922 Waltham St #202 Lexington, MA 02421

922 Waltham St #202 Lexington, MA 02421

922 Waltham St #202 Lexington, MA 02421

Dental Offices Near Me: Differences Between Cosmetic and General Dentistry

dental office near me | Man smiling in mirror

Dental Offices Near Me

Like many fields, dentistry is made up of more than one sub-specialty. For example, there is cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry is mostly concerned about the appearance of the teeth. General dentistry is more focused upon the actual health of the mouth, teeth and gums. But it is not always as cut and dried as it may seem, since both specialties sometimes overlap. If you are searching for dental offices near me, your needed dental treatment will fall into one of these two categories.

Common Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures:

  • Dental implants
  • Teeth whitening
  • Veneers

Dental Implants

Implants serve as a replacement tooth when one or more has been lost due to tooth decay, mouth trauma, gum disease or extraction.

Implants are placed over the course of a few appointments. During the first, you would have a metal post implanted within your jawbone. Once your jawbone has fused around this titanium metal post, an abutment will be fitted on top. Finally, a dental crown will be placed to cap the entire structure.

Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening can whiten your teeth several shades in the comfort of the dental office. Normally, a gel is applied to the teeth, which are isolated to prevent the material from coming into contact with the gums. A special light can be used to further intensify the whitening process.

Dental Veneers

Veneers are a thin shell that is attached to teeth to correct minor cosmetic complaints like:

  • Chips
  • Cracks
  • Gaps
  • Discoloration

There are two basic types of veneers: composite and porcelain. Composite requires one dental visit. 

Porcelain is a stronger material, but it is also more costly. In addition, they are durable and stain-resistant.

Common General Dentistry Procedures:

Dental Filling

If a tooth should develop tooth decay, a cavity may form. Your dentist will remove the decayed material by drilling down into the tooth and cleaning it out. They will then fill the resulting empty space with a pre-selected filling material to prevent further damage and decay to the tooth.

Dental Cleaning

A dental cleaning is a regular appointment in which your dental hygienist will use professional dental tools to clean both plaque and tartar from your teeth. 

Plaque is a sticky substance formed by oral bacteria that damages the teeth and surrounding structures. Left intact, plaque can lead to the development of periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease. Gum disease can progress into a severe form that causes the loss of teeth. For this reason, it is best to visit your dental offices near me. 

Your Appointment

Dental Offices Near Me | If you would like to request additional information about cosmetic or general dentistry procedures, contact your dentist office to schedule an appointment or consultation.

Moreover, remember to stay on track with your regular dental exams and cleanings. This helps prevent the accumulation of plaque and tartar that would otherwise cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Contact Lexington Smile Studio for a consultation today. New patients are welcome.

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