A dentist, also called a dental surgeon, is responsible for the care and treatment of your teeth. They are supported by a dental team, which includes dental assistants, hygienists, technicians, and therapists. These professionals work with the dentist to provide dental care and other oral health care services.
Dental specialists
There are a variety of dental specialties. These can be added to general dentistry or used to substitute it entirely. Dental specialists are recognised throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. If you want to know more about which dental specialties are available to you, visit the websites of the respective dental societies.
In most cases, you won’t need a referral to make an appointment with a dental specialist. However, your general dentist can recommend a dental specialist if you have a specific dental problem.
Endodontists
Endodontists are dentists who specialise in the root canal treatment of teeth. They use advanced tools and an operating microscope to perform the procedure. Patients are placed in comfortable chairs and given local anesthesia to prevent pain. A dental dam is also used to protect the mouth from infection. The endodontist will access the pulp tissue in the tooth from either the top or the back of the tooth. He will then remove any diseased or damaged pulp tissue.
While a general Port Adelaide dentist can perform root canal treatment, many prefer visiting an endodontist. It is because an endodontist is more experienced and has two extra years of training. In addition, they use more advanced technologies and techniques to help speed up the process and ensure patient comfort. Additionally, dentists performing root canal treatment may use 3D imaging, which gives a more detailed view of the tooth’s root anatomy.
Orthodontists
An orthodontist is a dentist who specialises in orthodontic treatment. Both dentists and orthodontists have an essential role to play in maintaining your oral health. In addition to correcting dental issues, orthodontists can perform routine dental procedures like extractions. However, most orthodontists choose to specialise in one specific area of dentistry.
While Port Adelaide dentist are highly trained in the anatomy of the teeth and mouth, orthodontists are specifically trained to straighten teeth. In addition, these dentists may use various types of appliances, such as braces and expanders, to correct misalignment. While both types of dentists can correct dental problems, orthodontists are required to take extra training.
Dental hygienists
Dental hygienists at dental offices play an essential role in caring for patient’s teeth and gums. They can prevent dental problems and promote good oral health. Hygienists also work as team members, working with dentists to meet patients’ oral health needs and improve their quality of life.
In addition to cleaning teeth, hygienists perform preventative procedures such as applying sealants to prevent cavities. They also work closely with dentists to improve patient care and document care plans. They also educate patients about good oral hygiene practices.
Foot-treadle drills
Dental professionals often need to drill through teeth to remove areas of decay, and foot-treadle drills are a great way to reduce pain and reduce their time to complete the task. They were first used by dentists in the 1800s and were developed by James Morrison. James Morrison took inspiration from car engines and horse-drawn mowing machines to design a drill with four speeds.
A Port Adelaide dentist using a foot-treadle drill can remove decayed tissue from teeth and gums. Earlier cavity-removal methods included enamel scissors and picks held between fingers. A jeweller’s bowstring powered early foot-treadle drills. The first known dental foot engine was created in 1790 by George Washington’s dentist, who adapted his mother’s spinning wheel to rotate the drill.
Permanent crowns
During this process, your dentist will numb the natural tooth and gum around it. After numbing, the dentist will file down the tooth to make room for the crown. The amount of filing required depends on the type of crown you need. The thinnest crowns are made from all metal, while the thickest are made from porcelain fused to metal.