Dentists study, diagnose, treat and prevent problems within the oral cavity and the maxillofacial area. Their primary function is to deal with diseases, disorders and conditions that may arise in oral structures. This type of doctor may have a dental therapist, technician, hygienist or assistant on call to help them during procedures on patients. Typically a dentist will conduct work within a private practice or at a hospital.
This practice can be dated back to 7000 BC. Around that period, skilled bead craftsmen were known to operate on tooth-related disorders using bow drills. The first book on the field, titled Artzney Buchlein, was published in approximately 1530. Scholars Aristotle and Hippocrates wrote about the pattern of teeth, tooth decay, gum disease and other oral-related information in their studies. Between 1650-1800, the science of modern dentistry began to develop.
Requirements to become this type of doctor will alter with location. Most countries require a degree from a university. In the United Kingdom and British Commonwealth countries a Bachelor of Dental Surgery or Baccalaureus Dentalis Chirurgiae is required. In other countries a Doctor of Dental Medicine, DDM, or Doctor of Dental Surgery, DDS, is adequate. Residencies and internships, taken after a degree is rewarded, are not mandatory, but often they are recommended to gain experience. Within most western countries postgraduate study of at least four years is required. In the European Union that qualification is five years.
These doctors may have a lot of responsibilities. They perform exodontia, or the extraction of teeth. They conduct x-rays in order to diagnose issues. In order to treat a condition or relieve pain, they prescribe medications to patients.
They are trained to handle restorative work, which can include adding crowns or bridges to the mouth. They can perform treatment and therapy for gum-related issues such as periodontitis and gingivitis. Some of these doctors have been specially trained to give their patients general anesthesia and perform oral surgery, such as installation of dental implants. For serious structural problems they perform procedures such as root canals. Most dentists perform some form of cosmetic work. In terms of appearance of the teeth they handle dentures, braces and teeth whitening or bleaching.
Teeth bleaching or whitening is done to improve the color of the teeth. Teeth staining is can be caused by genetics, aging, poor eating or smoking habits. It afflicts many individuals and can be unsightly. Teeth bleaching or whitening usually involves thoroughly cleaning of the teeth and sometimes application of a peroxide-based formula. The result is whiter teeth or smile. There are kits that can be bought at stores and done at home, but many individuals prefer the fast and professional results they receive from their dentist.
Because there are so many duties to be assigned, there are special fields. Dentists who work within these fields are given responsibilities that focus on a particular area. The specialty fields include: public health, pediatrics, prosthodontics, periodontics, orthodontics, endodontics and oral and maxillofacial. In general dentistry, the doctor will handle basic responsibilities, if more extensive work is required the patient will be recommended to a specialist.
Pediatric dentists have children as their only patients. Those that work within the public health area focus their work on studying social health policies and dental epidemiology. Doctors involved in oral and maxillofacial dentistry handle radiology and surgery for oral and maxillofacial diseases. Root canal therapy and treatment and study of diseases of the dental pulp is reserved for endodontists. Orthodondists specialize in teeth and jaw alignment. Prosthodontists handle dentures, bridges and implant restoration. The study and treatment of diseases related to the gums and in some instances the surgical and non-surgical treatment of dental implants is handled by periodontists.
Serving the region of Woodbridge braces, our team of Richmond Hill Dentist professionals can help you meet your dental cosmetic and health needs.