Types of Dentistry Explained

Are you one of those who dreams of becoming a dentist and having to run your own dental office someday? While some people don’t fancy the idea of looking and examining other people’s mouth every day, there are quite a few who really want to get involved in dentistry. It’s actually an ideal and very productive career and having to help others deal and treat all sorts of dental and mouth problems can be very rewarding.

Generally speaking, dentistry is a very big field. It is composed of several specializations and it includes the following:

General Dentistry

Before moving on with the different fields of specializations, let us first take a look at dentistry in general. The profession covers a very large array of studies and procedures. The list includes the diagnosis, evaluations, treatment, and prevention of the mouth, specifically targeting the oral cavity, maxillofacial portion, and other nearby structures or parts of the mouth. The procedures performed by general dentistry can be both surgical and nonsurgical. Additionally, the general practice includes training and courses in the field of ethics and laws governing the practice.

But general dentistry is also subdivided into different specializations and each one is explained below:

• Dental Public Health – Dental public health is commonly referred to as the field that takes care of the prevention and control of the prevalent and known dental issues, illnesses, and diseases. It involves the responsibility of promoting ideal dental health for all people in a certain area or community. The practitioners under this field do not concentrate on individual patients. They focus on distributing information and education to the community.
• Endodontics – An endodontist on the other hand is someone who specializes in taking care of the dental pulp and periradicular tissues in the human mouth. The field involves the study of the pulp and the diagnosis, prevention, and of course, treatment of various types of diseases connected or related to the dental pulp. You normally go to a dental office specializing in endodontics if you’re seeking for a root canal surgery, therapy, and other severe cases involving the pulp.
• Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics – Meanwhile, these two disciplines are focused on the neuromuscular and skeletal issues like abnormalities found in the orofacial structures. The study and field of orthodontics involves the prevention and correction of malocclusions and those related to it. But setting aside those very unfamiliar terms, dentists specializing in orthodontics are the ones who make and put up corrective braces.
• Pediatric Dentistry – As the term implies, this one involves a dentist who specializes in helping kids, infants, children, and adolescents with dental problems. Aside from prevention, this also pretty much involves therapeutic dental care for children especially those with highly sensitive dental health problems.
• Periodontics – Next is the field that focuses on the tooth structure. Specifically, dentists specializing in this area are responsible for the treatment and prevention of certain diseases that are linked to the tooth structure. Additionally, periodontics also covers the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of gingivitis as well and the maintenance of the look and good health of the tooth structure.
• Prosthodontics – Last but not the least, there’s prosthodontics. It’s the field of dentistry that focuses on those patients who experience or suffer from missing and deformed teeth. Hence, dentists in this area are associated with reconstructive teeth surgery, implants, and esthetics. The main purpose of the procedures is to repair the teeth so as to restore the normal oral function.

So those are the most common and widely known types of dentistry. However, it should as well be noted that there are still some other specializations and fields that are rather too specific and targeted to very particular issues in dental health.

Should My Children Get Dental Sealants?

If you are a parent who is concerned about your child’s oral health, you probably have heard about the notion of getting dental sealants for them. However, the main question is if your kid actually needs them in the first place. By definition, it is a protective coating intended to be placed on the teeth, the purpose of which is to effectively prevent tooth decay and the likelihood of building up cavities.

Of course, you particularly know that both cavities and tooth decay are very prevalent in kids these days, especially with the trend of having more interest in cavity producing food like sweets and sugar. With the help of dental sealants, there is an added protection for the teeth. It’s traditionally placed on the molars or commonly called as back teeth. They are placed on deep and constricted portions that are hard to reach for the tooth brushing.

The molars constitute and perform the heaviest responsibility for the teeth, which in this case is chewing and breaking down food before swallowing. Because of that, molars also experience the most frequent contact with food and are the most vulnerable. When the particles of food make contact, they become sources of cavity. But with sealants, the same food particles will be barred from inserting and digging through the grooves and holes in the molars, making sure your child don’t get oral issues caused by cavity and bacteria.

Sealants for Children

Contrary to what a few dentists claim, sealants are perfect and beneficial to children and kids. They are usually placed on the permanent, children, as well as adult teeth with substantial cavity and plaque related issues. There are so many people who are more prone to cavities and children are a good example. The main objective of using it is to avoid and prevent the likelihood of severe tooth decay and loss. Consequently, a dentist would recommend to get tooth sealants for your children to add another layer of protection for the molars.

The thing with children is that they become lazy enough to brush their teeth at least twice a day. Along with this fact, they also love to eat food stuff that can bring and precipitate cavity buildup. When adult molars begin to emerge and go off starting at the age of six, kids of this age will experience cavity buildup, along with the inability to brush teeth consistently. As a parent, you opt for sealants and that corresponds to helping your kid have that same white and healthy smile.

