Dentistry

Dentistry is a branch of medicine focused on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the oral cavity. The American Dental Association recommends a minimum of two check-ups with your dentist each year to maintain optimal oral health.

Some of the more common dentistry treatments include:

  • Dental fillings (amalgam and composite fillings)
  • Dental crowns (gold, ceramic and porcelain crowns)
  • Dental bridges (conventional fixed, cantilever and resin-bonded bridges)
  • Root canals
  • Inlays and onlays
  • Dentures

Traditional dentistry treatments are performed to restore health and functionality to the teeth and mouth. Dental insurance provides coverage for most traditional dentistry treatments.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry has been on the rise in recent years with more and more people seeking to restore and revitalize their smile for optimal esthetic value.

Some of the more popular cosmetic dentistry treatments include:

As opposed to traditional dentistry, cosmetic dentistry is an elective brand of oral health care. As such, cosmetic dentistry does not often fall under the umbrella of dental insurance coverage.

Dentists and Specialty Dentistry

Dentists attend four years of postgraduate training before attaining a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. DDS and DMD degrees are equivalent.

Most dental school graduates transition immediately into practice as general dentists. Others choose to continue their education so that they may practice within a specialized field of dentistry. The American Dental Association recognizes nine fields of specialty dentistry:

  • Dental Public Health
  • Endodontics
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Orthodontics
  • Pedodontics
  • Periodontics
  • Prosthodontics

Cosmetic dentistry is not considered a dental specialty. In fact, many of the dentists who label themselves cosmetic dentists are general dentists. There are a number of postgraduate training facilities through which dentists can learn cosmetic dentistry procedures and practices.

Dentistry Resource

Consumer Guide to Dentistry is a comprehensive resource providing consumers with a full spectrum of information as it relates to the field of dentistry. In addition to providing information on the subjects of traditional and cosmetic dentistry, Consumer Guide to Dentistry also provides information on other aspects of oral health care, including:

The Consumer Guide to Dentistry incorporates an extensive dentist directory that connects prospective dental patients with dentists practicing in their area. If you are trying to find a dentist, you can view profile pages highlighting the training and experience of area dentists, in addition to viewing before and after photos, emailing them with questions or visiting their personal website.