What Is General Dentistry?
General dentistry is the branch of dentistry focused on the day-to-day oral health of patients across every stage of life. It covers the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting the teeth, gums, and surrounding structures of the mouth. For most patients, a general dentist is the primary point of contact for all dental care — the equivalent of a primary care physician for oral health.
A general dentist is qualified to perform a wide range of services, including routine cleanings and exams, fillings, root canal therapy, crowns, bridges, extractions, gum disease treatment, and increasingly, cosmetic procedures like whitening and bonding. When more specialized care is needed (orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontal surgery), the general dentist coordinates referrals while continuing to oversee the patient’s overall oral health.
In the United States, general dentists complete four years of dental school after their undergraduate degree, earning either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) — the two degrees are equivalent. They are licensed by their state’s board of dental examiners, and most maintain ongoing continuing education to stay current with advances in the field.
For Las Vegas residents, finding a general dentistry practice that combines clinical excellence with a comfortable patient experience can make the difference between dental care that feels routine and dental care that gets postponed. The relationships built with a trusted general dentist often span decades — and sometimes generations within the same family.
Services Included in General Dentistry
General dentistry covers a comprehensive range of services. Below are the most common categories of care provided at a typical general dentistry practice, including the services available at Summerlin Dental Solutions.
Preventive Care
The foundation of general dentistry. Routine examinations, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants are all designed to identify problems early and prevent them from progressing. The American Dental Association recommends most adults schedule a cleaning and exam every six months, though patients with periodontal concerns or higher decay risk may benefit from more frequent visits.
Diagnostic Services
Modern general dentistry relies on a combination of visual examination, digital imaging, and increasingly, AI-assisted diagnostic tools to identify problems that aren’t yet visible to the naked eye. Digital X-rays and cone-beam CT imaging reveal cavities between teeth, bone loss from gum disease, abscesses, impacted teeth, and other conditions that affect long-term oral health. Oral cancer screenings — typically performed at every six-month visit — check for early signs of pathology in the soft tissues of the mouth.
Restorative Treatments
When teeth are damaged by decay, fracture, or wear, restorative dentistry returns them to function and appearance. This category includes fillings (both traditional and tooth-colored composite), crowns, bridges, inlays and onlays, and dental implants. The choice of material and technique depends on the location of the tooth, the extent of damage, and the patient’s long-term goals. Modern restorative dentistry can typically replicate the appearance of natural enamel so closely that fillings and crowns are visually indistinguishable from surrounding teeth.
Periodontal Care
The gums and supporting bone are as important as the teeth themselves. Periodontal services range from routine maintenance cleanings for healthy patients to scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) for patients with early gum disease, to more advanced periodontal treatments. According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly half of American adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease — making early intervention one of the most consequential aspects of general dentistry.
Endodontic Treatments
When decay or trauma reaches the pulp inside a tooth, root canal therapy can save the tooth from extraction. Modern root canal procedures are far more comfortable than their reputation suggests — most patients report the procedure feels similar to having a filling placed. Root canals performed in a general dentistry setting are typically completed in one or two visits and have success rates well above 90%.
Tooth Replacement
When teeth cannot be saved or have already been lost, general dentistry includes options for replacement: dental implants, bridges, partial dentures, and full dentures. Each option has different indications, costs, and longevity profiles, and a thorough consultation explores which best fits the patient’s anatomy, lifestyle, and budget.
Emergency Dental Care
Toothaches, broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, and acute infections can happen at any time. A general dentistry practice that reserves same-day appointments for emergencies provides patients a reliable alternative to emergency rooms — which typically cannot perform definitive dental treatment and refer patients to a dentist anyway.
Patient Comfort Services
Dental anxiety is genuine — surveys suggest about one in three American adults experience some level of dental anxiety, and roughly one in ten avoid dental care altogether because of fear. Modern general dentistry has multiple approaches to address this, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and behavioral techniques developed specifically for anxious patients.
When to See a General Dentist
Most adults benefit from seeing a general dentist twice a year for routine examination and cleaning. Beyond routine care, the most common reasons patients schedule a visit include:
- Persistent tooth pain or sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure
- A chipped, cracked, or broken tooth
- A dental crown, filling, or bridge that has come loose
- Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath that doesn’t resolve with improved hygiene
- Visible discoloration or staining of teeth
- Difficulty chewing or pain when biting
- A new patient relocation, after moving to the Las Vegas area
- A change in dental insurance, requiring a new in-network provider
If any of these apply, scheduling a consultation is the appropriate next step. For active dental pain or visible swelling, contact the practice the same day — these are typically signs of a problem that progresses without treatment.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
A new-patient appointment at Summerlin Dental Solutions is scheduled for 60 minutes — substantially longer than the 30-minute slots typical of high-volume corporate dental chains. The extended time isn’t padding; it reflects the depth of evaluation that allows the practice to develop a treatment plan grounded in the specific patient’s mouth, not in averages.
