The Dental Arch

A dentist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oral health problems.

• They are trained to care for the teeth, gums, and mouth, and are responsible for maintaining the overall health of the oral cavity.
• Dentists are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of dental conditions, including cavities, gum disease, and oral infections.
• They also perform procedures such as teeth cleaning, fillings, extractions, and root canals.
• Dentists also make recommendations for orthodontic treatment, such as braces, as well as prosthodontic treatment, such as dentures.

One of the most significant roles and responsibilities of a dentist is promoting great oral hygiene. It helps in preventing complications in the mouth. A dentist detects and treats issues related to the mouth, gums, and teeth. Dentists use the latest technology and a variety of modern equipment such as lasers, brushes, x-ray machines, scalpels, drills, and other medical tools. They wear protective equipment while performing dental procedures to prevent the spread of bacteria or germs.

Some common dentistry tasks include:

• Explaining proper dental hygiene techniques to people.
• Removal of decaying tissue from teeth.
• Extraction of damaged teeth.
• Putting sealants or fillings.
• Evaluation of the growth of the jawbones and teeth.

There are numerous reasons why one should consult a dentist. Dental checkups at regular intervals are imperative. Some of the reasons include:

1. Preventive care: Dentists evaluate symptoms of mouth cancer, dental decay, or gum issues. Regular evaluation of these factors can help prevent severe problems. Your dentist can clean your teeth to remove tartar buildup and plaque that may eventually cause tooth decay and gum diseases. A dentist might also suggest some tips in order to take better care of your teeth at home.
2. Discomfort or pain: If you have discomfort or pain in your teeth, jaws, mouth, or gums, you should consult a dentist. Don’t neglect the symptoms such as pain or swelling in the neck, mouth, or face. If you notice bleeding of the gums or have trouble swallowing or chewing, you should opt for a dentist consultation at the earliest.
3. Maintenance and health: if you previously had a dental procedure done, it is important to ensure that everything is as it should be.
4. Cosmetic Care: A dentist consultation can enhance your smile and boost your self-confidence. Dentists also carry out several cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening, dental veneering, bonding, implants, and many more.

A dental surgeon is a type of oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who specializes in the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects involving both the functional and esthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region. They are licensed dental professionals who have completed additional education and training to perform surgery on the teeth, gums, jaw, and other related structures in the head and neck. They perform a wide range of procedures, such as:

• Dental implant surgery
• Wisdom tooth extraction
• Bone grafting
• Jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery)
• Treatment of oral cancer
• Facial trauma surgery
• Sleep apnea surgery
• Corrective jaw surgery
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder surgery

A dental surgeon must complete a four-year undergraduate degree, followed by four years of dental school, and then a four or six-year oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program. They are also required to pass both written and oral board exams to become licensed to practice.