Dentists apply their clinical expertise to diagnose, treat and prevent oral health issues as well as offer patient education.
A dentist’s job necessitates excellent interpersonal abilities. They must be able to relate well to patients of all ages, backgrounds and personalities.
Dental Hygiene
Dental hygiene is the practice of safeguarding teeth and gums through daily oral care, such as brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly. This preventative approach to oral care is key in avoiding tooth decay, gum disease and other common dental issues.
Dental hygiene is an ideal career choice for individuals with excellent communication abilities, a patient-centric attitude and the drive to make a difference in people’s lives. It can be both rewarding and challenging at the same time, offering numerous opportunities for professional growth.
Dental hygienists play an invaluable role in the prevention and early detection of oral diseases. Additionally, they offer guidance on maintaining good oral hygiene practices.
Hygienists perform a variety of duties, such as taking X-rays, brushing teeth and removing plaque. They may also apply toothpaste or dental polish and inspect patients for signs of oral diseases.
Hygienists typically work part-time or on evening and weekend schedules, allowing them to balance work and family commitments. They may be employed by dental offices, schools or clinics as well as public health agencies.
As a dental hygienist, you’ll enjoy flexible scheduling and an abundance of job satisfaction. US News & World Report named dental hygiene the number one healthcare support profession for 2019. With such great potential to make lives better, earning your degree could prove worthwhile.
Fillings
Dental fillings are used to restore teeth with decay or damage. They may be made from porcelain, dental amalgam, composite resins or other medical-grade materials.
Before a tooth is filled, the dentist first numbs the area with local anesthesia. Then they extract any decay or damaged enamel and prepare the tooth for filling.
The dentist inserts the filling material and molds it to fit within the hole, using a special light to harden it.
When having a tooth filled, the dentist usually takes great care to match the color of the filling to that of the rest of the tooth. This ensures that no visible difference will be noticed when you smile.
Once the filling is in place, your dentist will polish it to ensure its smoothness and uniform sheen. Your tooth should feel smooth and have a similar sheen as the rest of your teeth.
The dentist may need to etch the tooth so that the filling material will adhere correctly, usually using composite resins. Etching creates tiny holes in tooth enamel which allow the composite filling material to adhere in two ways – helping reduce leakage and decay beneath it while giving dentists assurance that their filling remains stable without changing biting pressure or position.
Extractions
Extractions are a commonly performed dental procedure. They may be necessary when teeth become damaged or infected and cannot be restored, as well as to prevent tooth decay from getting worse or causing serious injury.
Your dentist will likely administer a local anesthetic to put you to sleep and extract the tooth. After extraction, you may experience some soreness at the extraction site as your gums heal; this should dissipate once the anesthesia wears off, so make sure you follow all post-op instructions closely.
After your procedure, be sure to rest for several hours and avoid chewing on hard or crunchy foods. Also, drink plenty of water to flush away any debris left by extraction. Finally, rinse your mouth with salt water and an antiseptic rinse provided by your dentist in order to keep the holes left by extraction clean.
Your dentist will use a special instrument to separate the roots of a tooth and then extract it. This process is less painful than traditional methods and lowers the chance for complications like broken bones or nerve damage.
Crowns
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that fits over damaged or decayed teeth to restore their shape, size, strength, and aesthetic appearance. Unlike fillings that only cover part of the surface area of the tooth, crowns completely encase its visible surface for protection and enhanced aesthetics.
Your dentist will begin the dental crown procedure by numbing the tooth and surrounding gum tissue. Next, they’ll shape the tooth to accommodate for its new crown’s fit.
Next, your dentist will take an impression (mould) of both the prepared tooth and its opposite jaw for proper symmetry and bite alignment. This ensures that the crown fits securely in your mouth.
Once the tooth has been shaped, it will be filled with a temporary sealant to keep it free from bacteria and food particles. Finally, it will be topped off with either an all-metal or PFM (porcelain fused to metal) crown for aesthetic appeal.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are constructed with a gold or silver base and then covered in porcelain for an aesthetically pleasing natural appearance. While they’re commonly recommended for front teeth, they are more delicate than metal crowns and may chip or break if not properly maintained.
Bridges
If you’ve lost one or more teeth, bridges are an effective solution to help restore your smile and oral health. Bridges typically consist of two or more dental crowns placed on abutment teeth on either side of the gap created by missing tooth(s).
A bridge not only restores aesthetics, but it can also prevent surrounding teeth from drifting or rotating. This could result in pain, bite problems, and an altered appearance over time.
Fixed bridges are typically fixed and designed to last. However, they need regular care and upkeep in order to remain functional and long-lasting.
At your initial consultation with your dentist, they’ll assess your oral health and decide if you are a suitable candidate for a bridge. After that, the abutment teeth on either side of the gap will be prepared so that crowns can be fitted over them.
Your dentist will then take impressions of your mouth, which are then used by a dental lab to craft the restoration. When completed, it should look and feel completely natural in your mouth.
Are you thinking about getting a dental bridge for your smile? Get in touch with us today to arrange an appointment at Dr. Victor Oelbaum & Associates! We’ll collaborate with you to determine if you qualify and create a treatment plan tailored to meet your requirements and preferences.
Implants
When a tooth is missing, dental implants offer an effective solution to replace it. Not only can they restore a smile, but they can also help promote better oral health overall.
These artificial teeth are strong and long-lasting. With proper maintenance, they can last 15 to 20 years or more.
Dental implants are made of titanium and surgically placed into the jaw bone to fuse with it – this process is known as osseointegration. Once healed, they are replaced with an abutment connecting to a replacement tooth (or crown).
Three primary types of dental implants exist: Endosteal Implants, Subperiosteal Implants and Wide Platform Implants. Each has distinct advantages and drawbacks so it’s essential to consult your dentist about which option is best suited to you.
An Endosteal implant is the most widely used type of implant. These implants are surgically placed in the jawbone and often recommended for patients who lack enough bone to support a Zygomatic implant.
Endosteal implants require a bone graft to build up the patient’s jawbone and enable it to accept an implant. X-rays taken during treatment planning will determine if this is necessary.
In addition to the abutment, other components of an implant system include internal and external hex connectors. These internal hex connectors have a hexagon shape and screw into the head of the implant for secure attachment.