Because they are considered to be the first level of defense against dental abnormalities, family dentistry and general dentistry are viewed primarily as preventative fields. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you visit your family dentist for a checkup a minimum of two times each year. Such checkups provide routine or deep cleanings to eliminate plaque buildup and prevent tooth decay. If necessary, they also provide fluoride treatments to help coat the teeth, a procedure also important in the prevention of tooth decay. Preventative dental checkups can help with the detection of oral health problems long before the onset of symptoms.
On some visits, radiographs are taken to help detect cavities and other tooth and jaw problems. If a cavity is detected during a checkup, your family dentist can provide treatment with a dental filling before it develops into a more serious problem that may require a crown, dental implant, root canal, or other restorative procedure.