Dentists–What do they do?

Dentists are healthcare professionals who diagnose, treat and prevent the various diseases and conditions that affect the teeth. Dentists perform cleaning procedures, fill cavities, extract teeth, and perform cosmetic surgical procedures. In our modern society, the dentist plays a crucial role in maintaining overall well-being of the citizens. Dentists are assisted in their job by a number of other professionals such as technicians, diagnosticians and hygienists. There are a number of techniques and procedures in the field of dentistry.

Like all other organs in the body, the teeth are susceptible and vulnerable to various diseases. For this reason, it is essential to maintain proper hygiene to prevent infections. This is where the dentist comes in. The dentist not only provides basic health care for the teeth, but also provides valuable information so that we can take informed decisions while opting for procedures or while buying dental care products.

Some of the common procedures performed by dentists include:

· Cleaning procedures: When we consume food, some of the particles get lodged in between the teeth. Because the mouth provides an ideal condition for bacterial growth, bacteria multiply leading to infection. Additionally, plaque also forms in the teeth. In order to prevent these problems, it is essential to visit the dental clinic regularly and have your teeth cleaned.

· Cavity filling: Cavities are caused by bacterial infections. Bacteria secrete various acids which cause damage to teeth, causing cavities. Cavities can be very painful and can also result in loss of structural integrity of the teeth. Dentists usually use amalgam to perform fillings. These days, better materials are becoming available for tooth fillings. These have better aesthetic appeal when compared to traditional amalgam or metal fillings.

· Teeth whitening: Teeth can become stained for a number of reasons. Foods such as tea, coffee and chocolate, smoking cigarettes and genetic factors all play a significant role in the discoloration. Teeth whitening procedures are performed to restore the normal color of teeth. Dentists use bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide to remove the stains and restore the normal appearance of teeth.

· Cosmetic dental procedures: Cosmetic dental procedures are aimed mainly at improving the appearance of the face. These are performed by experienced cosmetic dental surgeons. Common cosmetic dental procedures include teeth alignment, correction of gaps, installation of veneers and dental implants.

The field of dentistry is highly lucrative and has many benefits. However, not everyone is able to afford quality dental healthcare even in advanced countries. A lot of work needs to be done in this direction.