What's the Difference Between General Dentistry and Cosmetic Dentistry?

There are so many types of dentistry that it sometimes confuses patients with which type they need. From general dentists to cosmetic dentists, how will you know which type of dentist to see? The answer depends on the type of dental concerns you have.

We get this question a lot at Godley Station Dental. We will explain the difference between general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry, and how these treatments can help you. Keep reading to learn more!

General Dentistry Procedures

The focus of general dentistry is to keep up your oral health and prevent future issues. At Godley Station Dental, we offer services that include dental cleanings, digital x-rays, oral cancer screenings, restorative dentistry, and much more. Below we have outlined the most popular general dentistry treatments and why patients get them.

Dental Cleanings

Preventative oral care can help you limit dental issues in the future. A big part of this is getting regular dental cleanings from your general dentist. The American Dentistry Association recommends patients visit their dentist for a cleaning at least every six months or twice a year.

Gum Care

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Periodontal therapy is a treatment that focuses on preventing and treating gum disease and its side effects. 

We always make sure our patients are fully informed about the signs of gum disease and what to do about it. We will examine the health of your gums and discuss possible treatments that may help you prevent potential complications from periodontal disease. 

Fillings

When you have a cavity in your tooth, a filling is often the solution to repair your tooth and prevent infection and tooth loss.

Advanced procedures allow us to create tooth-colored fillings that look more natural than ever before and blend with your natural teeth.

Root Canals

Root canal therapy is a simple, effective, and permanent way to save a damaged tooth without an extraction. The procedure involves removing the nerve and any decay in the tooth and refilling the tooth with composite material.

If you feel a toothache, it may be time for a root canal. Relax – the dentists at our office will take great care of you!

Other Restorative Treatments

Restorative dentistry is often performed by a general dentist. These treatments can help patients with tooth and mouth pain caused by decay or certain health conditions.

If you’ve suffered from tooth decay, a broken tooth, or even missing teeth, restorative therapy can help restore the strength of your smile and improve your oral health.

We’re dedicated to helping you get your healthiest smile. Our dentists will craft a custom treatment plan designed primarily to restore and enhance your smile.

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance, not just the health, of one’s teeth and gums.

In some instances, cosmetic dentistry can take only one visit to achieve natural-looking results. Other treatments may require repeat visits to achieve the desired look. 

Treatments offered by cosmetic dentists may include teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, crowns and implants, and more. Godley Station Dental provides cosmetic dentistry options to give our patients a happy, healthy smile.

Teeth Whitening

As you age, lifestyle choices and genetics can cause teeth to lose their brightness. The good news is that there are cosmetic dentistry treatments that can help restore your appearance. Professional teeth whitening in Pooler, GA, can remove the stains and rejuvenate your bright smile.

Veneers

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that encase the front of a tooth to enhance the look of your smile. They can cover many imperfections and chips. Speak with our cosmetic dentist to learn if veneers are the right option for you.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns fully cover your tooth, making them an excellent solution for various cosmetic issues. They can hide a dark filling or discolored tooth, and they can also reshape a damaged tooth. 

Crowns look and function like a natural tooth, and we design your crown to perfectly blend with the rest of your smile for a beautiful result.

Orthodontic Treatments

Many cosmetic dentists also offer orthodontic treatments to give you a beautiful, straight smile. Orthodontists may use several different methods to align teeth, such as braces, retainers, or clear aligners.

Although most patients who receive orthodontic treatment are children or teens, you may be surprised to learn that orthodontic treatment is very effective for adults as well.

Our orthodontists at Godley Station Dental use the latest technology in orthodontics to give you the smile of your dreams in no time. 

General and Cosmetic Dentistry Can Improve Your Smile

Godley Station Dental has general and cosmetic dentistry options under one roof. We have a broad range of services and a friendly team. Everyone deserves a beautiful, healthy smile, and we’re here to help you get it.

If you have any questions about what treatments are right for you, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us to discuss your options. You can also give us a call today to learn more about the services that we offer.