Which procedure will be suitable for you will depend on your general health, restorative condition, or aesthetic enhancement. If you are taking up general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry, it is important to have a complete understanding of all these for better-decision making. Read along this blog and make an informed decision.
General Dentistry:
What’s done here?
- Routine exams and cleanings
- Imaging Tests and Diagnosis
- Fluoride sealants and treatments
- Basic extractions, fillings
When to seek a general dentist?
- Check-ups: Just book routine cleanings and exams to help keep oral health in check, avoid dental problems, and identify any problems at an early stage.
- Preventive Care: If you need sealants, fluoride treatments, or even some help to ensure good oral hygiene.
- Common Complaints: For routine issues like sensitivity of teeth in mild degree, rare toothaches, or the first signs of periodontal disease.
- Dental Emergencies: In unanticipated cases needing emergency treatment, such as toothaches, chipped teeth, or other acute dental problems.
- Education and Counseling: In case you want to seek advice regarding diet, way of life, and oral health habits that influence dental health.
Restorative Dentistry:
What’s done here?
- Onlays, inlays, and fillings
- Bridges and crowns
- Dentures and dental implants
- root canal treatment
- Treatments for periodontal disease
When to seek a restorative dentist?
- If you have a cavity, crack, or break in your teeth, you could require some dental work.
- When some teeth are absent prostheses, bridges, or implants are required.
- Functional Problems: Crowns and bridges and RCT may be needed for problems related to the working of your teeth. Difficulty in biting or bite disorders are some examples.
Cosmetic Dentistry:
What’s done here?
- Whitening teeth
- Veneers
- Gum recontouring and cosmetic contouring
- Orthodontics and clear aligners
- makeovers for smiles
When to seek a cosmetic dentist?
- Aesthetic Corrections: Teeth whitening in the case of discoloration, closing of gaps if one likes to enhance the appearance of teeth and smile.
- A smile makeover: this could include veneers or even orthodontics for the betterment of your overall smile.
- Minor Corrections: Veneers or bonding may be done to correct minor problems like chipped or malformed teeth.
- Alignment Issues: Your teeth’s spacing and alignment can be improved with clear aligners or traditional braces.
Selecting the Care Type That Is Best for You
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Know Your Needs
General Care: The general dentist performs all routine checkups and basic care.
Restorative Needs: Your general dentist may refer you to restorative treatments in case he finds cavities, missing teeth, or heavy damage.
Cosmetic Objectives: You can look upon a cosmetic dentist for issues or improvements that are related to aesthetics.
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Advice and Recommendations:
General Dentist: He/she is often the first contact and refers patients to restorative or cosmetic dentists if need be.
Specialists: Your general dentist may refer you to specialists based on your needs, or restorative and cosmetic dentists will work together.
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Personal Choice:
Functional and aesthetic Improvement: You can always fix your smile and teeth if you have any insecurities about them.
Combining above mentioned three departments of dentistry to achieve the best results. For example, restoration work may need to be done to ensure that the base is strong before any aesthetic additions are made.
Conclusion
Anyone seeking good oral health and a beaming smile has to be aware of the procedures done in cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry. This will also be useful in knowing when and why you should go for general, restorative, or aesthetic dentistry in order to obtain appropriate treatment tailored to you and your specific dental needs and goals.
