While dentistry in the past meant referring procedures like implants and veneers to a specialist, more and more general dentists are becoming equipped to offer these treatments (and others) on an every day basis in their own offices.
Patients are enjoying the conveniences of having all of their dental needs treated in one office.
When patients are working with their dental care provider to create a treatment plan for decayed or missing teeth, there are far more options than there used to be.
This is also due to the fact that procedures like dental implants are coming down in cost.
Training in dental implantology is readily available to all dentists and they are now empowered to offer more advanced therapies in a general setting.
Products like the min-implant are becoming more common and only require one appointment for placement.
Dentists are utilizing these types of treatments to give patients an option other than large bridgework or dentures.
General dentists are also bridging into orthodontic therapy as products like Invisalign guide them through the entire process.
All alignment trays are made off-site at the Invisalign headquarters and the dentist oversees the patient in their treatment.
As more adults are choosing orthodontic therapy, the appeal that Invisalign offers compared to normal braces means that they can receive treatment without being referred to an orthodontist and sitting in an office aimed at children.
Those old silver fillings that you had when you were a child are not as common either.
More dentists are opting for aesthetic options like resin or composite fillings.
These tooth colored fillings require less tooth preparation and are not nearly as noticeable when talking, smiling or laughing.
Speaking of restorations, crowns that were formerly made of gold, or porcelain fused to metal (and the metal still showed) now have a newer counterpart that every day dentists have access to.
The CEREC in office crown system allows dentists to prep a tooth and deliver the crown in the same appointment.
What's also appealing is that these crowns are entirely made out of resin, so patients never have to worry about metal showing.
Other every day things like oral cancer screenings are now being performed with the aid of products like Vizilite.
Advanced oral cancer screening kits assist dentists and hygienists with identifying precancerous tissues earlier on.
Let's not forget normal technology.
More offices are going paperless and allowing their patients to fill out their paperwork online in advance.
Even appointment reminders can be sent through text messaging systems.
General dentistry is becoming more efficient and covering a broader range of services than ever before.
When you select a dentist, choose one that will offer comprehensive care to your entire family.