Dentist

A dentist is a medical specialist who has graduated from a higher educational institution and 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 in-demand medical profession. Diseases of the teeth, gums, jaws, oral mucosa - all this falls within the competence of a dentist. The doctor can prescribe and carry out therapeutic or preventive measures, conduct additional examinations, perform restoration and prosthetics of teeth.

To become a dentist, you need to obtain a higher medical education in the dental specialization. Such education can be provided by a medical academy or university. After completing the studies, the future specialist will also need to complete an internship course, after which he can begin practicing as a dentist.

Dental specialists can work both in private structures and in state polyclinics.

A dentist has the right to conduct private practice, serving patients in his own dental office, or to engage in scientific work and subsequently become a candidate or doctor of medical sciences.

When should you see a dentist?

The following conditions require a dentist consultation:

• uncomplicated carious lesion of teeth – demineralization of tooth enamel with subsequent formation of a caries cavity. The process can be superficial, medium and deep;
• complicated course of caries – development of pulpitis or periodontitis;
• periodontosis – pain, looseness of teeth, loss of teeth;
• signs of gingivitis, periodontitis;
• fluorosis phenomena.

Simply put, a visit to the dentist is necessary:

• for toothache;
• if teeth or gums are hypersensitive to hot or cold, sour or sweet foods;
• in case of traumatic damage to teeth or gums;
• in case of excessive bleeding of gums;
• in case of swelling of the gum area, suppuration, pain when pressing and biting;
• when the shape and color of the tooth changes, spots appear;
• if bad breath appears from the mouth;
• when a tooth becomes loose or falls out;
• when cracks and chips appear on the enamel;
• for ulcers and pigmentation of the oral mucosa.

What tests should you take when visiting a dentist?

Usually, when making an appointment with a dentist, no special tests are required. The doctor, at his own discretion, may prescribe an X-ray examination, taking a smear from the mucous membrane to check for bacteria or fungal infection after the appointment.

There is no need to take tests in advance: they may not be needed.

What diagnostic methods does the dentist use?

A dental specialist may use the following types of diagnostic procedures:

• X-ray examination of the affected tooth or jaw;
• microscopic examination – used in cases of damage to dental canals;
• electroodontodiagnostics method – determines the condition of the nerve endings of the pulp by applying electric current;
• pulp rheography method – evaluates the functional capacity of the pulp;
• periodontal rheography method – examines the functional state of the periodontal vascular system.

What does a dentist do?

Modern dentistry includes the following areas:

• dental therapy. This is the treatment of caries, tooth canals, filling and building up tooth enamel;
• periodontology. This is the treatment of inflammatory processes in the gums surrounding and adjacent to the tooth: includes the treatment of gingivitis, stomatitis, periodontitis, periodontosis, etc.;
• surgery. Includes surgical treatment methods: extraction of teeth or cystic formations of teeth, curettage cleaning of cavities, opening of purulent foci;
• dental orthopedics. Deals with prosthetics;
• Orthodontics. Aimed at correcting bite defects;
• pediatric dentistry. Involves working with children.

A dentist must have an excellent understanding of the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the human body, have knowledge of the structure of the maxillofacial system, the oral cavity, and be competent in dental materials, medications, and appropriate instruments and equipment.

What diseases does a dentist treat?

General dentists treat caries and dental canal pathologies at different stages of tissue damage.

Specialists can treat inflammation of the mucous membranes and tissues of the oral cavity, gums. A common periodontal disease, which occurs as a result of infection in the interdental space, is also within the competence of a dentist. This disease is periodontosis, characterized by pain and an unpleasant odor from the mouth; if this disease is not treated, then soon you can lose the affected teeth.

The specialist's goal is to destroy the source of infection and maintain the health of teeth and gums. However, sometimes, when conventional treatment is no longer effective, a tooth has to be removed. This is also done by a dentist, who also removes cysts and purulent foci in the tissues of the oral cavity.

If the damaged tooth is beyond repair, a dental prosthetist comes to the rescue. He takes measurements, adjusts and fixes the prostheses. His work is crowns, bridges, implants and removable prosthetics.

Correction of bite defects is carried out by selecting a bracket system or mouth guards.

The dentist also monitors the development of the child's maxillofacial system, treats baby and permanent teeth, and ensures the formation of a correct bite.

Dentist's advice

Needless to say, how important dental care is to maintain their health. It is necessary to brush your teeth regularly, and teach your children to do the same: instilling good habits means prolonging health in the future.

Regular and thorough teeth cleaning will help you maintain a beautiful smile and avoid the appearance of tartar and caries.

The toothbrush should not be too soft to effectively remove plaque and food debris, but not too hard to avoid damaging the gums.

Between the main brushings (in the morning after breakfast and in the evening before bed) you should use dental floss. It is necessary to clean the spaces between the teeth.

The toothbrush should be replaced every 3 months, as bacteria accumulated on it can multiply and settle in the oral cavity.

It is ideal to entrust the choice of toothpaste to your dentist, because this product is selected individually and depends on many factors.

Proper nutrition is very important for dental health: calcium deficiency and excess of simple carbohydrates have a negative effect on the condition of teeth. Calcium is found in dairy products, cheeses, nuts and greens.

To strengthen gums, it is useful to eat hard vegetables and fruits – carrots, apples.

An important factor in maintaining dental health is regular preventive visits to the dentist. A specialist examination will not take much time, 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 maintain the beauty of your smile for many years.

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