What Do Dentists Do?

Maintaining good oral hygiene is about more than just how your smile looks; it’s about overall oral health too. Visiting the dentist has many important benefits, both cosmetic and medical. If you’re not doing so already, make regular dental visits a part of your wellness routine. Read on to learn more about what dentists do and why it’s important to keep up with your oral health.

Checkups and Teeth Cleaning

One important aspect of dentistry is preventative care, which includes regular dental checkups and teeth cleaning. It’s not just your teeth and gums that are impacted by poor dental hygiene; your whole body can suffer if you let your dental care slide. Untreated tooth decay can lead to more serious health complications. Some of the benefits of regular checkups include:

• The prevention of cavities
• Cleaner teeth and gums
• A decrease in painful tooth sensitivity
• Fresher breath
• The prevention of more serious (and expensive) dental issues 

If you are generally in good health and don’t have any underlying conditions that could affect the condition of your teeth, it’s a good idea to visit your dentist twice a year for a checkup.

Pediatric Dentistry

If you have children, it’s important to start taking them for regular dental visits starting around six months after their first tooth comes in, typically around one year old. Depending on your child’s age and how many teeth they have, this can include a full dental exam of the teeth and gums to check for cavities and other issues, as well as a deep clean. The dentist will also likely discuss your child’s growth and development and suggest ways you can care for their teeth at home.

Emergency Care

Another important service that dentists provide is emergency care. At times, you may find that your teeth or gums are in intense pain, or you may have had an accident that resulted in a chipped or missing tooth. In these cases, it’s important to visit a dentist immediately before the damage gets much worse. If you find that you are experiencing serious dental complications, such as swelling, loose teeth, unbearable pain in your teeth or gums, or cracked teeth, be sure to call your dentist’s emergency phone line and get seen as soon as possible.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Another aspect of dentistry is cosmetic dentistry, which focuses on the overall appearance of the teeth and gums. While cosmetic dentistry is largely aesthetic, many of the procedures can have a positive impact on tooth and oral health as well.

Dentists can perform a variety of cosmetic dental procedures, depending on the condition of your teeth and the look you are going for. Some common procedures that dentists offer are:

• In-office teeth whitening
• Veneers
• Inlays and onlays
• Crowns
• Invisalign
• Bonding
• Porcelain Bridges
• Tooth-colored dental fillings

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile but unsure what the right procedure is for you, be sure to schedule a consultation with your dentist to discuss all the potential options and decide which procedure, or procedures, will achieve the results you’re looking for.

Sedation Dentistry

For more complex dental procedures, as well as for some patients with dental anxiety, some dentists offer conscious sedation as a technique to reduce patient anxiety as the treatment is being performed. Conscious sedation works by temporarily depressing the central nervous system. Patients are not unconscious during this time, and verbal contact can be maintained throughout the sedation period. In order to prepare for this sedation, your dentist will evaluate your airway and you may be asked to fast prior to the appointment. Speak to your dental professional if you believe this is something that you can benefit from.

How You Can Maintain Your Teeth Between Visits

While regular checkups are important, it’s also a good idea to maintain good oral health between dental visits. You can do this by taking adequate care of your teeth and gums, such as by:

• Regular flossing 
• Twice-daily brushing using a fluoride toothpaste
• Avoiding foods that are high in sugar and eating a well-balanced diet
• If you smoke, quitting smoking
• Drinking more water

Besides these tips, you should also be mindful of any dental issues that pop up between visits, and you shouldn’t ignore any unexplained tooth or gum pain.

Call Today for a Dental Consultation

Visiting the dentist is a significant part of your overall health and wellness, but it often gets overlooked. Don’t wait until you have a serious problem before you visit the dentist; go for regular checkups to prevent small issues from quickly turning into big ones. Contact your dentist in Mission Viejo today to schedule a consultation and address any dental concerns you may have.