Dentistry is the branch of medicine practiced by dentists which involves the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and both surgical and non-surgical treatment of oral issues. This can includes diseases, disorders, and conditions orally and occasionally facially. Dentists are not the only ones in the exam room though; you will find dental assistants, dental hygienists, dental technicians, and even dental therapists in a dentist’s office. This team is in place to not only to support the dentists, but for the patients benefit. Each has their own purpose and specialty, and can provide great care.

Dentistry is a broad medical service, but encompasses very important practices related to the oral cavity. Modern dentistry centers on prevention, but in more socially underdeveloped societies oral diseases are serious public health problems with lack of proper care.  Professional Stockton dentists explain that the majority of dental treatments are to either prevent or treat the two most common oral diseases; dental caries and periodontal disease, known less formally as tooth decay and gum disease. Common treatments for these diseases include fillings and in the event the tooth cannot be restored surgical extraction.  Dentists will provide excellent information on prevention to help their patient avoid the need for surgical intervention.  Stockton dental specialists recommend proper hygiene, such as regular brushing and flossing and a regular mouth rinse.

A dentists typically studies at University from anywhere to four to five years to be qualified as a dental surgeon, which covers a broad range of services a dentist provides.  This includes restoration, prosthetics, tooth extraction, periodontal therapy, and examinations.  Dentists do need additional training to be qualified in more complex treats including patient sedations, oral surgery, and implants. While with initial qualification dentists can prescribe certain medications like antibiotics and mild sedatives, they have a far more limited selection than physicians. As previously mentions, the first step is prevention.  All dentists advocate prevention, and your local dentist can provide you further information on preventative methods.