Put simply, the purpose of general dentistry is to fix dental problems and ensure good oral health while the purpose of cosmetic dentistry is to create a more attractive and natural looking smile. A beautiful smile can improve your self-confidence in social and professional situations. Recently, cosmetic dentistry has been revolutionized with technological advancements and improved products not only for your smile, but also for your back teeth as well.

The most popular cosmetic procedure in dentistry is  Houston dentist  tooth whitening or bleaching. Even though there are whitening products available at your local stores, it is best to combine daily oral hygiene with the expertise of a dentist who is trained to whiten stained and discolored teeth.

For patients with front teeth that are discolored, chipped, crooked, or unevenly spaced, porcelain veneers offer an extremely popular way to mask these problems. The result of this relatively simple treatment can be a much more appealing smile. Although plastic and ceramic veneers are available, porcelain veneers are most popular because they are more translucent and look more natural. Porcelain veneers are also more durable and are stronger than other options, and they are more stain-resistant, too.

A veneer is an extremely thin porcelain shell or laminate that is cemented to the front surface of each affected tooth to change its shape or color. Because this is usually a painless procedure, only a local anesthesia may be needed. Sometimes a bit of the affected tooth will be shaved or filed off to enhance the fit of the veneer. A dentist uses dental putty to get the exact model of the teeth. This model is usually sent to a dental lab technician who makes custom-made veneers. Therefore, you will need a second dental appointment to have the custom veneers properly fitted onto your teeth.

If you lose teeth, then you have the option of replacing them with dental implants, dentures, or partial dentures. Dental implants have become popular because they feel and look like natural teeth. However, not everyone is a good candidate for implants. Because surgery is involved, it would be ideal if the patient were otherwise in good health and without chronic health problems like diabetes.

General dentistry is a broad area, covering everything from filling cavities and removing plaques to performing root canals. The professionals involved also perform cosmetic procedures like bleaching. It can be looked at as a problem solving process. Preventive dentistry deviates slightly and takes a diagnostic approach. The dentist thoroughly examines your gums and the crown of the teeth before any infections or diseases are visible. Cavities for example begin with some slight chipping on the tooth surface. The dentist will spot these after keen examination and stop it from escalating.

For hidden surfaces, intra oral cameras and x-rays allow the doctor to see as far as the root of the teeth and inside the maxillary and mandibular bones. This type of treatment also minimizes the risk of a patient developing more serious diseases and consequences like tooth loss. If during your checkup, something comes up, the dentist will advise you on ways to stop the disease from advancing.

A general dentist is most probably the first caregiver you will go to, to treat any of the most common dental problems. If you stay committed to your annual dental checkup, your general dentist will also be performing a preventive exercise. The examination itself constitutes this.

Simple extractions by a general dentist are fairly common, and most often done under general anesthesia. Complex extractions may require the advanced skill of a specialist. Reasons for extraction are: crowding, damage from excessive impact and severe infection/decay. In some cases, except in overcrowding, you may have the chance to fill the remaining gap with a dental crown.

Statistics by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare indicate that indeed, many people, especially men, need to be more disciplined when it comes to dental health and checkups. Between 2004 and 2006, the institution reported that 3 in 10 adults aged between 25 and 44 had untreated tooth decay. Quite interestingly, 28. 2 percent of men were affected. Women marked 22. 1 %.