Don’t wait for a tooth ache to visit the dentist
Visiting your dentist at least twice a year for check ups and cleaning can prevent many dental problems and maintain optimal oral health.Dentists deal with the prevention and treatment of diseases and malformations of the teeth, gums, and oral cavity, and the removal, correction and replacement of decayed, damaged or lost teeth.
During your visit you may encounter many terminologies but do not be intimidated. Paedodontics dentists are dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy to their teen years. Orthodontics deals with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities by a variety of appliances and methods, including braces, for straightening the teeth.
Periodontal (gum) disease is a serious disease that begins with bacterial growth in the mouth via plaque and calculus deposits. They destroy the attachment fibres and supporting bone that hold your teeth in place. Majority of adults have some form of disease resulting in bad breath, red swollen or bleeding gums and eventual tooth loss. They are treated by removal of plaque and calculus by scaling and other methods.
Prosthodontics is the replacement for missing teeth. Two types of dentures are available including complete — when all teeth are missing — and partial — when some natural teeth are present. Restorative dentistry involves fillings, root canals, crowns and bridges. A tooth with a cavity must be filled before the cavity gets any larger. The tooth needs to be with durable materials including silver or white fillings.
Published on the Standard on 20/08/2009 by Dr Sameer Yakub
The writer is a dentist at Aga Khan University Hospital