Dentistry is a branch of medicine (dental science) that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of conditions, disorders and diseases affecting the teeth, gums and the maxillofacial (associated with the jaw and face) region of the body. The professional practitioners of dentistry are commonly referred to as dentists.

A variety of procedures may be used to develop a comprehensive treatment plan in general dentistry that will help prevent dental decay or disease of the teeth, mouth, gums, and tongue. General dental procedures focus on the prevention and initial treatment of decay and disease, including some restorative dental procedures. Restorative dental procedures focus on repairing the effects of decay, trauma, defect, or disease of the teeth, guns, mouth, or tongue.

Dentists create a dental hygiene plan for each patient that includes preventative services such as a dental examination, tooth cleaning, possible tooth scaling, x-ray, and use of other diagnostic equipment to uncover and treat problems. This includes special treatment considerations for infants, young children, adolescents, and the elderly.

• Dental Fillings - This traditional procedure provides greater aesthetic benefits than the silver and gold fillings of the past. Fillings restore decayed teeth by removing the decay and filling in the hollow area with porcelain or composite resin materials that are translucent or opaque in color.
  
  
• Bonding - The repair of chipped or cracked teeth is typically done through a procedure called bonding. An enamel-esque dental composite material is applied to the surface of a tooth where it is sculpted into shape, contoured, and polished, making the crack or chip indistinguishable. Veneers may replace the need for traditional bonding in some cases.
  
  
• Root Canals - Root canal therapy is performed to remove damaged tissue within the tooth. Endodontists also diagnose and treat tooth pain resulting from interferences with the nerves of the tooth.
  
  
• Dental Crowns - Dental crowns can repair extensively decayed or damaged teeth. Dental crowns of yesteryear were made of gold or silver metal materials. Today, dental crowns are often made of porcelain, offering a better appearance. In fact, some dentists use CAD/CAM technology to offer a better crown fit that was not available in the past. Veneers may replace the need for a crown in some cases. General dentists, family dentists, prosthodontists, and cosmetic dentists may perform the crown procedure. However, the availability of porcelain and CAD/CAM technology varies among dentists.
  
  
• Dental Bridges - Dental bridges may be used to replace a missing tooth with an artificial tooth that is held in place by material that wraps around other supporting teeth. Dental implants may replace the need for a dental bridge in some people. General dentists, family dentists, prosthodontists, and cosmetic dentists may perform the bridge procedure. However, availability of the latest material and technology varies among dentists.
  
  
• Dentures - Dentures are used to replace missing teeth or damaged teeth that cannot be otherwise repaired. General dentists, family dentists, prosthodontists, and cosmetic dentists may perform the denture procedure. However, availability of the latest material, technology, and expertise varies among dentists.
  
  
• Oral and Maxillofacial Procedures - Oral and maxillofacial procedures may include oral surgery or less invasive treatment for abnormalities of the mouth, jaw, and face, including accompanying structures such as the teeth. Dental implants, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) procedures, reconstructive surgery, cleft lip, and palate procedures also fall under the oral and maxillofacial category. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons typically perform these procedures.
  
  
• Periodontal (Gum Disease) Treatment - Early periodontal treatment may include tooth scaling and cleaning at three-month intervals, along with medicated mouthwash and proper floss training for maintenance. Later-stage periodontal treatment may include deep-plane scaling periodontal surgery and/or laser surgery. General dentists, family dentists, periodontists, and cosmetic dentists may perform periodontal (gum disease) treatment. However, availability of the latest material, technology, and a high level of expertise varies among dentists.