Have you got pain in a tooth? Are your teeth more sensitive than usual? What about the jaw pain and TMJ flare-ups? A trip to the dentist can solve all these questions and concerns.
These highly qualified professionals are ones that you go to when you have problems with your teeth and mouth. Unfortunately, people that are scared of dentists tend to avoid trips to see them, further increasing issues with their dental issues.
But if they had a more detailed breakdown of what a dentist does, they could be more inclined to understand what to expect.
That’s what this blog will detail.
Everything a Dentist Does For You
Repairs Damaged Teeth
Be it an over-exposure to decay, a crack or a fracture, dentists can help repair your teeth. Using an array of techniques, they can restore your tooth, or teeth, back to their original condition so that you can continue eating and chewing comfortably while minimizing the pain you were once feeling. It can include:
- Dental restorations, such as fillings
- Creating and implanting crowns and bridges (replacement teeth essentially)
- Tooth replacements, through implants or dentures
- Root canals, where the tooth’s canal is cleared out and fill out
- Dental bonding
It’s a crucial part of the job and one that takes the most patient and delicate flow of hands possible. If you got dental pain, they’re the people to save you from it.
Completes Oral Examinations
During a routine checkup, your dentist (or supportive dental hygienist) will examine your teeth and mouth to detect any basic issues or potential areas to address. This is an important part of the process, as it ensures that any problems are stopped before they occur (through preventative at-home treatment) or to book you in for further treatment.
Part of the comprehensive examination includes the following:
- X-rays of your teeth and mouth
- Checking for decay and cavities
- Inspecting your gums and teeth lines for any issues, such as gum disease. The ‘pockets’ around your teeth will be checked to see if the tooth bone is exposed.
- Bite evaluation will see the dentist assess if your bite matches properly
- Jaw-pain and potential TMJ issues
Only with a thorough examination twice a year could you detect any dental issues that you should be concerned about. The best part is that you can take measures to stop any problems from happening in the future.
Offers Dental Cleaning
Even if you brush twice every day and floss after every meal while avoiding sugary foods, there’s a chance you’ll still build up soft and hard deposits on your teeth. It doesn’t matter what you do. This is where a dental cleaning can prove handy. Only a dentist or a dental hygienist with the proper tools and experience and remove and clean your teeth before it develops into serious problems.
A dental cleaning usually consists of the following steps:
- Removing the plaque and tartar off your teeth by using specialized instruments
- Flossing your teeth to clean any hard-to-reach areas
- Polish your teeth to remove any stains, leaving your teeth incredibly smooth
- Rinsing your mouth with specialized mouthwash to kill any germs
- Offering fluoride treatment is optional; an effective supplement as it protects your teeth against cavities and sensitivity.
It is recommended that you get teeth cleaning twice a year during your routine checkup.
Administers Orthodontics
Orthodontics is essential to protecting your teeth against misalignment or grinding (bruxism). You’ve probably heard the terms, braces, Invisalign or night guards before. It’s the dentist that suggests these options to you and will make them specifically for your mouth.
Invisalign and braces are made to align your jaw and bite, preventing any bite issues. Night Guards will help you against teeth grinding when you sleep, so you don’t damage your teeth.
Depending on what you need, your dentist will provide you insight and advice on the best course of action.
Provides At-Home Advice
Sometimes, it’s up to you to transform the status of your dental health. So that’s where the dentist comes in: they’ll offer you guidance and advice on how you can better manage and maintain your dental health at home.
It can include brushing and flossing techniques and tips, avoiding specific foods, using certain toothbrushes and pastes – it comes down to what’s best for your dental health.