The visit typically includes a comprehensive examination of teeth, gums, jaw, bite, and soft tissues; a full series of digital X-rays (and cone-beam CT imaging where indicated); an oral cancer screening; a discussion of the patient’s medical history, dental history, and concerns; a professional cleaning by the hygienist; and a treatment plan review at the end.
New patients are encouraged to bring any recent dental records or X-rays from previous providers, a list of current medications, dental insurance information, and questions about specific concerns. The practice files insurance claims directly on behalf of patients, eliminating the paperwork burden that comes with submitting claims independently.
How Often Should You See a General Dentist?
The standard recommendation, based on guidance from the American Dental Association and supported by decades of clinical research, is twice-yearly cleanings and examinations for most adults. This six-month interval reflects the typical pace at which calculus (hardened plaque) accumulates on teeth and the timeline at which most early problems can be detected and treated before they require more invasive intervention.
Some patients benefit from a more frequent schedule. Those with active periodontal disease, a history of frequent decay, certain medical conditions (diabetes, autoimmune disorders), or who are taking medications that affect saliva production may be advised to come in every three or four months. Conversely, patients with exceptional oral health and stable history may occasionally extend to nine-month intervals on a dentist’s recommendation.
For children, dental visits should begin by the first birthday or within six months of the first tooth erupting — whichever comes first. Establishing dental care early is associated with significantly lower rates of childhood decay and reduced anxiety about dental visits later in life.
What Sets Summerlin Dental Solutions Apart
Patients evaluating general dentistry practices in Las Vegas often ask what makes one practice meaningfully different from another. The differentiators that matter — the ones patients notice in actual practice rather than in marketing materials — are usually concrete: specific technology, specific time commitments, specific protocols, specific recognition from the community.
Recognition That Spans Two Decades
Dr. Marianne Cohan has been named Best of Las Vegas Dentist 19 times by readers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The award is determined by reader vote, not by industry panels or paid placements, which means it reflects the experience of actual patients in the Las Vegas community. Sustained recognition across nearly two decades suggests a level of consistency that’s difficult to fake — practices come and go from the Best of Las Vegas list every year, but few maintain a presence on it across multiple decades.
Time Per Patient
New-patient appointments at Summerlin Dental Solutions are scheduled for 60 minutes. Hygiene visits are 60 minutes. Routine cleanings are not rushed to fit a 30-minute corporate-chain timetable. The reason is clinical: a thorough examination, a careful cleaning, an honest conversation about findings, and a treatment plan that reflects the specific patient cannot be done well in 30 minutes. The trade-off is fewer patients per day. The result is care that patients can feel — and that catches problems before they become expensive.
Technology That Changes the Patient Experience
The practice has invested in technology specifically because of how it changes what’s possible for patients:
- Digital intraoral scanner. Replaces traditional gag-inducing impression trays with a small camera that captures a 3D model of the teeth in minutes. More comfortable for patients, more accurate for treatment planning.
- Cone-beam CT imaging. Three-dimensional X-ray imaging that reveals anatomy traditional 2D X-rays cannot show. Essential for implant planning, complex extractions, and accurate diagnosis of jaw and sinus pathology.
- AI-assisted diagnostic imaging. Artificial intelligence trained on millions of dental X-rays now augments the dentist’s review of patient imaging, flagging subtle findings for closer examination. Patients benefit from a second set of eyes — algorithmic ones — on every image, catching findings that might otherwise be missed.
- Soft-tissue laser. Replaces scalpel for many gum-related procedures. Less bleeding, faster healing, often performed without injectable anesthesia.
Insurance That Works Without Surprises
Summerlin Dental Solutions is in-network with most major dental insurance plans, including Delta Dental, Aetna, MetLife, Cigna, and Guardian. The practice files claims directly on behalf of patients and verifies benefits before treatment, so patients know what their insurance will cover before any procedure begins. For services not fully covered by insurance, the practice offers in-house preferred-patient programs and accepts CareCredit, HSA, and FSA for flexible payment options.
