General Dentistry Services Lake Forest, CA
Dentists offer general dentistry services to help patients maintain optimal oral health. General dentistry services include prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Patients should have regular dental check-ups to maintain their oral hygiene and tooth health.
General dentistry services are available at Stunning Smiles of Lake Forest in Lake Forest and the surrounding area. Our team can help keep your smile healthy. Call us today at (949) 258-7433 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
What to Expect from the Dentist
A general dentist should be thought of as a primary care dental provider focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and overall oral health care needs of the patient. This can include fillings, gum care, and even preventative education. Stunning Smiles of Lake Forest will work with each patient to develop a customized dental hygiene plan.
A dentist also plays a role in a patient's overall health. Our staff will take a complete health history, including any medications they are taking, and discuss how they can affect oral health. For instance, diabetes is known to increase gum disease risk, while medicines contributing to dry mouth can increase tooth decay risk. Symptoms of other diseases can also show up in the mouth first.
Patients can also expect to discuss diet and oral hygiene habits. Other lifestyle habits, such as tobacco use, are necessary to disclose as well. It is essential to be upfront about any activities that can adversely affect oral health.
“A general dentist should be thought of as a primary care dental provider focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and overall oral health care needs of the patient.”
Get Regular Checkups
Routine dental cleanings should be a part of everyone's life. While the most common recommendation is a visit every six months, The American Dental Association says the dentist should determine the number of visits needed for each individual. General dentistry visits help maintain good oral health by giving our staff a chance to stop the disease before it gets worse.
A typical routine checkup includes a thorough cleaning and polishing to remove any buildup of plaque and tartar on the surfaces of the teeth and along the gum line. New patient appointments and visits after a few years typically require X-rays as well. After the cleaning, Stunning Smiles of Lake Forest will do a comprehensive exam, carefully checking all the teeth and any areas of concern. Afterward, we will discuss the results of the checkup and schedule a follow-up visit if needed.
“Routine dental cleanings should be a part of everyone’s life.”
General Services Available
A general dentist offers several services designed to address current problems and prevent any future issues. Patients do not need to suffer from bad breath or tooth pain. Our staff will discuss any oral health concerns and suggest corrective and preventative treatments.
When it comes to bad breath, the first step is to practice proper oral hygiene at home. If a buildup of bacteria on the teeth is to blame, we may recommend a mouth rinse that kills bacteria or toothpaste with antibacterial properties. If gum disease is suspected, the patient may require a deep cleaning.
Dental sealants and fluoride treatments both help prevent cavities. Sealants are a thin, protective coating adhered to the chewing surface of the back teeth, while fluoride is a liquid commonly used to strengthen the enamel of the teeth. While a combination of brushing and flossing is still the right way to fight cavities, both treatments are another layer of protection to help prevent tooth decay.
One of the most common dental services is removing tooth decay and placing a filling in the area. Fillings replace the part of a tooth damaged by injury or decay. This preserves the integrity of the tooth and prevents further damage.
“A general dentist offers several services designed to address current problems and prevent any future issues.”
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Other Treatments
Other treatments that a dentist may offer include dental crowns, root canals, gum disease treatments, and oral cancer screenings. Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that can help patients with tooth damage restore their strength, appearance, and shape. If a patient has a tooth with inflamed or infected pulp, a root canal can help save it. This treatment will eliminate bacteria in the root canal and save the tooth from extraction.
Dentists can also help patients with gum disease. There are various treatments available depending on the disease's stage, the patient's overall health, and how they responded to previous treatments. All gum disease treatments aim to remove bacteria from the tooth pockets and prevent further bone and tissue damage. Dentists may also provide oral cancer screenings to look for cancer or precancerous signs in the mouth. Catching oral cancer early on is important when it is easier to treat. People should contact our office for more information about our available services and treatments.
“Other treatments that a dentist may offer include dental crowns, root canals, gum disease treatments, and oral cancer screenings.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What can I expect from the dentist?
Q. How often do I need to visit the dentist?
Q. What services are offered by a general dentist?
Q. Why is dental education important?
Q. What additional treatments are available at a general dentist?
People Also Ask
Q. How can someone find out what procedures their dental insurance covers?
Q. Why do I need my wisdom teeth or other teeth removed?
Q. What kind of pain can be addressed by a root canal treatment?
Learning from the Dentist
Education is a vital part of general dentistry. Patients who receive the necessary oral health education are more likely to keep appointments and are better equipped to recognize the signs of a more serious dental issue. By knowing what to look for, a patient can get into the office and start treatment sooner.
Stunning Smiles of Lake Forest will provide information tailored to each individual's unique oral health and their specific concerns, including the necessary facts about prevention and maintaining oral health. An overview of basic dental health is also essential, such as the correct amount of pressure to use when brushing and how to floss and clean in-between the teeth properly. Such dental knowledge is vital for patients who want to keep their teeth healthy.
“Patients who receive the necessary oral health education are more likely to keep appointments and are better equipped to recognize the signs of a more serious dental issue.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is preventative dental care?
A. Preventative dental care helps patients prevent oral diseases and maintain good oral health throughout their lives. It includes patients' actions and professional services and procedures. This kind of dental care can reduce the risk of developing more complex and severe oral health conditions.
Q. How long do dental sealants last?
A. Dental sealants are not a permanent solution to preventing cavities. Sealants will gradually wear away over time due to natural wear and tear. Patients will usually need to replace their sealants after five years, but in some cases, they can last for up to 10.
Q. What is plaque?
A. Plaque is a sticky film that constantly builds up on teeth. It consists of bacteria and can harden into tartar that is difficult to remove. Patients with too much plaque can have tooth damage, leading to decay and even tooth loss.
Q. What is tooth pulp?
A. The tooth pulp is the innermost layer of the tooth. It contains the nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes damaged, we must remove it to prevent the infection from spreading.
Q. What happens if I do not get treatment for gum disease?
A. In mild cases of gum disease, people will experience red and swollen gum tissue. The swelling can make smiles appear less attractive and make brushing painful. When later stages of gum disease are left untreated, it can result in jaw damage and even tooth loss.
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Dental Terminology
Learn More About General Dentistry Services
General dentistry can not only help maintain oral health but also addresses many common concerns. Let Stunning Smiles of Lake Forest in Lake Forest tell you more about improving your smile. Give us a call at 949-258-7433.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business and website security
- Stunning Smiles of Lake Forest was established in 2014.
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- We serve patients from the following counties: Orange County, and Los Angeles County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Lake Forest, Irvine, San Clemente, Laguna Niguel, and Yorba Linda
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