When it comes to safeguarding your pearly whites, dental services differ in the types of care they offer. You may have heard these terms: general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. But do you know how they differ? Both work in maintaining your oral well-being and preparing the smile for enhancement, but their difference lies in scope and ability.
In case of a toothache, whitening your smile, or just a routine checkup for oral health, one must learn what kind of care they will require. Our General Dental Service at Far East Dental Centre includes many procedures that help Edmonton families retain their gums and teeth in good health.
Time to break down general and cosmetic dentistry and allow you to make a choice.
What is General Dentistry?
General Dentistry is essentially considered the front line of oral health care. This is what you most probably think of when you make an appointment for routine dental checkups or cleaning. General dentists do their best to prevent, diagnose, and treat any number of oral health problems.
An important part of their work is to see that your teeth, gums, and mouth are working properly. General dentistry covers everything from cavities, gum disease, fractured teeth, to bad odor.
Common General Dentistry Services
Some of the most typical procedures in general dentistry are:
- Dental Exams and Cleanings
Treated with a smile, the preventatives against tooth decay would be regular checkups, which may spot problems early. Your teeth get cleaned from plaque and tartar deposits by the cleaner that your toothbrush cannot accomplish.
- Fillings and Restorations
Fillings restore the shape and function of a tooth with a cavity or chipping.
- Root Canal Treatment
Root canals are performed when the inflammation or infection has gone too far in to save a tooth from extraction.
- Tooth Extractions
Sometimes the tooth must be extracted because it is too affected by decay or infection or there is not enough space for it to erupt properly.
- Treatment for Gum Disease
Gingivitis and periodontitis cause the loss of teeth if not treated. Such conditions are treated and managed by a general dentist.
- Preventive Care
To keep the teeth healthy and resistant, there are fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and mouthguards.
At Far East Dental Centre, we take pride in offering compassionate, comprehensive care for patients of all ages. Whether you’re visiting us for a routine cleaning or a more complex issue, your oral health is always our top priority.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Where General Dentistry deals with the functioning and health of your teeth, cosmetic dentistry is completely into aesthetics. This particular branch of dentistry improves the cosmetic appearance of teeth, gums, and smiles. Being elective, it is most often not considered a medical necessity, although it can certainly boost one’s moral.
Cosmetic dentistry will address discoloration, irregular spacing, abnormal shape, or any other visual imperfection that might make one swallow their pride concerning their smile.
Common Cosmetic Dentistry Services
Here are a few procedures commonly associated with cosmetic dentistry:
- Teeth Whitening
This one is among the most sought-for cosmetic treatments. The teeth whitening procedure can provide a dramatic effect in bringing brightness to stained or yellow teeth. - Veneers
Thin shells made of porcelain or composite material that cover the front surface of teeth. - Dental Bonding
Considered the speedy and least expensive way to deal with minor chips, cracks, or spaces in teeth using a tooth-colored resin. - Invisalign and Clear Aligners
Clear braces align teeth without including any metal brackets or wires. - Smile Makeovers
A customized plan combining several cosmetic treatments to completely revamp your smile.
Key Differences Between General and Cosmetic Dentistry
Although both fields fall under the umbrella of dental care, they serve different purposes. Here’s a closer look at the major distinctions:
| Feature | General Dentistry | Cosmetic Dentistry |
| Focus | Health and function of teeth | Aesthetic appearance of teeth |
| Purpose | Prevent and treat oral disease | Improve smile and boost confidence |
| Services | Exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions | Whitening, veneers, bonding, aligners |
| Necessity | Essential for overall oral health | Often elective or optional |
| Insurance | Usually covered by insurance | Not always covered; can be out-of-pocket |
Why General Dentistry is the Foundation of a Healthy Smile
Your mouth needs to be healthy before you think about cosmetic procedures; those are considerations of general dentistry, or dental health basics. Cosmetic fixes cannot treat cavities, gum disease, and jaw pain-they might even exacerbate the conditions.
General Dentistry can be considered to maintain the oral health condition of the patient, whereas cosmetic dentistry addresses beautification. Just as a car gets oil change and tire rotation before it gets sprayed, a functional oral system must receive proper care before cosmetic enhancements.
When you fall into regular dental visits, you will not be afflicted by larger problems or much more expensive procedures. This results in filling-less mouths, lesser cases of gum disease, and the high possibility of keeping your own teeth for a lifetime.
Can a General Dentist Perform Cosmetic Work?
Yes, many general dentists are also trained in cosmetic procedures. General dental clinics provide a conservative mixture of both general and cosmetic services, like Far East Dental Centre.
Suppose advanced aesthetic procedures or a full smile makeover are what you need. In that case, a referral to a cosmetician will be made—depending on the nature of your case and the results you want to achieve.
Which One Do You Need?
How can you understand whether you need general or cosmetic dentistry? Try asking yourself:
- Am I having pain, sensitivity, or difficulty chewing?
- Am I overdue for cleaning or a checkup?
- Are there any visible cavities on my teeth? Are they broken?
- Is the appearance of my smile something I am happy with?
- Would I need a whiter, straighter, or balanced smile?
If the primary concern is pain, decay, or oral health, one should go for General Dentistry. But if one has healthy teeth and mainly wants to improve their appearance, cosmetic dentistry is the way to go.
Of course, many patients need a combination of both. And that’s perfectly normal.
Why Choose Far East Dental Centre for General Dentistry?
At Far East Dental Centre, we feel that a healthy smile is the cementing factor of a beautiful one. That is why we emphasize the General Dentistry Services that maintain and preserve oral health first.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Comprehensive Care
From cleanings and checkups to root canals and gum therapy, General Dentistry Services are comprehensively offered here. - Friendly, Experienced Team
Our staff has been recognized as warm, knowledgeable, and fully dedicated to your comfort. - Modern Technology
Digital X-rays, sterilization systems, and instruments are used; this means we guarantee efficient and precise care. - Family-Oriented Approach
Care is given to patients of all ages in a relaxed and respectful environment. - Convenient Location in Edmonton
Being smack dab in the city heart, it is easy enough to visit if you live downtown or in the outskirts.
Book Your Next Appointment Today
Whether it is for cleaning or a complicated treatment, the team is here for you. Do not wait until you have a toothache or some broken filling for you to get the care needed. Such reactive dental care results in the escalation of troubles; preventative dental treatment is, therefore, best.
Call the Far East Dental Centre at +1-780-428-2288 for an appointment or information about dentistry in general.
Final Thoughts
Understanding extractions between general and cosmetic dentistry will help you become wise in decisions about your oral health. General dentistry is concerned with health and function, while cosmetic dentistry takes a step further to beautify a smile.
Still, you don’t have to decide. Ideally, the best dental care is a combination of the two! A pretty smile starts with a Healthy Foundation, and that’s what Far East Dental Centre offers you.
Therefore, whether indoors performing a simple cleaning, or pleased with the prospect of turning that shy smile into a beauty, you can rest assured that you are in good hands.