Today, dentistry has become a much larger field of medicine than it was fifty years ago. Dentists can prevent and correct many issues of the mouth, jaw, neck, and face in addition to caring for the teeth and gums. Dentistry today is usually broken down into several specific practices or specialties, though few of these specialties require additional or specific training apart from general dentistry. General Dentistry is the term usually used for the protective and corrective care of the teeth and gums. This typically includes regular tooth cleanings, x-rays, examinations, fillings, and extractions.

Restorative dentistry is a special branch of dentistry that requires knowledge of several different branches of dentistry. This branch focuses on management and treatment of gum and tooth decay and disease. It encompasses many of the other areas and combines several areas of treatment in order to most effectively deal with the decay and disease. This part of dentistry also deals with the diagnosis and treatment of certain mouth and jaw disorders.

Cosmetic dentistry is becoming more and more popular. This term generally refers to the type of dentistry that will improve the appearance of the teeth, gums, and mouth. Usually, by improving their appearance, their health and function will also be restored. Cosmetic dentistry does not require much continuing or specialized education beyond the dentistry degree and certification and is not recognized as a separate branch of specialty dentistry. Therefore, any general dentist will be able to perform any procedures deemed cosmetic. (more…)