Many people only visit the dentist when something goes wrong, which is unfortunate as regular checkups with your dentist could prevent issues from developing and save both discomfort and money. Dentists use their education and experience to perform various procedures which contribute to maintaining oral health.
If you are considering a career in dentistry, get to know more about it to see if it fits with your goals and lifestyle.
Dental Hygiene
Dental hygiene involves maintaining the health of your teeth, gums, and mouth in order to improve overall wellness. Maintaining dental hygiene is especially essential as infections that enter through oral cavities can enter your bloodstream and lead to serious health problems like heart disease and stroke.
UB’s dental hygienist program not only includes classroom and laboratory work, but also an intensive clinical experience where you will treat actual patients. You’ll perform dental hygiene procedures, assess patients’ oral health histories, take x-rays of their teeth and teach proper care of these oral structures.
Most states require dental hygienists to complete an accredited dental hygiene program and pass both a written National Board exam and clinical board examination before becoming licensed professionals. Once licensed, dental hygienists may choose to pursue advanced degrees such as research or leadership studies.
Dental Exams
An oral examination allows dentists to inspect your mouth and teeth for potential issues like gum disease, tooth decay and other indicators of general health. Furthermore, these exams provide the chance for dentists to educate patients on proper brushing and flossing habits.
Comprehensive dental exams typically consist of cleanings, x-rays and an examination of your bite – how the upper and lower teeth fit together – to evaluate any existing dental conditions or symptoms and develop a treatment plan going forward. Regular check-ups with your dentist are especially essential if you already have existing conditions in order to track symptoms and determine their treatment plans moving forward.
Dental Cleanings
Dental cleanings involve the removal of bacteria, plaque and tartar buildup from tooth surfaces in order to prevent gum disease and cavities. The process typically includes an initial visual exam from a dental professional followed by scaling (removal) of hardened tartar on teeth surfaces as well as below the gum line.
A dental hygienist may perform services like polishing and flossing your teeth before applying a fluoride treatment that strengthens them against future damage. They may also offer oral health education as well as advice on brushing and flossing techniques.
Dental professionals usually advise having your teeth professionally cleaned once every six months; however, your dentist may recommend an alternate schedule depending on your risk for dental issues.
Dental Implants
Dental implants offer an appealing and functional solution for replacing missing teeth, mimicking natural appearance while being more stable than dentures in terms of shifting or falling out over time.
Implants are metal screws or cylinders surgically placed into your jawbone beneath your gums to support artificial teeth after healing has taken place. Implants also help preserve facial structure while helping prevent bone deterioration.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is vital in order to keep implants, artificial teeth and gum tissue in optimal health. This includes brushing regularly using an interdental toothbrush and visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings. Furthermore, you should avoid habits like chewing hard objects or smoking which could potentially harm implants or lead to gum disease.
Teeth Whitening
Whitening treatments are one of the most widely sought-after cosmetic dentistry services. Their aim is to lighten the color of teeth while eliminating surface stains from food, beverages and medications such as Tetracycline.
Dentist-supervised teeth-whitening procedures involve applying a safe amount of hydrogen or carbamide peroxide directly onto tooth enamel. A bright light or laser may also help speed up this lightening process.
Professional teeth whitening services can restore confidence in one’s smile and motivate better oral hygiene practices, but it should be noted that professional whitening may require touch-ups every few years for best results.
Dental Veneers
Veneers offer an alternative solution for those not ready to commit to more extensive dental procedures such as crowns or bonding, including those who don’t respond well to bleaching treatments. Furthermore, veneers can help mask stubborn stains which don’t respond well to bleaching treatments.
Before applying veneers, your dentist will reshape each tooth surface and take an impression to send to the lab. At your second appointment, your dentist will use dental cement to adhere the veneers quickly using ultraviolet light hardening it quickly; afterwards you may brush and floss as usual, however you should refrain from chewing hard objects such as pens and pencils, grinding your teeth during sleep time, or grinding or clenching them at night.