Aside from the normal cavity buildup that comes with age, some kids can also develop deeper grooves, which in turn increase the possibility of building cavities. Furthermore, those who already have a huge pile of plaque coupled with lack of fluoride will also need some sealants.

Are They Safe?

Dentists claim that there are actually no significant complaints, side effects, or serious health consequences due to the use of dental sealants for kids. As a matter of fact, it is highly recommended and parents are advised to get it for their kids for the general protection of the teeth and the overall prevention of dental issues and problems. Each installed sealant can last from three up to five years, which basically means you don’t have to spend that much for maintenance and replacement.

Gingivitis Explained

Gingivitis is one of the many mouth problems brought about by the inability of a person to consistently get a dental checkup. But in many instances, it even develops to those who are religiously seeing a dentist and getting proper oral care. By definition, gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums. The main reason why it happens is because loads of bacteria pile up in the teeth in the form of plaque. Although it is classified as a non-destructive kind of periodontal disease, a prolonged tolerance of the same will likely lead to periondontitis, a condition that can lead to losing teeth in the process.

You will determine that a person has the disease when the gums are puffy and red. But the most tangible sign is when there is bleeding when brushing. In the general sense, gingivitis is treated and prevented by way of oral care and proper hygiene. This includes more frequent brushing of teeth as well as using dental floss. Additionally, a lot of people prefer to use mouthwash. But the thing with gingivitis is that the one suffering from it may not even be aware. That’s because the symptoms are quite mild and tolerable. Nonetheless, it doesn’t mean it should be taken lightly though.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms are referred to as those which the patient directly feels. For gingivitis, the most obvious symptom is having painful gums. A sign on the other hand is what is relatively seen and in this case, it’s the swelling. However, those two aren’t the only things encountered when a person has gingivitis. Here are the notable signs and symptoms:

• Purple and red gums
• Bad breath
• Bleeding gums
• Receding gums
• Soft gums
• Inflammation

How About the Causes?

The main cause of gingivitis is the buildup and collection of plaque and tartar along the teeth. When there is excessive bacterial plaque and tartar, the teeth responds and in the process, the gingival tissue is gradually damaged. After a long period of tolerance and lack of oral care, the imminent result would be the loss of the teeth.

But aside from bacterial plaque and the inability to embrace proper oral hygiene, there can also be other causes of gingivitis. The list includes:

• Drugs – There are certain drugs that can lead to a decrease in saliva. When a person is taking medications like Dilantin and other anticonvulsant, there’s a possibility of disrupting the growth of the gum tissue.
• Hormonal Change – Hormonal imbalance and change can happen during menopausal stages, puberty, pregnancy, and menstruation. At this point, the gums become a lot more sensitive and that means increasing the likelihood of inflammation.

How Often Should I Go To the Dentist And Why?

It is no secret that we are all required to go to the dentist as often as we should. However, there is really no exact frequency and when you ask people how often they should go, they all come up with different answers. The crucial point is actually not the number of times but the consistency and commitment you put in.

So if you’re someone really concerned about your oral health, you are likely to ask questions like “how often should I go to the dentist?” or “should I only visit one when something starts to bother my teeth or gums?” The thing is there is an essential need to visit and consult a dentist and that is for the very obvious reason of guaranteeing a good oral hygiene and better oral health. In this article, you will be provided with the right set of information about how often should you take a tour to a dentist’s clinic for oral care.

Is There A General Agreement On Dentist Visits?

There is none. But the ideal number should be at least twice a year. However, you will learn later on that you may need to go more frequently for special cases and instances. The purpose of the consistent practice of dentist appointments is to make sure you’re doing some preventive care. It is really wrong to just seek professional help when you’re teeth is already in bad shape, the gums are bleeding, or you’re officially wearing a bad and awful breath. Hence, while there is no written rule as to the specifics of dentist visit, it must be pointed out that you have to go there as soon as signs of teeth problem are emerging.

