Dentist
A dentist is a medical specialist who has graduated from a higher education institution and who has received the qualification to conduct diagnostics, therapy and prevention of diseases and lesions of the dental and jaw system.
Who is a dentist?
A dentist is a very important, widespread and demanded medical profession. Diseases of the teeth, gums, jaws, mouth mucosa - all this is within the competence of a dentist. The doctor can prescribe and conduct therapeutic or prophylactic measures, conduct additional examinations, perform restoration and dental prosthetics.
To become a dentist, you need to get a higher medical education in dental specialization. Such an education can provide a medical academy or university. After completing his studies, the future specialist will also need to undergo an internship course, after which he can begin the practice of a dentist.
Specialists of dentistry can work both in private structures and in state polyclinic institutions.
A dentist has the right to conduct private practice, serving patients in his own dentistry office, or engage in scientific activities and become a candidate or doctor of medical sciences.
When should I go to the dentist?
Consultations of the dentist require the following conditions:
- uncomplicated carious lesions of teeth - demineralization of tooth enamel with further formation of caries cavity. The process can be superficial, medium and deep;
- complicated caries current - development of pulpitis or periodontitis;
- parodontosis - soreness, looseness of teeth, loss;
- signs of gingivitis, periodontitis;
- phenomena of fluorosis.
Simply put, a visit to the dentist is necessary:
- with toothache;
- with increased sensitivity of teeth or gums to hot or cold, sour or sweet food;
- with traumatic lesions of teeth or gums;
- with excessive gum bleeding;
- with swelling of the gum area, suppuration, soreness with pressure and nipping
- when changing the shape and color of the tooth, the appearance of spots;
- when there is a bad smell from the mouth;
- when the tooth loosens or falls out;
- when cracks and chips appear on the enamel;
- with ulceration and pigmentation of the oral mucosa.
What tests should I take when I visit a dentist?
Usually, when writing to a dentist's consultation, no special tests are required. The doctor, at his own discretion, after the admission can appoint an X-ray study, taking a smear from the mucosa for the presence of bacteria or fungal infection.
Pre-test is not necessary: they may not be needed.
What diagnostic methods does the dentist use?
A dentist may use the following types of diagnostic procedures:
- X-ray examination of the affected tooth or jaw;
- microscopic examination - used in the defeat of dental canals;
- method of electroodontodiagnostics - determines the state of the nerve endings of the pulp by the action of electric current;
- method of pulp rheography - evaluates the functional capacity of the pulp;
- method of periodontal rheography - examines the functional state of the periodontal vascular system.
What does the dentist do?
To modern stomatology the following directions concern:
- dental therapy. This treatment of tooth decay, tooth canals, sealing and the buildup of tooth enamel;
- periodontics. This therapy of inflammatory processes in the gums surrounding and adjacent to the tooth: includes the treatment of gingivitis, stomatitis, periodontitis, periodontitis, etc .;
- surgery. Includes surgical methods of treatment: extraction of teeth or cystic tooth formation, curettage of cavities, opening of purulent foci;
- dental orthopedics. He is engaged in prosthetics;
- orthodontics. It is aimed at correction of bite defects;
- children's dentistry. Provides work with children.
The doctor of the dental department is obliged to perfectly understand the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the human body, to have knowledge of the structure of the maxillofacial system, the oral cavity, to be competent in dental materials, medicines, appropriate instruments and equipment.
What diseases does the dentist treat?
General dentists carry out caries therapy, pathologies of dental canals at different stages of tissue damage.
Specialists can cure the inflammation of the mucous membranes and tissues of the mouth and gums. The often occurring periodontal disease that occurs as a result of infection in the interdental space is also within the competence of the dentist. This disease - parodontosis, is characterized by pain and unpleasant odor from the oral cavity; if you do not treat this disease, then soon you can lose the affected teeth.
The goal of the specialist is to destroy the foci of infection and keep the health of teeth and gums. However, sometimes, when the usual treatment is no longer effective, you have to remove the tooth. This is also involved in the dentist, in addition, he also removes cysts and purulent foci in the tissues of the oral cavity.
If the affected tooth is no longer subject to recovery, a dental prosthetist comes to the rescue. He makes measurements, adjusts and fixes the prosthesis. His work - crowns, bridges, implants and removable prosthetics.
Correction of the bite defect is performed by selecting a bracket system or a cap.
The dentist also monitors the development of the pediatric maxillofacial system, treats dairy and permanent teeth, monitors the formation of the right bite.
Dentist's advice
Needless to say, how important is dental care to maintain their health. Brushing your teeth is necessary regularly, accustoming to this and the kids: to inculcate good habits means to prolong your health in the future.
Regular and thorough brushing of teeth will allow to keep a beautiful smile and avoid the appearance of calculus and caries.
The toothbrush should not be too soft to clean the plaque and food remnants well, but not too hard to not injure the gums.
Between the main teeth cleaning (in the morning after breakfast and in the evening before going to bed), you should use dental floss. It is necessary for her to clean the interdental spaces.
The toothbrush must be replaced every 3 months, since the bacteria accumulated on it can multiply and settle in the oral cavity.
The choice of a toothpaste is ideally entrusted to the treating stomatologist, after all this means is selected individually and depends on many factors.
Very important for the health of teeth is proper nutrition: lack of calcium, excess of simple carbohydrates adversely affect the teeth. Calcium is found in dairy products, cheeses, nuts and greens.
To strengthen the gums, it is useful to use solid vegetables and fruits - carrots, apples.
An important factor in maintaining dental health is a regular preventive visit to the dental office. Inspection specialist will not take long, but will allow you to be confident in the health of your teeth. The dentist will carry out the necessary treatment and give useful recommendations that will help to keep the beauty of your smile for many years to come.
Medical expert editor
Portnov Alexey Alexandrovich
Education: Kiev National Medical University. A.A. Bogomolets, Specialty - "General Medicine"
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