What Is General Dentistry?
General dentistry focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating common conditions affecting your teeth, gums, and overall oral health. Regular dental care can help identify problems early, maintain healthy teeth and gums, and reduce the risk of more complex dental concerns developing over time.
Our general dental services include:
– Dental exams and check-ups
– Professional teeth cleanings
– Digital X-rays when needed
– Dental fillings
– Fluoride treatments
– Dental crowns and bridges
– Root canal treatment
– Tooth extractions
– Children’s dentistry
– Emergency dental care
– Restorative dental treatments
Your dental needs can change over time, which is why regular visits give us an opportunity to monitor your oral health and recommend preventive or restorative treatment when necessary.
What Happens During a Dental Check-Up?
A routine dental check-up allows your dentist to examine your teeth, gums, bite, and other areas of your mouth for signs of potential problems. Depending on your needs, digital X-rays may also be recommended to identify concerns that aren’t visible during a clinical examination.
During your visit, we’ll look for concerns such as tooth decay, damaged or worn teeth, gum problems, and changes in your overall oral health. A professional cleaning may also be performed to remove plaque and tartar that cannot be effectively removed through brushing and flossing alone.
If we identify an issue, we’ll explain what we’ve found and discuss your treatment options so you can make an informed decision about your dental care.
General Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions
What does a general dentist do?
A general dentist provides preventive, diagnostic, and restorative care to help maintain the health of your teeth and gums. This can include dental exams, cleanings, fillings, root canal treatment, crowns, extractions, and treatment for other common oral health concerns.
How often should I have a dental check-up?
How often you should visit the dentist depends on your individual oral health, dental history, and risk factors. Your dentist will recommend a check-up and cleaning schedule based on your specific needs rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
How much does a dental check-up cost in Edmonton?
The cost of a dental check-up depends on the type of examination and whether services such as X-rays or a professional cleaning are also required. The 2026 Alberta Suggested Dental Fee Guide lists a recall oral examination at $81.05 and a complete examination for an adult with permanent teeth at $143.85. These are suggested fees, and your total appointment cost will depend on the services you receive.
What is included in a routine dental check-up?
A routine check-up typically includes an examination of your teeth, gums, and overall oral health. Your dentist may also recommend X-rays based on your dental history and current needs. Professional cleaning is often scheduled alongside an examination but is a separate dental service.
What is the difference between a dental exam and a dental cleaning?
A dental exam is performed to assess your oral health and identify potential concerns such as cavities, damaged teeth, or gum problems. A dental cleaning focuses on removing plaque, tartar, and surface buildup from the teeth and around the gumline. The two services are often provided during the same visit but serve different purposes.
Do I need dental X-rays at every check-up?
Not necessarily. How often dental X-rays are recommended depends on factors such as your age, oral health, dental history, symptoms, and risk of developing dental problems. Your dentist will recommend X-rays when they are necessary to assess areas that cannot be adequately examined visually.
Why are regular dental check-ups important?
Regular dental visits allow your dental team to monitor changes in your oral health and identify potential problems before they become more advanced. They also provide an opportunity to remove plaque and tartar, discuss your home-care routine, and address any concerns you have about your teeth or gums.
Does dental insurance cover check-ups and cleanings?
Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for preventive services such as examinations and professional cleanings, but the amount and frequency of coverage varies between plans. Reviewing your individual benefits can help you understand what your plan covers and whether you will have any out-of-pocket costs.
Why Choose Legacy Dental for General Dentistry?
Regular dental care is an important part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums throughout your life. At Legacy Dental, we take a personalized approach to your care, focusing on prevention, early detection, and treatment based on your individual oral health needs.
Our South Edmonton dental team provides a wide range of preventive, restorative, cosmetic, children’s, and emergency dental services under one roof. Whether you’re due for a routine check-up, have a specific dental concern, or are looking for a new dentist in Edmonton, we’re here to help you care for your smile.
URGENT CARE
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