Exception to the Rule

I have a dentist Jersey City based who I get very substantial help and information about overall dental and oral care. According to him, the “twice-a-year” rule is only applicable to general cases and instances, or other terms, for those who don’t have prior issues and health concerns. Therefore, even if a visit to dentists isn’t really that appealing, you have to make an appointment more often than a regular guy if you suffer or experience the following:

• Smoking Problem – Chain smokers and those who smoke a couple each day are more likely to suffer from various types of oral health issues. Tooth-related smoking risks may even lead to cancer of the mouth. Therefore, you might want to go to the dentist more often than you want to, especially if you’re not ready to quit smoking.
• Gum Disease – Another issue that needs frequent and consistent dentist visitation is gum disease. It sounds common but this type of mouth problem is quite serious and needs constant oral care. Be it dentist Jersey City or any other city you live in, you have to look for and see a dentist a lot more to stop gum disease and retain a nicer oral health.
• Cavity – There are so many people who have very cavity prone teeth. Perhaps the culprit is choice of food and eating lifestyle. Remember that cavities are dirty, gross, and quite unhealthy. Hence, be sure to get rid of them by going to the dentist more than twice a year.
• Diabetes – Dentists around the world agree that diabetes and oral health are closely related. For one, the former affects the entire body and the mouth is not exempted. People who suffer from diabetes are vulnerable to gum inflammation and disease, thrush, as well as dry mouth. But all those can be prevented by going to a dentist more often.

Why Should You Go In The First Place?

There are actually hundreds of reasons why you should find time and willingness to consult a dentist. The reasons given below answer the question of why you should be going there in the first place:

Avoid Dental Emergency

One of the most popular mistakes people commit about oral care is that they only seek the aid of the dentist when mouth-related problems go out of hand. Put in mind that detecting early signs of teeth and gum problems is the job of the dentist and if you just religiously visit, you can effectively avoid dental emergencies in the process.

Prevent the Likelihood of Gum Diseases

Teeth protection is just one piece of oral care. Another important reason why you have to go to a dentist habitually is to prevent gum disease. When you fail to do so, you will likely develop the disease and that’s a nasty fact. It often leads to excessive damage in teeth and sockets. As a matter of fact, the worst case scenario is the loss of teeth which is quite prevalent in adults.

Improving Your Oral Health and Overall Physical Appearance

Aside from preventing and curing mouth-related health problems, another important reason why you should establish good communication and relationship through frequent visits with your dentist is to be able to maintain or even improve your physical appearance. Bear in mind that dentists do not only promote better oral health, they also make sure your teeth look nice and your breath smells better. There are various procedures that can be performed to improve teeth appearance like bonding, implants, braces and dentures.

On a final note, perhaps the most valuable reason in visiting a dentist with commitment is to be able to detect and find symptoms of more serious health issue related to the mouth and teeth. For instance, getting frequent dental checkups can determine if your gum bleeding problem is part of a more serious condition like leukemia or platelet problem. Furthermore, undergoing dental x-rays may help identify early signs of osteoporosis. Thus, find some time and effort in building a better relationship with your dentist as soon as possible.

Types Of Dentistry And Exactly what They Do

Dentists come in all different areas of specialities however at the core, a dentist is a doctor that takes care of their patient’s dental hygiene and wellness. Within the dental industry, there are those that a generalists and others that become specialists. For instance, a dentist might choose to focus on cosmetic dentistry while another could opt to be a family practitioner.

If you’re searching for a dentist, it is essential that you perform a little research on the dental services being provided by different dentists. A great dental facility should be able to handle everything, such as routine dental exams, orthodontics, teeth lightening, oral surgery, and numerous other services. The following are some of the services you could expect from dentists.

General Dentistry

General dentistry services consist of items like x-rays, cleanings, visual exam of your mouth and oral cancer screenings. Usually a dentist will recommend that their clients see them two times a year for cleanings and an examination. This is the most usual form of dentistry that the majority of individuals are familiar with.

Bright, White Teeth – Tooth Whitening

A lot of dentist’s offices offer tooth whitening solutions. Yes, there are over the counter choices, nonetheless, patients commonly discover that the whitening treatments done in the dental practice are much more effective. Such services might include whitening or laser treatments. Cosmetic dentists usually have the most recent and best technology when it pertains to tooth whitening.

Orthodontics

Orthodontics is the dental practice of aligning teeth and even more importantly, remedying tooth alignment and over/under bites. This can be done with more typical methods of metal braces or with the latest developments in unnoticeable braces. In either situation, seek advice from your dentist for a recommendation to a local Orthodontist.

Oral Surgery

An oral surgeon is the doctor that you will most likely see when you need to have your wisdom teeth pulled. Typically, it is a much simpler operation the younger that you are. Dental surgeons also execute other dental procedures, such as dental implants. When seeking advice from the doctor for the first time, make sure to be aware of the whole treatment, including post-operative care.

Covering The Dental Cost

Dental work can be expensive. Be sure to ask the office if they accept your particular dental insurance. If not, they might be able to offer a financing or payment plan. In either case, it is recommended that you work out the details prior to having any work done by the dentist.