Generally speaking, general dentistry is more about the health and oral care of your teeth while cosmetic dentistry is more of an exterior effect of the way it looks to others. In more detail, general dentistry includes issues with pain and hygiene such as tooth extractions, cavities, root canals and your normal cleanings. Cosmetic dentistry, given its nature of being more visual, deals with teeth whitening, veneers, implants, dentures and orthodontics.