Whether due to financial constraints, or simply not wanting to be bothered by a trip to the dentist, many people avoid necessary dental treatment. However, avoiding dental treatments may result in more serious oral and general health problems over time. Regular brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist for routine cleanings can help prevent more expensive dental procedures and medications.
Dentists are doctors who specialize in the care of teeth, gums and jaw bones (the maxilla and mandible). Those who choose to pursue a career in dentistry often focus on one or more of the following specialties:
Prosthodontics – the replacement of missing or damaged teeth. This includes bridges, crowns, and implants.
Oral and maxillofacial pathology – the study, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of oral diseases and conditions.
Pediatric dentistry – the delivery of oral healthcare to children, including diagnostic and preventative procedures. This may also involve the management of child behavior and growth issues.강남치과
Geriatric dentistry – the practice of dentistry that addresses the unique needs of elderly patients, including the detection and treatment of disease and the management of complications of age related changes in the oral tissues.
A dental checkup involves the examination of each tooth with a mirror and probe as well as the soft tissue of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheek, and palate. X-rays may also be used to identify and assess any potential problems, such as tooth decay or bone loss.
In the past, a tooth with a diseased nerve was often lost, but today this can often be saved with a dental procedure called a root canal. In a root canal, the dentist removes the infected nerve and surrounding tissue, cleans and sanitizes the area, then fills and seals the tooth. Some tenderness after a root canal is normal, but over-the-counter or prescription analgesics should provide relief.
Before undergoing any dental procedures, it’s important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Some medicines may interfere with your recovery from dental surgery or cause side effects. For example, blood-thinning medications can increase your risk of bleeding during dental procedures, and acetaminophen can interact with certain anti-depressants or cause liver damage.주걱턱교정
Before a more involved or invasive dental procedure, you may be required to receive antibiotics to reduce your chance of infection. Your dentist can recommend appropriate antibiotics depending on your medical history and current medications. Antibiotics are not always needed for routine periodontal, tooth extraction, third molar or implant surgeries, but are frequently recommended for patients with weakened immune systems caused by, for instance, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer therapy, or chronic steroid use.