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General dentistry is a branch of medical sciences which deals with a certain type of procedures and activities. For instance, it deals with dental implants, teeth whitening, general check-ups and screenings, dentures, tooth extraction, root canal therapy, dental veneers, fillings et al. A person needs to do a five-year course of dental sciences for becoming a dentist. General dentistry is a very exciting career to take up since one is involved in making patients feel well after they have suffered from some dental malady or another.

What is root canal therapy?

This is also called endodontic treatment. The outermost layer of the tooth is called the enamel. The one inner to this is the dentine and inner to this even is the pulp cavity. This is filled up with nerves, blood vessels, and cellular matter. The dentist clears up the pulp cavity during this procedure and then disinfects it. It is then filled up with a substance like the gutta-percha and is then cemented off from the rest of the oral cavity. A dental cap or crown is placed atop the existing tooth to give it strength and support. In simple terms, endodontic treatment means a person’s existing tooth is restored or retained and not extracted out.

What is teeth whitening?

This can be done at home as well as in the dental clinic. The at-home procedure involves the use of teeth whitening trays. These are worn over the teeth and gums for a given duration of time during the day and for a given number of days. The teeth start to whiten slowly but surely. The whitening trays are smeared with a whitening gel and then worn. However, this procedure is temporary in its effect. Whitened teeth need to be looked after really well for them to stay white. The in-clinic procedure involves the use of a laser beam. First and foremost the teeth are prepped up. They are smeared with a whitening gel. A laser beam is passed over the teeth for a given duration of time (half hour to an hour) at a given wavelength and frequency. The teeth whiten by several grades or degrees. This procedure may be repeated once more for more effective results.

What are dental veneers?

These are thin dental tools or devices which are placed on the teeth surface. These are used to change the size, shape, and color of a given tooth or teeth. Or, these may be used to cover up cracks or even fractures in the tooth surface. Dental veneers are very thin and need to be handled with care. For instance, a patient should not bite into a food item which is very hard or sticky after using a dental veneer. Also, he or she should not open food packaging with these teeth or bite into ice cubes and the like. Dental veneers will last for a long time if proper care is taken of them.
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