What do booking a vacation at a luxury resort and choosing a dentist have in common? All-inclusive options are always the best!
Comprehensive dentistry is just that — all inclusive. You can rely on your one dental practice for all your dental needs without having to be referred elsewhere.
A dentist who can provide comprehensive care is beneficial in more ways that you may know. Let’s take a look.
What is a comprehensive dentist?
When you’re searching for dental care, you have several options. You can choose a provider who specializes in a certain treatment or you can see a general dentist.
For example…
- Periodontists take care of your gums
- Endodontists offer root canal services and treat tooth pain
- Prosthodontists offer restorative treatments like implants
- Oral surgeons perform surgical procedures on the mouth
- Orthodontists correct misaligned teeth and jaws
A general dentist, on the other hand, takes care of your overall oral health on a regular basis, offering basic dental care services.
So where does a comprehensive dentist fit into all this?
Comprehensive dentistry isn’t a speciality, rather it refers to a general dentist who views dental health as a whole. This type of dentist offers a comprehensive range of services, including basic and specialized treatments all under one roof.
What services are available from a comprehensive dentist?
Since comprehensive dentistry isn’t a defined speciality, the specific treatments they provide may vary. However, since this kind of dentist is all-inclusive, there are a certain combination of services you can expect.
1. Preventive
Long-term dental health starts with preventive care. Twice a year checkups and dental cleanings are the cornerstone of preventive treatment. These appointments help your dentist diagnose issues early on (like tooth decay or gum disease) and avoid bigger issues down the line.
At Cedar Village Dentistry, other preventive and general treatments include:
- Cleanings & checkups
- Fillings
- Gum disease treatments
- Sleep apnea treatments
- TMJ treatments
- 3-D imagery technology
2. Restorative / Surgical
When you’re facing a dental injury or problem, you need a dentist who can restore your teeth and mouth back to optimal health. Restorative treatments often require surgery. When this type of treatment is required, working with a comprehensive dentist allows you to get the expert care you need from the dental team you already trust.
Restorative and surgical treatments often include:
- Dental crowns
- Root canals
- Extractions
- Dental implants
- Dentures
- Sedation services
3. Cosmetic
Are you interested in treatments that improve the appearance of your smile? That’s what cosmetic treatments are all about. Cosmetic services help fix issues like stains, gaps, chips, cracks, or misaligned teeth, including:
- Teeth whitening
- Invisalign
- Botox dentistry
- Veneers
- Composite fillings
- Smile makeover
4. Emergency
When you’re facing an unexpected dental emergency, you need a dentist who can help in a flash. Because this type of dental practice offers all-inclusive services, they’re much more likely to be able to fix whatever it is that’s bothering you.
Comprehensive dentistry saves you time
Making time for multiple appointments at various dental practices around town can often feel impossible. Consider this common scenario:
During your twice-a-year checkup, your dentist finds some advanced decay and believes you may need a root canal. The dentist doesn’t offer root canals and gives you the number of an endodontist.
You contact the endodontist to make an appointment. The endodontist requires an initial consultation, but is booked out several weeks. When you finally get in, the endodontist confirms what your dentist saw — yep, you need a root canal!
You have to make a separate appointment for the root canal treatment and are able to get in a few weeks later. Finally the root canal is complete — but that’s not the end of it yet. You still have to get a dental crown to finish it off. Thankfully your dentist offers crowns. Back to your general dentist you go!
Getting your crown will also take 2 separate appointments — one to prepare the tooth and place a temporary crown and another to get your permanent crown placed. When all is said and done, you’ve spent several months and 5 different appointments fixing this issue. Phew!
A comprehensive dental practice allows you to receive high-quality dental care without the need for referrals or visits to specialists. You’ll get all the dental services you need under one roof, saving you a lot of time!
Better relationships lead to better outcomes
When you work with a comprehensive dentist, you can receive all the dental treatments you need in one place. Instead of shuffling from provider to provider, you’ll spend a lot more time with the same group of professionals. This will naturally build a strong relationship between you and your dentist.
A strong relationship with your dentist is incredibly important for several reasons:
- You’ll know what to expect and be less fearful
- You’re more likely to feel comfortable asking questions and make better decisions for your health
- Your dentist will have a better understanding of your dental health history and be able to make more informed recommendations
- Your dentist will understand any special needs you have, such as dental anxiety of budget restrictions
- You’ll be more likely to take your health seriously and follow instructions given by your dentist
A comprehensive approach looks at your mouth as a whole
Your teeth do not function in isolation, so neither should your dentist. A dentist who takes a comprehensive approach to your dental care considers the impact one treatment will have on other parts of your mouth.
For example, if you have a tooth that needs to be extracted, a dentist taking a comprehensive approach will consider how removing the tooth will have on the rest of your mouth, and plan a solution. Instead of just removing the tooth, this type of dentist will provide ways to replace the tooth and ensure the rest of your dental health isn’t negatively affected.
Cedar Village Dentistry — everything you need under one roof
At Cedar Village Dentistry, we’re proud to take a comprehensive approach to your care. Our full range of services allow you to receive all your dental care right here in our state-of-art office.
From dental cleanings and fillings to dental implants, extractions, and more, we’ve got you covered. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to deliver a personalized and comfortable dental care experience unlike any other Mason dentist.
Remember: you deserve the very best care, 100% of the time. Never settle for anything less. Contact us to set an appointment or learn more.