General Dentist Birmingham, AL
Regular visits to a general dentist are essential to maintaining oral health and overall well-being. A general dentist is a qualified provider of essential dental care for patients of all ages. These dental professionals can help prevent dental diseases and educate people on practicing good dental hygiene at home.
Receive quality, comprehensive care from a general dentist at Healthy Smiles Of Birmingham in Birmingham and the surrounding area. Our team can help keep your smile beautiful and healthy. Call us today at (205) 203-0737 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Differences Between DDS and DDM
Finding the right general dentist is just as important as finding the right general physician. Clients need to feel comfortable enough with the professional to express their wants and concerns while trusting the dentist completely for the care of their teeth. A general dentist is much like a primary care dentist who can provide all the essential needs of standard oral health care. During your search for a general dentist, you are bound to come across two standard abbreviations: DDS and DDM. What are the differences between the two? Is one more qualified than the other? The short answer is no.
According to the American Dental Association, the only difference between a DDS and DDM is a single letter. DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery, while DDM stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. Both types of dentists complete the same curriculum and receive the same education. That education generally includes three or more years of undergraduate study plus four years of dental school. State licensing boards regard both degrees as equal, and both degrees allow individuals to practice within the scope of general dentistry.
“…the only difference between a DDS and DDM is a single letter. DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery, while DDM stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine.”
General Dentistry Services
Though specialists play a vital role in America's oral health, general dentists are the professionals who create the foundations for healthy, dazzling smiles. From maintaining oral health to addressing dental concerns, the services a general dentist provides are crucial to the patient's continued wellbeing. These are some of the common services most general dentists provide:
- Preventative Services: General dentists focus almost exclusively on helping patients maintain a healthy smile by stopping diseases before they wreak havoc on the teeth, gums, or jaw. They do this by performing routine exams that may include diagnostic imagery and in-depth teeth cleanings. These procedures are the cornerstones of prevention. The professional may also equip clients with the knowledge and tools needed to maintain oral hygiene at home. For those whose teeth are particularly susceptible to decay, a dentist may recommend sealants.
- Cosmetic Procedures: For more complex cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as implants, patients may want to consult with a cosmetic dentist. However, a general dentist often handles routine cosmetic treatments. Consult with a general dentist about simpler procedures such as teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and cosmetic bonding.
- Restorative Services: Restorative services are necessary to restore teeth or gums to a healthy condition and to prevent further damage. The most common restoration procedure involves removing decay from a tooth and placing a filler to prevent further deterioration. However, generalists offer restoration services for other types of problems, such as chipped, cracked, or loose teeth, as well as gum disease or tooth loss.
- General Health Care: The mouth-body connection is real, and any oral health concerns a patient has may affect their body and vice-versa. For example, chronic oral infections could be an indicator of unchecked diabetes, pregnancy complications, or cardiovascular disease. Dentists are trained to identify these connections and either offer treatment or make the appropriate referral.
- Sleep Health: As reported by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, a general dentist can often treat obstructive sleep apnea. The dentist may use an oral appliance to address this potentially deadly condition that obstructs airways during slumber. In addition, the dentist may provide nutrition counseling and lifestyle advice to help manage the condition.
“From maintaining oral health to addressing dental concerns, the services a general dentist provides are crucial to the patient’s continued wellbeing.”
General Dentistry for Children
For many families, having one dental provider is more convenient than trying to manage multiple appointments with different offices. However, some may wonder if a child is ready to see the family dentist. The reality is that a general dentist is just as qualified to treat young patients as well as adult patients. Families who want to streamline their schedules by assigning everyone the same dentist can do so with peace of mind.
However, bear in mind that children are less receptive to oral health treatment than adults. To ensure the child has a positive experience at the dentist's office, look for a practitioner with years of experience working with children. Though the office does not need to cater directly to children, it should offer a kid-friendly space in the waiting room and kid-centric accessories, such as X-ray aprons, dental goodie bags, and perhaps a kid-friendly exam room if space allows.
