You know what a dentist does for the most part. But are you aware of all the procedures they can do for their patients? There are many different dental procedures they’re capable of doing.
What Procedures Can a Dentist Perform?
A general dentist performs most dental procedures, especially common ones and the less complicated issues that are often addressed by a dental specialist. Some of the procedures a general dentist can do include dental check-ups, dental fillings, teeth cleaning, and tooth extraction.
What is a Dental Check-up?
A dental check-up is a recommended dental procedure that an individual should undergo at least twice a year. Through a dental check-up, dentists detect and address dental problems as soon as possible.
A dental check-up will involve an examination of the oral cavity. It checks for indications of dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer. Additionally, a dental check-up will also require a review of the patient’s medical and dental records to ensure that the treatment plan will not negatively impact their health and will be suitable for them and their current condition.
Patients, especially first-timers at the dental office, will need to undergo a dental X-ray as part of a dental check-up. It provides a more detailed and accurate look on the condition of the teeth, gums, and mouth, giving the dentist an additional perspective on how to correctly create the treatment plan for the patient.
What is a Dental Filling?
A dental filling is a restorative material used during a dental filling procedure. It fills the space left by the removal of a cavity. Dentists perform the procedure to repair and restore a broken or cracked tooth.
The usual materials used for dental fillings are amalgam, composite resin, porcelain, and gold. Each of the material has its advantages and disadvantages.
To place the dental filling, the dentist will administer local anesthetic to numb the area surrounding the affected tooth. Using a drill, air abrasion, or a laser, he or she will remove the decayed area. They will also clean and prep for the filling. Finally, the dentist will fill and polish the filled area.
What is a Teeth Cleaning Procedure?
A teeth cleaning is a standard and recommended procedure for the maintenance of oral health. Brushing and flossing may be insufficient to keep the teeth at their best condition. Therefore, dentists recommend a professional cleaning to remove dental plaque and oral irritants that may have inhabited on the teeth and mouth. Through teeth cleaning, the risk of developing cavities and gum disease is reduced.
What is Tooth Extraction?
Although dentists work hard to restore and repair all teeth, there are cases where removing the tooth will be a better option as the risk of bacteria spreading can become too high otherwise.
When the tooth is extracted, it is removed from the alveolus or dental socket in the alveolar bone. To do this, the patient needs to undergo an X-ray to view the location of the affected tooth accurately. A review of the medical and dental records of the patient will also be needed to ensure that they are qualified to undergo such procedure and to be aware of the consequences that can arise due to it.
Next, the dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area of the tooth he or she will extract. After the procedure, the patient will need to bite down on a cotton gauze pad to reduce the bleeding.
What Type of Dental Specialties are there?
Endodontists: Endodontists have a minimum of 2 years of specialty training, allowing them to specialize in handling dental pulp matters and its surrounding tissue.Endodontists: Endodontists have a minimum of 2 years of specialty training, allowing them to specialize in handling dental pulp matters and its surrounding tissue.
These dentists perform convoluted dental root canals routinely. Root canals involve extracting unhealthy pulp of the teeth, filling the space, and then thoroughly sealing it. A root canal can help save teeth which would otherwise require extraction.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: Both oral and maxillofacial surgeons possess a minimum of 3 years of specialty education in treating injury and disease of the mouth and its surrounding regions. These dental surgeons also must have the expertise in caring for patients that require anesthesia.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons execute complex surgeries with various dental issues like the placement of dental implants and the extraction of wisdom teeth. These may provide care for individuals that have oral cancer. They may also handle patients with facial injuries who require surgery.
Orthodontists: Orthodontists must have a minimum of 2 years of specialty training regarding handling patients with alignment issues of their teeth.
This type of dentist applies braces and other orthodontic devices to the patient’s teeth to better enhance his or her physical appearance and eating ability. Orthodontics work with both adults and kids.
Pediatric Dentists: This dentist possesses a minimum of 2 years of specialized training in treating kids from birth up until their teen years. Pediatric dentists care for the distinctive dental complications of kids and have the expertise in assisting children to have a pleasant initial dental visit.
Periodontists: Periodontists acquire a minimum of 3 years of specialty training in the area of gum disease. This type of dentist is also qualified to treat gum disease and other conditions surrounding the gums.
Periodontists perform dental implants procedures and keep track of patients with bone loss close by the teeth which can result in tooth loss. This dentist aims to preserve the teeth through treating issues of teeth, roots, and gum.
Prosthodontists: Prosthodontists work to create artificial teeth including dental bridges, individual tooth implants, and dentures. They may collaborate with patients directly, or alternatively, prosthodontists may implement orders placed by family dentists. These dentists possess a minimum of 3 years of training beyond than of a family dentist.
