Dentist - What Does a Dentist Do

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A dentist also referred to as a dental hygienist, is a specialist doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oral diseases and disorders. The dental hygienist has the title of an assistant to the dentist. The dentist's medical team often assists him in providing excellent oral health care. Some dental hygienists are also referred to as cosmetic dentists because they perform some specific procedures on the teeth, such as tooth whitening or bleaching. These specialists have completed a two-year degree program in professional courses approved by the American Dental Association.

To begin the examination, you will be asked to complete a comprehensive dental history, a physical exam, x-rays, and a mouth examination. The dentist will look for indications of tooth decay, gum disease, abscesses, periodontal disease, oral cancer, swelling or edema under the gumline or in the mouth, bleeding or redness in the teeth, loosened tooth roots, receding gums, submucous pockets between the teeth, swelling and inflammation of the lymph nodes, signs of gum disease, loose teeth, cavities, and other oral problems. For severe cases, your dentist may perform a bone test or a procedure called sentencing. This procedure corrects misaligned bones that are causing gaps between the teeth and reshapes the mouth to improve the function of your jaws. Check out source for top dental care services or see Does the Office Charge for Late or Missed Appointments?

The most common surgeries performed by a dentist include filling a cavity with an artificial tooth crown; removing a tooth or teeth; removing a large cavity or a section of a tooth or gum tissue that is infected; repairing a damaged root canal. Other procedures commonly performed by a dentist include surgical implants or crowns, sutures, and corticosteroid injections. Some dentists perform minor aesthetic improvements like straightening or whitening teeth, straightening cornered teeth, and jawline corrections. Cosmetic dentists use different methods like veneers, bonding, dental implants, dental bridges, and Invisalign.

If you decide to become a dentist, you have to undergo a certain level of training, either a two-year undergraduate program at an accredited university or a one-year post-graduate program at a junior or community college. The length of a dentist's education depends on the state where he or she practices. Some states require two years of an accredited residency in dental surgery followed by two years of approved training in oral health or advanced dental courses. In some states, your dental license is valid for a period of one year if you complete a one-year residency program.

In the United States, you can complete an accredited program in one of two disciplines: orthodontics or endodontics. In dental schools located in the United States, many programs offer courses in a variety of subjects including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, diagnostic dental surgery, radiology, pharmacology, and professional ethics. In order to become an oral surgeon or an oral hygienist, you need to complete a four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college, pass a board exam and receive at least 200 hours of supervised instruction in dental school. Oral surgeons need to be licensed after completion of a six-month residency program in a hospital, surgical center, or clinic.

General dentistry includes aspects such as preventing, detecting, and treating dental disorders.

General dentists treat cases of dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, periodontal disease, and jaw disorders. They also offer treatments for dental phobia. General dentists perform checkups, extractions and also perform surgical procedures under the supervision of a qualified anesthesiologist. You can read more on this here: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/5-things-you-dont-know-ab_1_b_11649752.