Many of us think there is only one form of dentistry. Appointments were boring and routine when we were kids, and we probably never understood that our dentist was trained especially to treat us as a family dentist. Later in life, our appointments become more sporadic, and our needs change. Maybe we need more preventative dentistry to push off the need for fillings and further dental work, or perhaps we are more bothered by the aesthetic appearance of our smile. Cosmetic and general dentistry are two other forms of dentistry you might not think of as independent.
However, there is no reason why these different strands of dentistry should be so. All family dentists are trained in general dentistry (though this is not the same for the reverse), and many of the techniques they implement when looking at our teeth are also echoed in cosmetic dentistry. This blog advocates for a holistic approach to oral health and a combined treatment using cosmetic, family, and general dentistry.
But first, what exactly are each of these forms of dentistry, and what do they do?
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is all about aesthetics. It improves your smile’s visual appearance, including cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, braces, and dental bonding.
This form of dental treatment can be helpful for people who have:
- Cracked teeth. Dental bonding uses composite resin, the color of your teeth, to cover up cracks in your teeth and address discoloration. Such treatment must be repeated every five to even years and is entirely reversible. Veneers can also be used in the treatment of cracked teeth.
- Colored teeth. Teeth whitening can reduce the appearance of tooth stains that may arise due to the consumption of dark-colored food and drink. The process usually takes about an hour to complete.
However, if you have severe oral conditions, these must be addressed before you start treatment on your teeth. Such extreme conditions can also be linked to the desire for cosmetic work, including cavities due to gum disease. Only once the mouth is healthy can cosmetic work begin.
Family Dentistry
Family dentistry is a form of general dentistry. It means that your dentist can treat a range of ages, from children to adults, and know the differences in oral problems unique to age and individual patients. Likely, your dentist may also be a pediatric dentist with additional training than a general dentist, although this isn’t required for a family dentist.
Family dentists focus on general and preventative dentistry. Dental procedures involved in such appointments can include:
- Regular mouth and tooth cleaning and examinations. Such examinations are critical monitors of oral diseases. For children, it is recommended they visit the dentist every six months to monitor tooth decay and gingivitis before needing a tooth extraction.
- Fillings and cavity checks. Family dentists check for and treat cavities for patients of every age. Tooth decay is a preventable illness, especially in children, so fitting this regularly is an essential part of healthy oral practice.
- Fluoride treatments, as are dental sealants, can be an essential measure against tooth decay.
General Dentistry
To be a general dentist, your surgeon must be trained for three years at the undergraduate level and then again for four years at dental school. This is because the treatments they give are, as the name outlines, general. They, therefore, need to be prepared for every eventuality and know how to spot a range of oral issues.
The main difference between general and family dentists is that one treats children, and the other does not. General dentists would instead focus on adults – young and old.
A typical general dentist appointment can include:
- Cleaning and oral exams. These monitor your oral hygiene and teeth health to detect early signs of dental diseases like oral cancer and implement preventive treatment if needed.
- Crowns and bridgework can be used to restructure the mouth if needed and include fillings. General dentistry also provides for the performance of root canals if necessary.
- Dental implants for teeth that need to be replaced entirely.
Your First Integrated Dentistry Appointment
A holistic approach to dental care is an important one. Combining cosmetic, family and general dentistry guarantees a beautiful smile and long-term oral health. This is because your dentist will know how to whiten teeth, look out for signs of gum disease, or give a filling when needed.
Bridge Creek Dental Practice in Montana offers this type of combined service. So, if you’re looking for a general checkup but are interested in understanding how you can brighten your smile or have a filling installed but also a small child due a checkup, visit their surgery today or search their website for their comprehensive range of services for a healthy smile today.