What is a Dentist?

About Dentists

A dentist, or dental surgeon, specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of oral disease and conditions affecting the health of the teeth, gums, mouth, and surrounding areas.

A dentist can refer patients for further specialized treatment to other medical specialists and experts in the field of oral health care including Oral Surgeons, Maxillofacial Surgeons, Orthodontists, and Periodontists. Dentists practice dental care with the aid of a team of oral health care professionals that include dental assistants, dental hygienists, and dental technicians. These specialists cover a patient’s complete oral health care service from scheduled dental exams and dental cleanings to taking X-rays.

Routine dental hygiene appointments include cleaning of the teeth which involves removing plaque buildup, scaling, as well as polishing. Dental Hygienists and Dentists will look for sore and/or bleeding gums and damage to tooth enamel during examinations as well as referring to yearly X-rays to identify changes or irregularities in the tooth and jaw growth in children.

Due to their extensive training in many areas of oral health care, