Dentistry is the science that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, injuries, and malformations affecting the teeth, jaws, and mouth.
What does a dentist do?
A dentist is a specialist who deals with diagnosing and treating disorders and problems that can affect the teeth, jaws, and other oral structures such as the gums. The doctor explains to the patient how to ensure proper oral hygiene and mastication, and if necessary intervenes to treat disorders.
The dentist can also provide solutions to aesthetic problems. Finally, the dentist can support other specialists in the diagnosis of diseases that may occur with problems of oral health, such as diabetes, and leukemia.
What diseases are treated by a dentist?
A dentist is an expert in oral surgery, endodontics, gnathology, dental care, implantology, conservative dentistry, orthodontics, periodontics, pathology and oral medicine, pedodontics, and denture. Among the diseases and problems treated by a dentist are accumulation of plaque and tartar, dental abscesses, bruxism, caries, fractures of the teeth, gingivitis, periodontitis, and pyorrhea.
What procedures are used by a dentist?
The procedures used by a dentist are many and various. The most common include analysis of the teeth, application of dentures, fluoride applications, piezoelectric surgery, scaling, extraction of wisdom teeth, porcelain veneers, and gingivectomy. Others include dental implant, root planing, polishing with orthodontic appliances, amalgam and composite fillings, tooth whitening, and tooth sealant.
When should a patient visit a dentist?
A visit to a dentist should be done at least once a year, even in the absence of pain and inflammation, to monitor the health of the teeth. It is also advised to visit the specialist when the patient is feeling symptoms such as toothache, or bleeding gums.
Furthermore in case of bruxism (the habit of teeth grinding in sleep) the dentist is the ideal figure to provide a solution to the problem.
