Dentists are professionals who help people maintain good oral health by performing routine procedures and corrective treatment. They also perform dental care for patients who have certain conditions that require special attention and treatment.
During a dental exam, the dentist will look at your teeth, gums and other areas of your mouth to check for any problems. Then, the dentist will give you a report of the findings. He or she may recommend another dental appointment or treatment, or give you advice about your dental habits and how to improve them.
The dentist will take X-rays during your visit, usually every few years to monitor any changes that might be happening in your mouth. This is to check for cavities, and for signs of bone loss (loss of tissue around your teeth) that could be a sign of osteoporosis or other serious problems.
Your dentist will ask you about any pain or discomfort you are feeling. He or she will also ask you about any changes in your overall health, medication use and the way you take care of your teeth.
You will probably be given instructions about how to clean your teeth at home, and your hygienist may suggest additional products you can use at home, such as fluoride toothpastes and rinses. Some practices will also offer whitening services.
Hygienists and dental assisting assistants play a crucial role in helping dentists with their work. They help with preparing your mouth for the dentist, performing the more info cleaning and assisting during treatments.
They are the unsung heroes of any dental practice and do a lot to help patients have a healthy smile.
The American Dental Association calls them “the backbone of the dental office.” They provide a wide variety of services to help dentists care for their patients.
Most dentists have a bachelor’s degree in a dental-related field and then attend dental school for four years to earn their DDS or DMD degrees. After graduation, they undergo a rigorous exam that is typically required by their state before being licensed to practice.
Some dentists specialize in a specific area of dentistry, such as pediatric or cosmetic dentistry. Others focus on a specific type of procedure, such as placing crowns or performing root canals.
These specialties require specialized training and certifications, similar to what medical doctors need before becoming specialists.
A common problem in dentistry is that some unethical dentists will use “creative diagnosis” to do unnecessary work, often to increase their profit. There isn’t any hard data on how often this happens, but it’s certainly possible.
To prevent this, you should be sure to choose dentists who are in your insurance network and don’t charge extra for services that aren’t covered by your plan. You can also look for ethical dentists through word-of-mouth, and avoid visiting a practice that only offers deals or coupons.
The best thing you can do for yourself and your family’s oral health is to schedule regular checkups and dental exams. These appointments will keep your mouth healthy and help your dentist catch any issues early so that they can be treated before they cause serious damage.