Continuity of Care, Not Rotating Providers
Patients who visit Summerlin Dental Solutions see Dr. Cohan and the same hygienist team across visits. Continuity matters in dentistry: a hygienist who has cleaned the same patient’s teeth for five years will notice subtle changes in gum health that a new hygienist starting fresh will not. A dentist who has placed crowns, watched them age, and revised treatment plans across years can offer judgment that no first-visit consultation can replicate.
Insurance, Pricing, and Financial Information
General dentistry costs vary significantly based on insurance coverage, the specific services received, and the materials used. The practice’s policy is transparency: patients should know what something costs before they decide whether to proceed.
For routine preventive care (cleaning, exam, X-rays), most dental insurance plans cover 100% of in-network costs at twice-yearly visits. Restorative procedures (fillings, crowns, bridges) are typically covered at 50–80% after deductibles, with the patient responsible for the remainder. Cosmetic procedures and elective treatments are generally not covered by insurance and are paid out-of-pocket.
For patients without insurance, the practice’s preferred-patient program offers significant discounts on routine and restorative care for an annual fee — often saving more than the membership cost in the first year for patients who need any work beyond a cleaning. CareCredit financing is available for larger treatment plans, with promotional 0% interest periods for qualified applicants. HSA and FSA accounts are accepted for all eligible services.
Detailed pricing for specific procedures is provided in the treatment plan presented at the end of each consultation. Patients can also call the office at (702) 341-9160 to discuss specific procedures and insurance coverage before scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions About General Dentistry
How is a general dentist different from a specialist?
A general dentist is trained to provide a wide range of services covering most patients’ day-to-day dental needs. Specialists (orthodontists, oral surgeons, periodontists, endodontists, prosthodontists) have completed additional training of two to three years beyond dental school in a specific area. Most patients see a general dentist for nearly all their dental care, and a general dentist coordinates referrals to specialists when more focused expertise is needed.
Do I need to come in every six months even if nothing hurts?
Yes, in most cases. Many of the conditions general dentistry treats most successfully — small cavities, early gum disease, oral cancer in early stages — produce no pain or visible symptoms in their early stages. By the time a patient feels something, the problem has typically progressed to a stage where treatment is more involved and more expensive. The twice-yearly schedule isn’t arbitrary; it reflects the timeline at which problems can typically be caught early.
Can a general dentist do cosmetic work, or do I need a cosmetic dentist?
Many general dentists, including Dr. Cohan, perform cosmetic procedures including teeth whitening, dental bonding, porcelain veneers, and smile makeovers. “Cosmetic dentist” isn’t a separate specialty recognized by the American Dental Association — it describes a general dentist who has pursued additional training and experience in cosmetic procedures. For complex full-mouth reconstructions, some patients may benefit from a referral to a prosthodontist, but most cosmetic work is well within the scope of an experienced general dentist.
What should I do if I have a dental emergency?
Call the practice at (702) 341-9160 as soon as possible. The practice reserves appointment slots each day specifically for dental emergencies. For knocked-out adult teeth, time matters — the tooth has the best chance of being saved if reimplanted within 30 minutes. Keep the tooth moist (in milk or saline if available, or in the mouth between cheek and gum) and head directly to the office. For uncontrolled bleeding, severe facial swelling, or trauma extending beyond the teeth, an emergency room may be the appropriate first stop.
How do I know if my insurance is accepted?
Summerlin Dental Solutions is in-network with most major dental insurance plans. To confirm coverage for a specific plan, call the office at (702) 341-9160 with your insurance information ready, and the front desk will verify your benefits before scheduling. The practice also files insurance claims on behalf of patients, eliminating paperwork.
Is sedation available for anxious patients?
Yes. The practice offers nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation for patients who experience dental anxiety or who are scheduled for longer procedures. Both are safe, well-established sedation methods that allow patients to relax through their visit while remaining responsive. Patients receiving oral sedation must arrange transportation to and from the appointment.
Do you see children?
Yes — Summerlin Dental Solutions provides general dentistry care for patients of all ages, including children. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth eruption. Establishing dental care early is associated with substantially lower rates of childhood decay and reduced anxiety about dental visits later in life.
Schedule Your Visit
Whether you’re new to Las Vegas, looking for a new general dentistry practice, or returning for routine care, Summerlin Dental Solutions welcomes new patients of all ages. Schedule online or call (702) 341-9160 to book your first appointment. We’re located at 851 S. Rampart Blvd, Suite 230, with free parking on-site and convenient access from across Summerlin, Henderson, and the broader Las Vegas area.