Dr. Partha Sarathi Sahana

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.

Dentists have licensed healthcare professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oral health conditions. They provide a wide range of services to help maintain and improve the health of patients' teeth, gums, and other oral structures. Some of the main services provided by dentists include:

1. Preventive care: This includes regular check-ups and cleanings, as well as fluoride treatments and sealants to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
2. Diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases: Dentists are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of oral health conditions, including cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and jaw disorders.
3. Restorative procedures: This includes the filling of cavities, root canals, crowns, bridges, and dentures to restore damaged or missing teeth.
4. Cosmetic dentistry: This includes services such as teeth whitening, veneers, and orthodontic treatment to improve the appearance of the patient's teeth.
5. Oral surgery: This includes tooth extractions, wisdom teeth removal, and the placement of dental implants.
6. Pediatric dentistry: This is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the care of children's teeth, gums, and jaws.
7. Orthodontics: This is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

Dentists also work with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care for patients with complex medical conditions. They may also provide education on oral hygiene, diet, and the use of tobacco and alcohol to maintain oral health.