Dentistry is a field of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity. It is a broad field that encompasses a variety of services, from preventive care to restorative treatments. In this guide, we will explore the different types of dentistry services available and how they can help you maintain your oral health. Preventive dentistry is the practice of maintaining good oral health through regular check-ups and cleanings. During a preventive visit, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums for any signs of decay or disease.
They may also take X-rays to check for any underlying issues. Regular preventive visits are essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing future problems. Restorative dentistry is the practice of repairing damaged teeth or replacing missing teeth. Common restorative treatments include fillings, crowns, bridges, and dentures. Fillings are used to repair cavities caused by decay, while crowns are used to restore severely damaged teeth.
Bridges are used to replace missing teeth, while dentures are used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. Restorative treatments can help restore your smile and improve your oral health.
Cosmetic dentistry
is the practice of improving the appearance of your smile. Common cosmetic treatments include teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding. Teeth whitening can help brighten stained or discolored teeth, while veneers can be used to cover chips or cracks in the enamel.Bonding can be used to reshape or repair misshapen teeth. Cosmetic treatments can help improve the aesthetics of your smile.
Orthodontics
is the practice of straightening crooked teeth or correcting misaligned bites. Common orthodontic treatments include braces, Invisalign®, and retainers. Braces use brackets and wires to gradually move the teeth into their correct positions.Invisalign® uses clear aligners to gradually move the teeth into their correct positions. Retainers are used to maintain the results after orthodontic treatment has been completed.
Endodontics
is the practice of treating diseases or injuries of the pulp inside a tooth. Common endodontic treatments include root canals and apicoectomies. Root canals involve removing the infected pulp from inside a tooth and replacing it with a filling material.Apicoectomies involve removing the root tip from a tooth that has been damaged by infection or trauma.
Periodontics
is the practice of treating diseases or injuries of the gums and supporting structures around a tooth. Common periodontal treatments include scaling and root planing, gum grafts, and pocket reduction procedures. Scaling and root planing involve removing plaque and tartar from below the gum line to reduce inflammation and improve gum health. Gum grafts involve taking tissue from another area of the mouth and attaching it to areas where gum recession has occurred.Pocket reduction procedures involve reshaping the gums around a tooth to reduce pockets where bacteria can accumulate.
Oral surgery
is the practice of performing surgical procedures in the mouth. Common oral surgical procedures include wisdom tooth extractions, dental implants, bone grafts, and jaw surgery. Wisdom tooth extractions involve removing impacted wisdom teeth that cannot erupt properly into the mouth. Dental implants involve placing artificial roots into the jawbone to replace missing teeth.Bone grafts involve taking bone from another area of the body and placing it into areas where bone loss has occurred due to periodontal disease or trauma. Jaw surgery involves correcting misaligned jaws or repositioning them for improved function. These are just some of the many types of dentistry services available today. Your dentist can help you determine which type of treatment is best for you based on your individual needs and goals for your oral health.
