If you are searching for a general dentist in Sacramento, you may be wondering what "general dentistry" actually covers. The short version is this: general dentistry is your home base for ongoing dental care, from prevention (like cleanings and exams) to many of the most common treatments (like fillings and crowns), plus guidance on when you should see a specialist.
At Global Smiles Sacramento, Dr. Lilliana Stojic and our team focus on helping patients understand what is routine, what is urgent, and what options make the most sense for long-term oral health.
General dentistry is the day-to-day foundation of dental care. It includes prevention, diagnosis, and many common treatments, plus referrals when a specialist is the safest next step.
Think of general dentistry as primary care for your mouth. It is where prevention happens, problems are caught early, and treatment is planned in a way that supports your overall health and comfort. Directory pages and page-one listings often define general dentistry broadly, but patients usually want a practical answer: what does your regular dental office actually do for you?
Prevention is a major reason patients choose a consistent dental office in Sacramento rather than bouncing between clinics. A preventive visit is not only a cleaning, it is also an ongoing check on how your teeth, gums, bite, and home-care habits are holding up.
If you are trying to get back on track with dental care in Sacramento, starting with prevention is often the most efficient path because it tells you what is happening now and what can be delayed safely (and what cannot).
In addition to preventive visits, general dentistry typically includes a wide range of restorative and diagnostic services. The goal is to treat problems early and restore function, comfort, and appearance whenever possible.
When decay is caught early, a filling can restore the tooth while preserving as much natural structure as possible. In our experience, patients who keep regular checkups often need smaller, simpler repairs because issues are identified sooner.
Crowns are commonly recommended when a tooth has a large filling, a crack, significant wear, or needs reinforcement after other treatment. If you are researching options, our dental crowns information explains when a crown may be recommended and what it can help protect.
Gum disease often starts quietly, with mild bleeding or bad breath, and can progress without obvious pain. General dentistry visits typically include gum checks and recommendations for next steps. If gum health is a concern, you can also review our periodontal care page to learn more about prevention and treatment options.
Sometimes removing a tooth is the healthiest choice, especially when a tooth is severely damaged, infected, or causing crowding. If you have been told you might need a removal, our tooth extraction page covers common reasons and what patients typically ask about.
General dentistry also includes evaluating how missing teeth affect chewing and shifting, and discussing replacement options. For some patients, implants may be part of that plan. If you are exploring this path, you can learn more about dental implants in Sacramento and how they are used to support everyday function.
Many patients are familiar with the "every six months" rule, but it is not one-size-fits-all. Your ideal schedule depends on your cavity risk, gum health, and how stable any existing dental work is.
One reason people search for a "dentist near you" is that they are not sure whether their issue can wait. As a general guide, urgent problems are the ones that could involve infection, trauma, or rapidly worsening pain.
If you suspect you need urgent care, our emergency dentist page can help you understand what typically qualifies as an emergency and what to do next.
A common misconception is that a referral means something went wrong. In reality, referrals are a normal part of coordinated healthcare. A general dentist may refer when a case is complex, when a specialist can provide a narrower type of expertise, or when certain technologies or surgical steps are required.
Even when a specialist is involved, your general dentist often stays involved in the plan, helps you understand options, and supports long-term maintenance afterward.
In our previous blog, "What to Do If Your Braces Are Causing Discomfort | Sacramento," we discussed practical next steps for a common day-to-day orthodontic problem. In this article, we focus on what general dentistry includes and how it supports everything from prevention to referrals.
A routine checkup usually includes an exam of teeth and gums, screening for problems like cavities and gum inflammation, and professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar. Your general dentist also reviews home-care habits and recommends next steps if something needs treatment.
Many patients do well with visits every six months, but the right frequency depends on your cavity risk, gum health, and any ongoing dental work. If you have gum disease, frequent cavities, or medical factors that affect oral health, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits.
Call for urgent help if you have significant tooth pain, swelling, a broken tooth, trauma, or bleeding that will not stop. If the issue is mild sensitivity, a small chip without pain, or you are simply overdue for a checkup, a routine appointment is usually appropriate.
General dentists commonly diagnose and treat many restorative problems, including dental crowns for damaged teeth and extractions when a tooth cannot be saved. For root canal treatment, complex extractions, or advanced periodontal needs, your dentist may treat in-office or coordinate a referral based on your case.
Yes. A general dentist often coordinates your care plan, helps you understand options, and works with specialist findings to plan next steps such as crowns or long-term maintenance. This coordination helps keep your treatment organized and focused on your overall oral health.
General dentistry is not just "a cleaning." It is the ongoing relationship that helps you prevent problems, catch issues early, and get clear next steps when treatment is needed. If you are looking for a steady, patient-focused dental home for dental care, a consistent plan and a team that explains your options can make the process feel much simpler.
If it has been a while since your last checkup, or you are dealing with a new concern, call Global Smiles Sacramento at 916-487-5147 to schedule an appointment.
Contact our dental office to request a visit and get guidance on whether your needs are routine or urgent.
Patient Testimonials
Beautiful office, friendly staff, terrific dental care.
by Trevor Derrett
Had a great visit today and got to know the people that work there. They made me feel comfortable as the change of ownership is taking place.
by Bonnie Schrader
I am so impressed with the entire experience. From the friendly reminders, to entering the office, and especially the dentist! My previous dentist Stephen C Ott, DDS, was incredible. I had the benefits of his gift since 1971. I was worried about finding a new dentist. However, I was blessed to have Dr. Ott recommend his dentist: Dr. Lillian Stojic. I recommend her to all!!!
by John Murphy III
I've been seeing dr stojic since I moved to town 18 years ago, my whole family has transitioned over there and I love the whole team! Keep up the great work!
by Carrie Carsell
Dr. Lilliana and her staff make getting teeth cleaned and a cavity filled as good an experience as possible. They get the job done with minimal pain and discomfort.
by Age Advantage S.
I just had a visit to Dr. Stojic's office. My ten year old daughter had an infected tooth that had to be extracted. She was so nervous and scared at the possibility of an extraction. When we arrived we were greeted warmly by her office manager and then by her equally kind assistant who brought us back to her room...
by Kristi L.
Dr. Lilliana and her staff are not only effective and efficient, but they also remove my anxiety. When I had to have a root canal, I was nervous about the pain. I was given the choice of Nitrous oxide gas and that calmed me.
by Gail M.
Dr. Stojic saw two of my children. The youngest was so comforted by her easygoing and confident demeanor that he was the quietest and most still 4 year old I've seen in a dentist chair! Our older son was very afraid of the dentist and has been to a couple other dentists who were unable to treat him because of his scared behavior. Dr. Stojic was very patient and helped him understand what she was doing at every step, which calmed him down so she was able to fill his cavities and even extract a tooth. We were thoroughly impressed with Dr. Stojic and her office and staff.
by Brittani B.
Schedule Your Appointment
Global Smiles Sacramento – Dr. Lilliana Stojic DDS, MAGD
Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
1801 Professional Drive | Sacramento, CA 95825
Phone: 916-487-5147 | Fax: 916-626-4944
