Dentistry covers the health of the teeth, gums and jaws: preventing and treating decay and gum disease, saving or replacing damaged teeth, and changing how teeth look. In this field the cause matters more than the cosmetic request, because the same symptom (pain, a loose tooth, a dark tooth) can come from decay, gum disease, grinding or an old filling, and treating the surface without the cause rarely lasts.
In short
Most dental problems start with plaque, which drives both tooth decay and gum disease.23 Early decay can sometimes be reversed with fluoride, while later stages need fillings, root canal treatment or extraction.3 Cosmetic work such as veneers usually removes some enamel and is generally not reversible, and it is normally only considered once decay and gum disease are under control.5 A dentist needs to examine the mouth, and usually take X-rays, before any plan can be made.
What this field covers
- Preventive and general dentistry: check-ups, cleaning by a hygienist, fluoride treatment and fillings.
- Gum (periodontal) care: treating gum disease, from cleaning advice to deep cleaning below the gumline and gum surgery.2
- Endodontics: root canal treatment when decay or infection reaches the pulp (the soft centre of the tooth).3
- Replacing missing teeth: dental implants, bridges and dentures.
- Cosmetic dentistry: whitening, composite bonding, veneers and crowns placed mainly to change appearance.
Start with the cause
| Concern or symptom | Possible causes | Usual first step / type of specialist |
|---|---|---|
| Toothache | Decay, a dental abscess, a cracked tooth, a loose or broken filling, a partly erupted wisdom tooth, gum disease, teeth grinding, sensitive teeth1 | General dentist; urgently if pain lasts more than 2 days or comes with swelling or fever1 |
| Bleeding or receding gums | Plaque-related gum disease, with smoking and conditions such as type 2 diabetes relevant to its care2 | Dentist and hygienist; referral to a gum specialist (periodontist) if advanced |
| Loose or missing teeth | Advanced gum disease, extensive decay, an abscess, injury23 | Dentist to treat the cause first; replacement options are discussed afterwards |
| Discoloured, worn or uneven teeth | Staining, an old filling, decay, a dead (non-vital) tooth, grinding | Dentist to rule out decay or infection before any cosmetic work |
| Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet | Early decay, sensitive teeth, gum recession13 | General dentist; sometimes managed without any procedure |
Main types of option
| Option | What it can do | What it cannot do |
|---|---|---|
| Prevention and monitoring | Brushing with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth, less sugar and regular check-ups slow decay and gum disease; fluoride can reverse early decay3 | Repair a cavity or restore lost bone and gum |
| Restorative treatment | Fillings, root canal treatment and crowns repair damaged teeth so they can be kept3 | Save every tooth; some still need extraction3 |
| Gum treatment | Cleaning, deep cleaning, antibiotics or gum surgery can control gum disease2 | Work without ongoing home care and stopping smoking |
| Tooth replacement | Implants, bridges and dentures restore chewing and appearance | Behave exactly like natural teeth; each has its own maintenance needs |
| Cosmetic work | Veneers and similar work can change colour and shape; veneers last on average 10 to 15 years with care5 | Be undone once enamel is removed; it is not an option while extensive decay or gum disease is present5 |
| No treatment | A legitimate choice for purely cosmetic concerns or a gap that causes no problems | Stop active decay or infection, which usually progresses |
What cannot be decided online
Photographs cannot show decay under fillings, the health of the pulp, gum pocket depths or the amount of bone in the jaw. These need a clinical examination and usually dental X-rays.Standards also differ between countries in how much natural tooth is removed and how readily teeth are extracted rather than saved, so a plan made remotely should be checked by a dentist who has examined you.6
If you are considering treatment abroad, the Oral Health Foundation advises asking who will carry out the work, what aftercare is included, who to contact afterwards and who pays if corrective work is needed. Reported problems include infection, ongoing pain, poorly fitting crowns or veneers and failed implants, and correcting them at home can cost more than the original treatment.6
When to seek urgent medical help
- Swelling in the mouth or neck that makes it hard to breathe, swallow or speak: go to A&E or call 999.14
- Swelling around the eye or neck, a swollen or painful eye, or sudden problems with eyesight alongside a dental problem.14
- A lot of swelling in the mouth, or difficulty opening the mouth.4
- See a dentist urgently if toothache lasts more than 2 days, does not settle with painkillers, or comes with a high temperature, red gums, a bad taste or swelling of the cheek or jaw.1
Guides in this section
Related guides elsewhere: what a treatment quote should include and medical travel red flags.
Common questions
- How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
- Do Dental Implants Hurt?
- How Many Visits Do Dental Implants Usually Need?
- What Is Peri-Implantitis and What Are the Warning Signs?
- Can Smokers Have Dental Implants?
- What Is a Sinus Lift?
- Veneers vs Crowns: What Is the Difference?
- Composite vs Porcelain Veneers: Which Lasts Longer?
- What Are “Turkey Teeth” and What Are the Risks?
- Is Teeth Whitening Safe, and Who Can Legally Do It in the UK?
- Can Botulinum Toxin Help Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching?
Sources
- NHS. Toothache. NHS website. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/toothache/ Accessed 5 November 2026.
- NHS. Gum disease. NHS website. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gum-disease/ Accessed 5 November 2026.
- NHS. Tooth decay. NHS website. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tooth-decay/ Accessed 5 November 2026.
- NHS. Dental abscess. NHS website. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dental-abscess/ Accessed 5 November 2026.
- Cleveland Clinic. Dental veneers: procedure, types and benefits. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23522-dental-veneers Accessed 5 November 2026.
- Oral Health Foundation. Going abroad for dental treatment risks. Oral Health Foundation; 2026. https://www.dentalhealth.org/dental-tourism Accessed 5 November 2026.