General dentists first complete a four-year undergraduate degree and then go to four-year dental school. They specialize in preventative dental care as well as the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases. Their primary role is to make sure you maintain proper oral hygiene. A few of the most common general dentistry services include: - Routine Cleanings We recommend you get a routine dental cleaning and check-up at Friend Family Dental and Orthodontics once every 6 months. This is one of the best preventative measures to significantly reduce the risk of developing an oral or cardiovascular disease. - Tooth Extractions Tooth extractions can be performed by your general dentist to help an impacted tooth, permanent tooth damage, eliminate tooth overcrowding, and preserve teeth after trauma. The majority of tooth extractions are simple outpatient treatments under local anesthesia. - Dental Fillings Dental fillings are typically the best solution to help repair teeth with cavities. There are four major types of fillings available including gold, silver, composite, and porcelain. - Root Canals Root canal procedures help fix teeth with infections and severe tooth decay. The most common reasons our patients may need a root canal include cracked teeth, deep cavities, tissue infection, or complications with a dental filling. Additional services your general dentist can perform include dental crowns, Invisalign, dentures, bonding, veneers, and more.