Dentists are specialists who treat the teeth, gums and jaw to maintain overall health in the body. They are also experts in aesthetic procedures to enhance a patient’s smile.
Successful dentists take the time to get to know their patients before starting treatment. This helps make them feel comfortable and ensures that they do not suffer from pain during the procedure.
History of Dentistry
Dentistry is one of the oldest medical professions and has been practiced for thousands of years. Evidence of dentists has been found as far back as 7000 BCE, during the Indus Valley Civilization in what is now Pakistan.
However, the first known written description of a dentist is around 2600 BCE, when Hesy-Re, an Egyptian scribe, was believed to be the first person to perform dental treatment. Throughout the centuries, papyrus scrolls, documents, and wood carvings have been found that document many aspects of dentistry including replacement teeth wound in gold wire, methods of extraction, and treatments for tooth pain.
In the early 1700s, a French surgeon named Pierre Fauchard was credited with being the Father of Modern Dentistry and his influential book, “The Surgeon Dentist,” defined a comprehensive system of oral care. He also identified sugar as a primary cause of tooth decay and introduced the ideas of fillings and dental prosthesis.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of dental disease begins with a thorough patient history. Experienced dentists know how to get the information they need and use this data to determine what’s happening in the patient’s mouth.
The dentist also asks about pain and discomfort, examines the teeth and gums, and takes x-rays to see if there’s anything unusual in the mouth or jawbone. When it’s clear that something is wrong, a diagnosis is made and treatment plans are formulated.
Many patients have a “chief complaint” or a problem that drives them to the dentist. These problems usually start with symptoms, such as bleeding gums, broken teeth or loose teeth.
Treatment
Your dentist will take a closer look at your teeth and soft tissues in the mouth (gums, tongue, lips, cheeks and palate) for signs of gum disease or other problems. If they spot something that isn’t quite right, your dentist may recommend a diagnostic procedure, such as an x-ray or oral cancer screening.
The best way to prevent a toothache is to see your dentist as soon as you notice the pain or swelling. You can also try some simple at-home remedies, including placing a cup of ice on the painful area.
There are a variety of treatment options to address dental disease, including fillings, root canals and crowns. Dentists will explain these treatments and their costs so you can make an informed decision about your dental health.
Prevention
Preventive dentist action includes a patient’s efforts to prevent dental disease, including daily brushing with fluoride-containing toothpaste, flossing and maintaining a healthy diet – all of which can lead to a long life with a bright, healthy smile. It also includes regular oral exams, professional cleanings and x-rays.
In addition, it is the dental team’s job to recommend a treatment to strengthen teeth if they see them in danger of breaking, such as a filling or crown. This enables the tooth to be treated before it breaks, and it helps avoid more expensive dental care in the future.
Another way to promote dental health is by developing a community dental health coordinator (CDHC). Like medical promotoras, CDHCs provide cultural and communications bridges between patients who may have difficulty accessing dental services. They help reduce hospital emergency room visits and broken appointments, and their work can save Medicaid, health insurers and patients.