What does a Dentist do?
A dentist richmond va is a medical doctor who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the mouth! When a person experiences a trauma to the mouth or jaw, they should see their dentist. In case of emergency, a patient can still go to the emergency room and receive proper treatment since most hospitals have a dentist on staff.
When it comes to dental care, prevention is key. For the most part, it is advised for a patient to have a professional cleaning and check up with their dentist twice a year. Patients who have had periodontal disease or are at risk of developing periodontal disease might be advised to see the dentist more frequently.
What to Expect at a Dental Appointment
When you visit your dentist for your routine cleaning and exam, you may also receive x-rays and/or restorative treatment.
X-rays help your dentist see what is going on inside your teeth, jaw, and in between teeth. A lot of people think that x-rays are not necessary or they do not like being exposed to radiation but dental x-rays have such a minor amount of radiation that they are safe. It is very important to allow your dentist to take checkup bitewing x-rays at least once a year to make sure that nothing suspicious is going on in your molars. Every seven years, it is recommended that you have a full set of x-rays taken which include your anterior teeth whereas bitewings only focus on posterior teeth.
Oral cancer screenings allow your dentist to identify any abnormalities in the soft tissues of your mouth. If your dentist finds something suspect, they may refer you to an oral surgeon to have a specialist look at it and possibly biopsy the tissue. If your oral surgeon decides that you need treatment, they will keep your dentist apprised of your progress.
Prophylactic cleanings are completed by a dental hygienist and are the best way to clear your teeth and gums of any tartar buildup. Once a year they will measure your gum pockets to make sure that they are within normal range. If they are too deep, your hygienist may suggest that you have a scaling and root planing. This deep cleaning allows the hygienist to reach below the gum line with their tools to clear out any buildup of plaque and bacteria. If you need a deep cleaning, your dental hygienist will let you know and schedule that accordingly. Hygiene appointments are very important to help keep your mouth healthy and stable.
Oral examinations help your dentist identify any maladies in your mouth. They will check your bite to make sure that everything is aligned and review your x-rays to determine if you need any restorative treatment.
Periodontal disease has been linked to more serious conditions such as diabetes and heart problems. This is just another reason why it is so important to maintain regular visits with your dentist. Preventing disease and decay is always better than treating it!
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