General Dentistry Services Palm Desert, CA
A general dentist can perform most dental services. General dentistry includes preventative treatment and the diagnosis of many issues affecting the teeth and gums. Regular visits to a general dentist help prevent the development of serious dental problems.
General dentistry is available at Total Care Dentistry & Implants in Palm Desert and the surrounding area. Our staff is ready to provide the necessary preventative care for your entire family. Call us at (760) 394-3088 to 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. Total Care Dentistry & Implants 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.”
Bi-Annual Dental Check-ups
Bi-annual dental check-ups are a crucial part of preventive dental care. They allow the identification and treatment of dental issues before they worsen and require more complex and intensive treatment. These appointments can also reveal mouth conditions that reflect changes in a patient's overall health.
While many people will only need a routine dental check-up about twice a year, the American Dental Association recommends that the patient's dentist determine dental visit frequency. Since every patient has unique needs, the optimal frequency will vary. Our team schedules check-ups to accommodate each patients' current oral health situation and overall health history.
“While many people will only need a routine dental check-up about twice a year, the American Dental Association recommends that the patient’s dentist determine dental visit frequency.”
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. What services are offered by a general dentist?
Q. Why are bi-annual dental check-ups important?
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People Also Ask
Q. How often should people see the dentist?
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Dental Education From a Dentist
While treatments and services are important, dentists also provide vital patient education to keep mouths healthy between appointments. Dentists can offer information on nutrition and general health and wellness education. Education plays a significant role in oral health since patients only receive check-ups a few times each year.
Patients can develop greater trust with their dentist and learn how to take care of their teeth in between office visits. Providing dental education is equally as important as other aspects of their dentistry since proper dental knowledge is essential for patients who want to maintain good oral health. Since every patient is unique, our team focuses on their individual needs to share relevant information about proper prevention and maintenance.
“Dentists can offer information on nutrition and general health and wellness education.”
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 Total Care Dentistry & Implants in Palm Desert tell you more about improving your smile. Give us a call at 760-394-3088.
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, license, and website security
- Total Care Dentistry & Implants was established in 1976.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Riverside County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, Cathedral City, Indio, Palm Springs, San Jacinto, Desert Hot Springs, and Twentynine Palms
- CA (License #34506). View License Information and Specifics
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