General dentistry is primarily focused on diagnosing and treating dental problems that have already developed. This includes procedures such as fillings, root canal treatment, extractions, and other treatments to repair damaged or decayed teeth.
Fillings
A filling is used to repair a tooth which is damaged; this may be as a result of decay, fracture, or wear. The filling material is placed within the tooth to restore its original function, appearance and shape. There are several types of filling material, including amalgam (silver) and composite (white). Composite fillings are a more conservative option and can be matched to the colour of your natural teeth.
Extractions
A dental extraction involves the removal a tooth that is infected, severely decayed or broken beyond repair. There are a range of treatments available to replace a missing tooth and restore your smile (see teeth replacement).
Root canal treatment
Also known as endodontics, is a procedure that is used to repair and preserve a tooth that has been damaged by decay, infection, or trauma. It involves removing the diseased or injured soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels (known as the pulp), cleaning the inside of the tooth, and then filling and sealing the space. This helps to prevent further damage and pain.
After root canal treatment, the tooth typically requires a cap (known as a crown) to strengthen the tooth and protect it from further damage, restoring its natural size, shape, and function.
Crowns, Inlays and Overlays
A dental crown can be described as a ‘cap’ and is typically used to restore the function and appearance of the tooth, where a filling is not suitable. It is custom-made in a laboratory and is placed over the tooth. It can be used in various cases, such as where the tooth is broken, cracked, severely weakened by decay, or worn down, or if the tooth is misshapen or discoloured. The crown can be made from a variety of different materials, including tooth-coloured options (composite or ceramic), and non-tooth-coloured materials such as metal, including gold.
Similar to fillings, an inlay is used to fill a large cavity in a tooth. It is custom-made in a laboratory and cemented into place, whereas a filling is placed directly into or onto your tooth. It is a stronger option and can be made of tooth-coloured materials (composite or ceramic), and metal, including gold.
The difference between inlays and onlays is that an onlay covers the biting surface of the tooth and replaces the tips (cusps) of the tooth.
