General Dentistry

Routine general dentistry is key to a healthy and beautiful smile. At Urbandale Smiles in Urbandale, Iowa, experienced cosmetic and implant dentists provide a full suite of general dentistry services, including teeth cleaning, restorative dentistry, and oral surgery, to people of all ages. Call the office to request a general dentistry consultation today, or book online.

What is general dentistry?

General dentistry is an oral health subspecialty that diagnoses and treats common problems like cavities, gum disease, and teeth grinding (bruxism). You don’t need symptoms to benefit from routine checkups. Visits to Urbandale Smiles can alert you to underlying issues and preserve your smile for years to come.

What services does general dentistry provide?

At Urbandale Smiles, the dentists provide various general dentistry services, including:

• Dentures
• Oral hygiene and nutritional consultations
• Treatment of cavities
• Dental sealants
• Periodontics
• Tobacco cessation
• Sleep apnea treatment
• Oral surgery
• Dental implants
• Invisalign
• Oral and maxillofacial procedures
• Smile restoration
• Jawbone surgery
• Root canal therapy
• TMJ therapy

The dentists provide most types of preventive and general oral health care on-site, but if you need more individualized treatment, they can refer you to a nearby specialist.

How often should I invest in general dentistry?

The providers at Urbandale Smiles recommend investing in general dentistry at least twice a year, even if your teeth and gums feel fine. Many potentially serious problems, including tooth decay and gum disease, present few symptoms early on. Regular checkups can alert you to these and other issues when they respond best to treatment.

What happens during a general dentistry visit?

At Urbandale Smiles, the providers tailor general dentistry visits to each patient’s needs. Still, most appointments follow the same structure.

First, your provider reviews your oral health records and asks if you’re experiencing any symptoms. Then, they quiz you about your lifestyle, including if you use tobacco or drink alcohol and how often you brush and floss. 

Your provider completes an oral exam and takes a series of digital X-rays. They then use that information to make treatment recommendations that reduce the risk of problems while encouraging optimal oral health.

What should I bring to a general dentistry appointment?

If you’re visiting Urbandale Smiles for the first time, bring the following documents to your general dentistry appointment:

• Dental insurance information
• Results from any recent tests, like oral X-rays or an oral cancer screening
• List of questions that you have
• Names of the medicines and supplements you take

Whether you’ve recently moved to the area and need a general dentist, or it’s simply been a while since your last checkup, the providers at Urbandale Smiles can help. Call the office to request a general dentistry consultation or book online today.