“The reality is that a general dentist is just as qualified to treat young patients as well as adult patients.”
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The Difference Between DDS and DMD
Children of all ages can have regular dental appointments with a general dentist. Although it might seem early, the sooner children have regular dental checkups, the healthier their mouths will stay throughout their lives. These check-ups help prevent cavities and tooth decay, which can lead to pain and other complications.
Asking questions during appointments with a general dentist is an important part of long-term healthcare. Patients can ask questions about the frequency of check-ups, best oral hygiene practices, and preventing tooth decay and other problems. Dental health varies for each patient. Our team works with each patient to determine the best way to meet their needs.
“Children of all ages can have regular dental appointments with a general dentist.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is the difference between a DDS and a DMD?
Q. What is the difference between a DDS and DDM?
Q. What types of services does a general dentist provide?
Q. How does a general dentist cater to children?
Q. How often should I visit a general dentist?
People Also Ask
Q. How can a person's diet help with tooth decay?
Q. How can someone find out what procedures their dental insurance covers?
Timely Visits to the General Dentist
Most people only visit the dentist when something is wrong, a practice that keeps many from reaching their full smile potential. Visits every six months for a comprehensive checkup and cleaning is ideal to keep teeth and gums healthy. In addition, patients experiencing any form of tooth or gum ache should schedule a visit immediately to prevent the progression or development of a condition.
During the biannual visit, the general dentist performs a thorough examination to look for plaque and tartar buildup, cavities, and gum issues. The visit also includes a scrupulous cleaning to help remove tartar, which cannot be removed at home. After cleaning, the dentist applies a polish, which helps remove surface stains. The dentist also advises each patient on what to do between visits to keep teeth strong and healthy.
“During the biannual visit, the general dentist performs a thorough examination to look for plaque and tartar buildup, cavities, and gum issues.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why do individuals need to visit a general dentist?
A. Regular dental visits are vital for both oral health and overall physical health. Routine dental care helps prevent tooth decay, protects against gum disease, and creates the foundation for a strong, healthy smile that will last. It also protects against bad breath and helps maintain good oral hygiene.
Q. How can patients overcome apprehension about general dentist visits?
A. Dental phobia is completely normal. In fact, it is estimated that nearly 75% of adults in the US live with this anxiety. Dentists are aware of this issue and have developed techniques to help patients feel more confident during visits. Your comfort is our top priority, so if you feel even the slightest discomfort, let our practitioners know. We will always take additional measures to make you feel more at home.
Q. When should parents take children to the general dentist?
A. You will want to schedule your children's dental visits every six months just as you do the adults in the family. Set a positive tone for your children and help them look forward to dental appointments. Make sure to choose a kid-friendly dentist with experience treating children.
Q. Do people still need to visit the general dentist if their teeth feel fine?
A. Yes, individuals should maintain biannual dental visits even when teeth feel fine. Unfortunately, teeth or gums may develop issues without patient awareness, but a trained professional can spot these problems right away. In addition, regular dental visits keep teeth looking white, healthy and beautiful.
Q. Why does a general dentist recommend flossing?
A. Brushing is not enough. Flossing helps to remove the minuscule particles between the teeth where the bristles of the toothbrush cannot reach. Without flossing, plaque can remain between the teeth, which can eventually develop into tartar.
Q. What can patients do to prevent cavities between visits to the general dentist?
A. For starters, brush and floss at least twice a day. Keep sugar to a minimum and be wary of sticky foods that can remain on teeth for long periods of time, such as peanut butter and bananas. Rinse the mouth with water after eating to help remove food from the teeth and chew sugarless gum.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
A general dentist offers comprehensive dental care to maintain healthy teeth at any age. Our team at Healthy Smiles Of Birmingham can provide you with the dental care you deserve. Call us today at 205-203-0737 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
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