Dentists or Dental Doctors
Dentists are healthcare professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions and diseases of the teeth, gums, and mouth. They have completed a doctoral degree in dentistry, and must also be licensed in the state in which they practice.
Dentists typically provide a wide range of services, including:
- Cleanings and routine checkups to maintain oral health and prevent tooth decay
- X-rays to detect tooth and jaw problems
- Fillings and extractions to treat cavities and remove teeth
- Root canals to treat infected teeth
- Crowns and bridges to repair damaged or missing teeth
- Orthodontics to straighten teeth
- Oral surgery to remove impacted teeth or tumors
Dentists also often work with other healthcare professionals, such as dental hygienists and dental assistants, who help with many of the tasks involved in providing dental care.
In addition to general dentistry, there are also several different specialized fields within the profession, including:
- Orthodontics: which focuses on straightening teeth and correcting jaw alignment
- Pediatric Dentistry: which focuses on the oral health of children
- Prosthodontics: which focuses on the replacement of missing teeth
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: which focuses on surgery of the mouth, jaw and face
- Periodontics: which focuses on the treatment of gum disease.
what is gum Problem for teeth
Gum (periodontal) disease is a condition that affects the tissues and bones that support the teeth. It is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. When plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.
The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, which is characterized by inflammation and bleeding of the gums. If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to the more severe form of gum disease called periodontitis. In periodontitis, the gums pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that become infected. The bacteria in these pockets can destroy the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place, which can lead to tooth loss.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Gums that are tender or painful to the touch
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
Gum disease can usually be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. If you have gum disease, your dentist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that may include scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning technique that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline; and may also include medications such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatory to help control the infection and inflammation.
It is also essential to quit smoking as it can increase the risk of gum disease and other oral health problems.
what is Root canal treatment
A root canal is a dental procedure that is used to treat a tooth that has become infected or inflamed at the pulp chamber (the center of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels). The pulp chamber is located in the root canals, which are the small, thin channels that run through the center of each tooth.
During a root canal, a dentist or endodontist (a dentist who specializes in treating problems with the pulp chamber) will remove the infected or inflamed pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals. Once the pulp is removed, the dentist will clean and disinfect the root canals and then fill and seal them to prevent reinfection.
The tooth is then typically restored with a filling or a crown to protect it and restore its function. Without treatment, an infected tooth can cause severe pain, swelling, and, in some cases, abscesses or bone loss. The infected tooth can also become more brittle and, in time, may have to be removed.
The procedure of root canal is done under local anaesthesia and usually take one or more appointments. After the treatment the tooth may be tender for a few days, but over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen can help alleviate the discomfort. The success rate of root canal treatment is very high and with proper care, the treated tooth can last a lifetime.
It is important to note that despite the bad reputation root canal procedures has, it is a common and routine procedure that can save a damaged or infected tooth, rather than extraction.