5 Things To Expect If You Visit A Dental Surgeon Today
A dental surgeon is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases that affect the craniofacial complex. The craniofacial complex refers to the face, including jaws, teeth, lips, cheeks, and all tissues which are involved in facial development. Dental surgeons can participate in any aspect of dental care for patients, from dental surgery on a tooth to the application of braces on teeth.
A dental surgeon works with a patient's teeth and gums to ensure that they remain healthy. If they need to be treated for an ailment, the dental surgeon performs the necessary procedures. Their five main roles in dentistry include:
1. Patient care
A dental surgeon's primary responsibility is to diagnose, manage, and treat oral health problems in patients. By law, they must be knowledgeable about all aspects of dentistry, and either have a bachelor's degree or an advanced degree from an accredited dental school.
A dental surgeon is also an advocate for their patients. They encourage them to have regular checkups and maintain excellent oral health by brushing and flossing regularly, eating a healthy diet, and limiting sugary drinks and snacks. More significantly, they treat their patients with respect and compassion and help them understand all of the available treatment options.
2. Prosthodontics
Dental surgeons perform many procedures on replacements like dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants. They also prepare teeth for crowns and caps, remove tooth decay, and treat jaw problems such as an overbite or an underbite.
3. Orthodontics
Dental surgeons provide diagnosis, planning, and treatment for patients with malocclusions or misalignments of the teeth, bite problems, or jaw joint issues. They also plan dentofacial growth in children born with cleft lip and palate disorders.
4. Endodontics
A dental surgeon performs root canal treatments on teeth with infected or diseased pulp, which includes removing the damaged tissues of the tooth and filling it until new tissue forms. They also use endodontic instruments like files to debride (clean up) an area before placing a dental crown or other restoration.
5. Periodontics
Dental surgeons diagnose and treat gum disease, also known as periodontitis. They debride the area to remove any existing plaque or tartar build-up while scraping away diseased or damaged tissues in the gums or bone surrounding the teeth. Then, they place medication into the debrided areas after scaling it. They use several procedures to treat gum disease, including debridement, root planing, and scaling.
A dental surgeon is a professional who is responsible for the care of teeth and the oral cavity. Their core clinical duties include treatment of diseases, diagnosis, prevention, medication, and surgery. They are also responsible for providing treatments that will improve clients' physical appearance through the use of different devices and procedures. Contact a dental surgeon to learn more.
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