What Does a General Dentist in Methuen, MA Do? Everything to Know

Branch Street Dental • Oct 11, 2021

Are you asking yourself the question: What does a general dentist in Methuen, MA do exactly? Keep reading and learn more about general dentistry here.

dentist in methuen, ma

A primary physician is qualified to diagnose simple disorders and illnesses, and prescribe medications to treat them. However, they'll often relegate more complex issues to specialists in your area. They also don't do most procedures in-house and require you to go to a local hospital.


General dentists act much like your primary physician in that they're the first people you see when you have a dental problem. However, their services are often much more comprehensive than a family doctor. 


But what kind of services does a general dentist in Methuen, MA offer? And at what point do they refer you to a different type of dentist?

Difference Between Dentist Types

Just like in medicine, there are multiple fields of dentistry that focus on specific dental problems. These dentists operate only in their individual fields and work in tandem with other specialists to treat whatever issue you have. 

For example, an infected and broken tooth may require a root canal and a crown fitting. A multi-specialty dental office would likely schedule multiple appointments with different dentists on separate days to complete your treatment. 

Some of the most common specialties are orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, and periodontics. 

Orthodontics prevent and correct any movement of your teeth. Most people know them as dentists who fit children and teenagers with braces.

Although it also deals with children, pediatric dentistry provides more with dietary and hygienic instruction. They can also correct jaw alignments and diagnose dental anomalies. 

Periodontics focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating disease in your gums. That includes gum disease, which can lead to a host of other major issues. 

There are also specialties that focus on oral pathology and cosmetic dentistry. An endodontist does root canals and tooth bleaching. Cosmetic dentists place crowns and reshape broken teeth.

Purpose of a General Dentist

A general dentist differs from most other dental specialties in that they can provide multiple types of care. Although a general dentist undergoes the same education and training as a normal family dentist, they may receive special training in certain areas.

You can see one for your routine annual visit, and you can also rely on them if they spot some kind of issue. A separate specialist may or may not accept your dental insurance. They may also charge more than a general dentist might. 

Your general dentist can diagnose, treat, and monitor your dental problems the entire way. 

General Dentist Procedures

The most common general dentist procedures include teeth alignment, treating tooth decay, and diagnosing gum disease. 

Instead of visiting an orthodontist to get braces, you can rely on your general dentist to get them fitted. They're also qualified to place veneers or crowns.

Tooth decay is another issue that may require a surgical procedure to treat. Once again, a general dentist can perform root canals and remove infected tissue. It's especially handy considering an infected tooth may end up getting much worse if you have to wait for an open appointment time with a specialist. 

If the damage to your tooth is significant enough, your general dentist can provide the appropriate dental care after cleaning and removing dead tissue. This includes placing dentures, dental bridges, and implants. 

General dentistry also includes less serious services, such as teeth whitening. You can get whitening done in the office or take home a whitening system made just for your teeth.

General Dentist Costs

 The cost of a dental procedure will depend on the individual dentist, and the time and risk it takes to complete. 

A dental implant could cost anywhere from $3,000 to $4,500 per tooth. That cost goes up if it's to replace a molar. Dental crowns and tooth veneers can range anywhere between $500 and $3,000. 

If a problem is complicated, you may need multiple visits with different doctors to treat the overall problem. 

Like any medical procedure, dental procedures don't come cheap. Paying for them is also slightly more complicated since dental coverage isn't always included in most healthcare options. Some offices do offer payment plans and coupons for certain procedures, though. 

One of the benefits of seeing a general dentist is that you're never going to be surprised by their prices. You can find out the prices of the procedure upfront before it happens, rather than finding out after you've waited an extra week or two to see a specialist. 

Some dentists will also charge you extra for every visit and the cost of their expertise. With a general dentist, you could be fortunate enough to have a procedure done immediately after its diagnosis. 

Qualifications of General Dentist Jobs

 

In order to become a general dentist, a student must go through at least three years of undergraduate school, along with four years of dental school. After that, they can also pursue post-graduate training to become a specialist. 


However, a general dentist doesn't need to become a specialist in order to perform some of the same procedures. For example, all dentists have the necessary training to perform root canal therapy. Despite that, dentists may refer patients to endodontists who have more experience in that field. 


An important consideration when finding a general dentist in Methuen, MA is their professionalism. Do they clearly communicate their concerns and why certain procedures must be done? Are they the best option for a specific procedure?

Find a General Dentist in Methuen, MA

You shouldn't wait to find a dentist in Methuen, MA if you start feeling tooth pain. By the time you notice something wrong, it could be too late. General dentists exist to provide convenient and comprehensive care, all under one roof.



Here at Branch Street Dental, you can be sure you're getting the best service possible. New patients pay only $99 for a dental exam, x-rays, and a cleaning. Make an appointment online or contact us if you have any questions.

teeth whitening, dentist in Methuen MA
By Branch Street Dental 30 May, 2023
Finding the right dentist in Methuen MA can really help you improve your smile. Check out this guide for some of our favorite teeth whitening tips.
invisalign, dentist in methuen ma
By Branch Street Dental 20 Mar, 2023
One of the most common questions our dentists in Methuen get is, "how much does Invisalign treatment cost?" Get your answer (and guidance) here.
cosmetic dentistry, dentist in Methuen MA
By Branch Street Dental 27 Jan, 2023
If you are looking at options for a new dentist, a cosmetic specialist may be the answer. Here are reasons to visit a cosmetic dentist in Methuen, MA.
More Posts
Share by: