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1. Who is a dentist?
A dentist is a doctor who practices dentistry. Dentistry involves the mouth, teeth, gums, and related areas. A dentist takes care of the overall oral healthcare. Common procedures performed at the dentist are tooth filling, tooth extraction, cleaning and polishing of teeth, and minor tooth surgeries like root canal treatment. Within dentistry, there are many specializations that require further training.
2. What education qualifications are mandatory for a Dentist?
A doctoral degree in the field of dental medicine or dental surgery is required to become a dentist. The pre-requisite for doing a dental course is a 4-year bachelor’s degree in a science related field. Qualifying in the dental admission exam and enrolling in a dental school are the next steps.
3. Should I consult a dentist for bad breath?
Bad breath is often due to lack of oral hygiene. In some cases, it may be an indication of some underlying health issue. Consulting a dentist for bad breath is the most logical step. A dentist will perform thorough examination of your teeth and gums to determine the cause of bad breath. Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath.
4. How many sittings does a dentist take for Root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure followed for advanced decay of tooth that cannot be repaired by filling. In this treatment the tooth pulp is removed, the space is cleaned and filled, and finally a crown is placed on the tooth. The number of sittings for a root canal treatment varies depending on the extent of tooth decay.
5. Will a dentist perform surgery for wisdom tooth removal?
People who develop wisdom tooth may require extraction at a later time. A dentist is the right person to perform extraction of wisdom tooth. Once you book an appointment for tooth extraction, the dentist will appraise you of the entire procedure and after care. Sedation, numbing, tissue removal, bone removal, and tooth extraction are the steps of wisdom tooth removal.
To be a dentist in India, a person needs to complete a 4-year undergraduate degree BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) followed by an internship for at least a year. The degree must be from a college recognized by the Dental Council of India (DCI). If desired, further specialisation can be pursued through short-term courses or a Masters degree.
Tartar, also called dental calculus, is the yellow-brown hard calcified deposit that coats your teeth and gums. There are various home remedies such as baking soda, white vinegar, and orange peels, which are suggested for tartar removal. However, it is advisable to approach a dentist for a clean and effective job.
Though every individual’s oral health needs are different, it is advisable for adults and children to visit a dentist at least once every 6 months. Visit your dentist to have a professional examination and cleaning of your teeth, if needed, even if there are no urgent issues with your oral health.
A concave mirror (with an inwardly bent reflecting surface and a polished outward surface) bends light towards you, providing an enlarged image. A flat mirror reflects light in a way that the image is the same size as the actual object. Hence, dentists use a concave mirror to see brighter and larger images of the areas in your mouth that are not easily reachable.
Yes, dentists can help you with braces. There is a specific type of dentist, called an orthodontist, who deals with oral health issues such as the alignment and straightness of your teeth. An orthodontist will suggest and provide braces if they are the optimal solution to your problem.
Yes, you can change dentists mid treatment. Your health should be your utmost priority, so if you are uncomfortable with your present dentist, or your needs are not being met, you can switch to another dentist. It is advisable to maintain your dental health records well for a smooth transfer between dentists.
Generally, there are 7-8 types of specialities in dentistry. They are:General Dentist: for routine teeth cleaning and dental examination. Orthodontist: for teeth and jaw alignment using braces and retainers, etc. Periodontist: for problems with gums. Pediatric Dentist: for children’s oral health issues.Oral Surgeon: for diseases of the teeth and jaw.Endodontist: for issues with tooth nerves and root canal treatment.Prosthodontist: for problems with teeth and jaw bones. Cosmetic dentist: for issues with the appearance of smile, mouth, teeth, and gums.
Yes, as part of your routine check up, your dentist can feel for lumps or abnormal tissue changes in your neck, head, face, and oral cavity. Your dentist can also check your mouth for sores, discolored tissue, or the usual symptoms of oral cancer. A biopsy (examination of sample cells from the mouth to look closely for disease) may be needed to diagnose oral cancer.