What does a Dentist do?

 

A dentist is a health professional who specialises in oral hygiene and provides a range of services related to teeth, gums and mouth. The main task of a dentist is to diagnose, prevent and treat various dental diseases. Here are some of the main tasks and services provided by dentists:

 

Dental examinations: dentists perform comprehensive examinations of patients' oral health, which may include an assessment of the teeth, gums, jaw and surrounding tissues. They look for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer and other oral health problems.

 

Dental cleaning and oral hygiene: dentists perform professional teeth cleaning to remove plaque, tartar and stains from teeth. They use special tools to clean hard-to-reach areas and provide guidance on maintaining good oral hygiene, including brushing techniques, flossing and mouthwash.

 

Dental treatments and procedures: dentists offer a wide range of treatments and procedures to solve a variety of dental problems. Some common dental treatments include:

 

Dental fillings: dentists use fillings to restore teeth damaged by decay or fractures. They remove the decayed part of the tooth and fill the cavity with materials such as composite resin, amalgam or porcelain.

 

Root canal treatment: this treatment is used to save a severely infected or damaged tooth. Dentists remove the infected pulp from the inner chamber of the tooth, clean and disinfect the area, then seal it to prevent further infection.

 

What does a Dentist do?

Tooth extraction: dentists may need to extract severely decayed, damaged or impacted teeth. They will ensure that the procedure is as comfortable as possible for the patient and may recommend tooth replacement options such as dental implants or bridges.

 

Dental crowns: crowns are custom-made caps that cover damaged or weakened teeth. They restore the shape, size, strength and appearance of the tooth. Crowns are usually made of materials such as porcelain, metal alloys or a combination of both.

 

Dental bridges: bridges are used to replace missing teeth. They consist of false teeth fixed to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Bridges help restore chewing function, maintain facial structure and improve smile aesthetics.

 

Dental implants: implants are used to permanently replace missing teeth. They are titanium posts that are surgically placed in the jawbone and provide a strong base for the attachment of false teeth (crowns).

 

Teeth whitening: dentists offer professional teeth whitening procedures to remove stains and discolouration from teeth, resulting in a brighter smile.

 

Orthodontic treatments: dentists can provide orthodontic services to correct misaligned teeth and jaw misalignments. This may include braces, clear aligners and other orthodontic appliances.

 

Periodontal treatments. They can perform exfoliation and root planing, prescribe medications, and provide guidance on proper oral hygiene for healthy gums.

 

Oral health education: dentists educate patients on good oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing and healthy eating. They provide guidance on preventive care, emphasizing the importance of regular dental checkups and cleanings.

 

It is important to note that dentists may also specialise in certain areas of dentistry, such as paediatric dentistry, oral surgery, orthodontics or periodontics. If you have specific dental problems or need special treatments, it is best to consult a dentist who specialises in that area.