Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
So you’re interested in professional teeth whitening. Do you call a general dentist? Or a cosmetic dentist? What if you’re interested in Invisalign to straighten your teeth or you know you need a filling? Who do you call? With so many fields of healthcare and dentistry popping up, sometimes it’s difficult to know which dental professional to call. General and cosmetic dentists share many of the same skills but they also have their own specialties. Let’s take a look at some of them today.
What is general dentistry?
When you say you’re going to the dentist, a general dentist is likely who you’re referring to. General dentists are the primary care providers for your dental health. They take routine care of your mouth and teeth and address dental problems associated with oral hygiene, dental pain and discomfort. They also perform procedures like extractions, root canals and fillings. Let’s take a broader look at what services general dentists provide.
- Preventive care, including:
- Routine check-ups, cleanings twice a year to prevent dental issues, fluoride treatments and sealants.
- Dental-issue diagnosis and treatment, including:
- Cavities and fillings
- Gum disease treatment
- Root canals
- Tooth extractions
- Overall oral health guidance
- Limited cosmetic procedures
What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry focuses specifically on the aesthetics of a smile. If you have teeth that are chipped, cracked, broken, misshapen, gapped, stained or overcrowded, you’ll want to call our cosmetic dentist in Erwin.
The following cosmetic services we provide can give you a bright, white smile that can transform your self-confidence and your life:
- Profesional teeth whitening
- Dental veneers
- Dental bonding
- Contouring and reshaping
- Dental crowns
- Orthodontics
- Dental implants
- Dental bridges
- Smile makeovers
What’s the main difference between a dentist and cosmetic dentist?
The main difference between cosmetic and general dentistry is that cosmetic dentists are focused on providing the highest-quality aesthetic results while general dentists are more concerned with overall oral health.
A cosmetic dentist has the same basic training as a general dentist and can clean teeth and perform X-rays and other fundamental techniques that are usually carried out by a general dentist. Both general and cosmetic dentists can fill cavities and provide restorative procedures, and either can help straighten your teeth with braces and/or Invisalign.
General and cosmetic dentists have specialized focuses, but their roles can — and often do — overlap. For instance, a general dentist might offer cosmetic services like professional teeth whitening while a cosmetic dentist’s procedures, aimed at supporting dental aesthetics, will also support oral health and function.
Cosmetic and general dentists in Greeneville, Tennessee
Whether you’re looking for a dentist to help you with the cornerstone tasks of brushing, flossing and routine checkups or you’re ready to talk about combining multiple cosmetic procedures to completely transform your smile, Tusculum Dental Care covers it all. Call us at (423) 639-7575, or reach out to us online to schedule an appointment today.