The 3 Types of Dentistry That Are Available to You!

Have you given any thought to the condition of your teeth? One survey states that up to 20% of adults in the U.S. have experienced some level of anxiety due to the condition of their teeth and mouth. If that sounds like you, you might want to give some thought to the kinds of dental care that are available to you. Whether there things about your teeth that you'd like to change or whether they just need a good cleaning, there are many forms of dentistry that can help improve your oral health. Below are three of the main dental categories and what kind of services are performed in each.

1. General Dentistry

This is the kind of dentistry most people have experienced at least once. In this form of dentistry, dentists will clean your mouth from bacteria and tartar build-up, take some X-rays to monitor your dental health, and make plans for what needs to be done with your teeth. It's the first step that might direct you toward other types of dentistry depending on what you need. For example, you will often go through this process in order to get referred to an oral surgeon or a cosmetic dentist. Regardless, this is a vital service which helps get your teeth thoroughly cleaned, improving the overall health of your mouth.

2. Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dental work is all about making your smile look better. This typically involves straightening and whitening your otherwise crooked teeth, and applying crowns to replace broken or missing teeth. There are many reasons why your smile might not look its best. Whether the tooth is injured through an accident, disease, or infection, cosmetic dentistry can help your smile look like new again. Instead of coping with the appearance of unsightly gaps, it helps you work towards the smile that you want. With the help of a cosmetic dentist, you can completely transform your mouth and have a smile that you love.

3. Emergency Dentistry

Emergency dental care takes place for a variety of reasons. It could be a broken tooth that is leaving a root exposed and causing you severe pain. It could also have to do with an infected tooth that could cause further health problems if it's not handled. Any time that you experience intense pain or your teeth are put at risk of further damage, emergency dental care is likely needed.

All forms of dentistry are closely related and some may go hand-in-hand. For example, you may go in for a general cleaning. Here, you might be referred to a cosmetic dentist to discuss straightening or whitening your teeth. You might also follow up with a general visit after having emergency dental care performed to ensure oral health is maintained. All three work together to help create the best smile you can achieve and keep your mouth healthy.