Don’t wait until a small problem becomes a big one.
Schedule your appointment with Smiles of Cary today and let’s keep your smile healthy for years to come.
