General or traditional dentistry's main focus is on oral hygiene, and preventing and treating oral disease. General dentists also deal with dental problems that require important treatment, concerning themselves with diseases and disorders affecting the teeth, gums and jaws.
A general dentist is licensed to diagnose dental problems, develop treatment plans and provide that essential treatment. Qualified dentists are designated with either DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine).
A general dentist will work with you on a dental hygiene plan that will include regular exams, tooth cleaning every six months, and tests that can help determine if you have any dental problems and can also help prevent them. General dentists are your first defense against tooth decay and disease and are responsible for the management of all your oral health care needs.
General dentists attend continuing education programs to remain as educated in current techniques and procedures as possible.
Some of the services a general dentist will offer are:
- Gum disease detection and treatment
- Tooth cleaning and whitening
- TMJ/TMD diagnosis and treatment
- Sedation dentistry - great for small children
- Implants
- Oral cancer screening
- Crowns and bonding
Questions to ask yourself when considering any dentist:
- How experienced and well-trained is the dentist?
- Has the dentist had any specialized training?
- Do they have a referral process in place?
- Does the dentist belong to a professional dental association?
- What is their after-hours/emergency policy?
- Do they offer any patient amenities for comfort?
It is very smart to visit your dentist regularly for your bi-yearly cleanings. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing as well can set you up for quick, easy appointments.
If there is one thing that distinguishes cosmetic dentistry from regular dentistry it is the artistic aspect of applying veneers, bridges and crowns to improve a person's appearance. This requires an eye for symmetry and proportion as well as a talent for fulfilling individual requests.
In addition, many cosmetic dentists also need to have some accreditation as anesthesiologists as their higher prices often include sedating patients as well.
Finding a cosmetic dentist can be daunting as there is no central database containing all of the names of all the cosmetic dentists in practice. Finding the one that is the true artisan in your area may take some homework on your part!
Also be prepared for the possibility that the cosmetic dentist that seems most appropriate to you may be located a few towns or cities away. When you do find a cosmetic dentist with credentials that satisfy you make sure to ask for the opportunity to view his or her portfolio.
Sometimes these portfolios are made widely available on the Internet and sometimes they are in a brochure in an office. Do not make a judgment based on an Internet portfolio alone. Keep in mind that photos can be purchased by anyone to augment a practice.
Most reputable cosmetic dentists provide potential clients with a brochure that details exactly what procedures they do and how much it will cost. If the dentist or the dentist's assistant seems to be evasive about the cost then move on to the next likely prospect.
This is because both plastic surgeons and cosmetic dentists are quite famous for slapping on additional fees to cover the cost of "complications." You should also find out about the doctor's qualifications and training.
Most reputable cosmetic dentists have their diplomas up on the office walls. The best doctors will also be more than pleased to supply you with references as well as the phone numbers of former satisfied clients.
I do not recommend friends to give you reliable information about cosmetic dentists. Just because one worked well with your friend does not mean you will have the same experience.
The same thing applies to dentists that are more widely advertised; that does not mean he is a great dentist, but that he has the money to pay for great advertising.
Really great cosmetic dentists don't need to fish for new patients, they will have the reputation that have people waiting in line to get their dental work done.
Word of mouth is a great way to learn about anything. There are a number of professional organizations worldwide that publish lists of cosmetic dentists.
However you may need to be wary here as these memberships can be paid for. The Internet is one avenue that these accreditations are paid for.
It isn't hard to do some research, it just takes a bit of time.
Author Resource:-
Jack R. Landry is a former dental assistant and has authored hundreds of articles relating to oral health and dentist in Bakersfield, CA. He has been a guest dental lecturer for over 15 years.
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