Types of Dentists

Dentists offer an important service in our society. They spend their careers evaluating oral health, treating various problems and helping millions of people maintain healthy mouths. The oral cavity is one of the most important and most complex parts of the human body. A dentist can help his patient prevent the many diseases and disorders that can occur in the mouth.

History

• Dentistry has existed since 7000 BC. Skilled craftsmen were known to operate on patients using their everyday tools. Tooth decay was very prevalent in the days before toothpaste. Many societies would simply pull the decayed tooth using forceps. The Egyptians of ancient times were the first to practice dental surgery and prosthetics. Modern dentistry developed out of 17th century Europe. Charles Allen wrote a book about dentistry in 1685, leading to the studies of Pierre Fauchard of France. Fauchard, who is known as the leading pioneer in the modern field of dentistry, was the first to use dental fillings and he discovered the chemicals that cause tooth decay.

Types

• Within the field of dentistry, one can obtain a Master of Science in Dental Public Health. This non-clinical specialty deals with issues like the fluoridation of public drinking water and the benefits of using commercial mouthwashes. Endodontists are dentists that specialize in operating on the root of a tooth, such as root canal surgery. Oral and maxillofacial pathologists, radiologists and surgeons all deal with oral and maxillofacial diseases. Oral surgeons deal with facial surgeries, implants and tooth extractions. Orthodontists are specialized to treat malocclusion, crooked teeth and overbites. For example, they are in charge of inserting dental braces and retainers. Periodontists are specialized to treat the periodontal diseases like gingivitis, recession and periodontitis. Pedodontists specialize in working with children, while a prosthodontist specializes in dealing with implants and reconstructive surgery.

Functions

• The most common function of the dentist is to maintain the health of the mouth. Dentists often fill cavities with a dental amalgam or composite to help maintain the life of a tooth. Dentists provide patients with oral care products, advice and x-rays. Dentists are important because they spread the message about the importance of good dental hygiene. They often teach patients how to properly brush, floss and polish their teeth.

Misconceptions

• One major misconception concerning dentistry is that all dental work involves pain. In fact, virtually all dental work should be free of discomfort. If you feel pain while at the dentist, alert your dentist. Oftentimes, the dentist is unaware of the pain and can take steps to alleviate the discomfort. Another misconception is the high cost of getting dental work done. A family can be covered by dental insurance for a very reasonable price, especially when compared to regular medical insurance.

Benefits

• Annual dental checkups have been proven to help ensure oral health. Especially in growing children, regular visits to the dentist are vital to diagnose problems early before they get out of hand. Studies have also shown that poor oral hygiene can lead to major medical problems in other parts of the body, specifically the heart.