Dentistry is a rewarding field that involves diagnosing and treating oral conditions. It can be an exhilarating and challenging profession that offers you the chance to make a difference in people’s lives.
To become a dentist, you must complete an undergraduate degree and pass the dental admissions test. A dentist is an individual who collaborates with dental assistants, hygienists and lab technicians to promote good oral health.
Dental Hygiene
Dental hygienists are essential members of the dental care team. They help patients maintain good oral hygiene and avoid problems like tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath.
They also instruct their patients on how to maintain their teeth and gums at home, such as brushing and flossing regularly, eating a balanced diet, and not smoking or using other tobacco products.
A dental hygienist’s job requires them to build strong relationships with their patients. Therefore, it’s essential for them to have a positive outlook so that patients feel at ease during appointments and continue visiting them regularly.
In addition to patience and understanding, a dental hygienist must also possess detail-orientation. They must be able to finish tasks within the specified timeline while guaranteeing all patients are satisfied with their oral hygiene treatment.
Dental hygienists collaborate with dentists to offer a range of services, such as exams and cleanings at the dentist’s office. They may also help with fillings and administer anesthesia. State regulations regarding qualifications for becoming a dental hygienist vary by location; typically you need an associate degree, pass a written board exam and obtain licensure before working in this field.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry refers to any dental procedure designed to enhance a patient’s smile. This can range from simple fixes to complex surgeries that alter tooth shape, size and color.
Many patients with crooked, stained or chipped teeth feel embarrassed about their smiles. They may experience difficulty smiling and eating out in public, as well as experience low self-esteem.
Cosmetic dentists can effectively repair these issues and give patients back their smiles. For instance, they can whiten teeth while filling in chips and cracks with bonding, or attach a ceramic crown to a damaged tooth for additional protection.
These types of procedures can be an excellent way to boost a patient’s self-esteem and confidence. Furthermore, they promote better dental health by preventing tooth decay and gum disease.
Additionally, those with missing or broken teeth can receive dental implants to replace them. These artificial teeth are created by a cosmetic dentist and surgically inserted into the jawbone for long-lasting stability.
These cosmetic procedures can help patients prevent dental issues, such as tooth loss which increases a person’s risk for diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Furthermore, they prevent tooth decay and gum disease that could lead to further health issues. Furthermore, bruxism (grinding) can be alleviated by reducing stress placed on teeth and gums. Finally, these cosmetic treatments help people achieve a more youthful look by correcting receding jawlines.
Teeth Whitening
Whitening your teeth is a popular cosmetic procedure that can give you the smile of your dreams. Not only does it improve your smile, but it also boosts self-confidence and makes you appear more attractive in social situations.
Teeth whitening treatments can brighten your smile by eliminating stains from the enamel layer of teeth. Stains may develop due to various reasons, such as diet, aging, trauma, smoking or acid attacks from sugary drinks.
General dentists offer both in-office and at-home whitening treatments. At-home kits usually involve applying a gel onto your teeth that is then activated with either light or laser.
The light or laser will then transmute the oxygen in whitening gel so it penetrates deep beneath your enamel to reach color pigments and whiten your teeth. This type of treatment is often more efficient than at-home whitening kits that don’t use a light or laser.
In-office whitening procedures can brighten your teeth up to six shades in just one session. Unfortunately, these treatments tend to be costly (typically around $650 or more without insurance coverage) and may require multiple visits for optimal results.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are an excellent solution to replace missing teeth. These prosthetics are constructed from medical-grade titanium posts that look just like the root of a real tooth and are surgically placed into your jawbone, where they fuse with its surrounding bone.
They can be used to replace a single tooth, support bridges and dentures, preserve existing teeth, reduce bone resorption and deterioration, as well as improve your oral health and appearance.
When considering getting a dental implant, patients should consult their regular dentist first. They can discuss all available options and suggest which would be most beneficial to them.
If a patient is uncertain which type of implant they require, their dentist may refer them to an expert. Larger dental practices usually have several specialists available on site for consultation.
Once a dental implant is placed, it must be properly cared for. Daily brushing and flossing are essential to keep the gum tissues surrounding it healthy; failing to do so could lead to peri-implant disease.
The two most common types of dental implants are Endosteal (implant embedded in the jawbone) and Subperiosteal (placement within the jawbone with metal post exposed). Zygomatic implants are a less popular choice.
Root Canals
Root canals are performed to remove an infected tooth’s pulp. The pulp, located inside the tooth, contains nerves and blood vessels, making it particularly vulnerable to infection and inflammation from dental cavities, cracked teeth, repeated treatments, or trauma to the tooth.
Root canal therapy can save your tooth, maintaining its health and helping to preserve the smile. Furthermore, it reduces the likelihood of tooth loss.
Before performing a root canal, your dentist will first numb the area with local anesthetic. They then drill a small hole into the top of your tooth and into its pulp chamber.
Damaged pulp must be extracted and infected nerve tissue cleaned out using special root canal files, followed by disinfection in the pulp chamber with either water or sodium hypochlorite.
Once the treatment is complete, your dentist will insert a temporary filling in your tooth. They will then replace it with a permanent one and place a crown over it for additional protection.
Contrary to tooth extraction, which removes the entire tooth, a root canal preserves your natural tooth structure and allows you to continue eating and speaking normally while keeping future restoration options such as bridges or implants open. Furthermore, root canal treatment is more cost-effective than dental implant replacement and typically completed in just one visit to the dentist.
Extractions
Tooth extractions may be necessary when teeth have become so severely damaged or decayed that they cannot be saved. When this occurs, extracting the tooth makes it easier to clean the area and restore with dental implants or other restorations.
Extractions may be necessary in some cases to treat orthodontic problems. When braces or Invisalign orthodontic treatment is required, a tooth must be extracted in order to achieve straight teeth and an ideal bite.
The initial step in the procedure is to numb the area with an injection of local anesthetic. Your dentist will then make an incision in the gum tissue and scrape away some bone to expose the affected tooth.
Your mouth may feel sore after your extraction, but that should subside within a few days. Ice packs and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can help ease any soreness associated with extraction.
Be sure to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions closely. Gently rinse with saltwater two or three times a day, but do not brush over the extraction site.
After your extraction, you may experience some swelling on your face or cheeks. Avoid eating or drinking with a straw for 24 hours as this can disrupt the blood clot in the tooth socket and lead to dry socket, which is painful.
No matter why your tooth needs extraction or if it’s part of an ongoing treatment plan, our team will assist in finding a solution that meets both your needs and budget. We can discuss potential alternatives to tooth extraction as well as restoration options that will enhance your oral health and give you back the smile you deserve.