A dentist, often called a dental specialist, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of dental conditions and diseases of the mouth. Family dentist The dentist’s supporting staff helps in providing dental care. Dentists can specialize in specific fields of dentistry like pediatrics, orthodontics, endodontics, and public health. Most dentists attend dental college and obtain a master’s degree in this field before becoming full-time professionals. In most cases, dentists must take an exam for state certification upon graduation from a four-year school or university.
The primary job of a dentist is to diagnose oral problems and prescribe treatments for them. They inspect teeth and treat cavities if they are detected. The dentist carries out some dental procedures in the clinic, where patients come for routine checkups. These include teeth extraction for root canal treatment, filling of the cavity, root canal therapy, tooth extraction, and root planing.
On the other hand, a dental hygienist works under the supervision of a dentist and has a different role from that of a dentist. This professional does not only help diagnose dental problems but also takes care of gum disease. A dental hygienist has to prevent gum disease by brushing teeth and removing plaque.
A dentist prepares the gums and teeth before performing the tasks of a dental hygienist. Dentists use special dental tools and equipment for this purpose, such as scissors, whitening strips, oral irrigators, and trays with bleaching gels. After brushing teeth, the dentist will often recommend that you brush your tongue. This procedure, called tongue cleaning, removes food particles and plaque from between the teeth and the gums. The dentist may also recommend flavored chewing gums made of plastic or gum to help you get rid of leftover food particles.
Braces, which are metal or plastic brackets on the teeth, support the growth of permanent roots. The prosthodontics, or teeth-supported orthodontics, are similar to braces but have a firm support mechanism made from titanium. Osteoplasty, or dental surgery involving the bones, is another procedure commonly performed by dentists.
A dentist may also instruct their hygienist to remove plaques and tartar in the mouth. Plaque and tartar are deposits of food, debris, and bacteria that accumulate in between the teeth. This deposit is below and around the gum line and hardened into a hard covering called plaque. In most cases, a dentist will recommend using an antimicrobial mouth rinse after brushing the teeth.
When choosing a dentist to take care of your dental hygiene, it is essential to find certified and trained in the procedures recommended by your professional association. Some dentists have separate licenses, while others are affiliated with professional organizations like the American Dental Association (ADA)’s Council on Dental Accreditation. To receive the highest degree of education possible, students must pass both a written and oral examination. To ensure a dentist has the right skills and knowledge about current practice standards, they should hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited dental school and pass the state certification exam.
If a dentist suspects you may have a cavity or an unsightly tooth, they will give you an initial examination to determine the problem. The dentist will then give you a list of possible dental tools to fix your teeth. He will tell you what portion of your face needs the best tools to correct the issue and which tooth should be prioritized. Before treatment can begin, your dentist will place some form of a bandage over your mouth to protect your mouth from the pain and to promote healing. You’ll need to return for follow-up visits as determined by your periodontist.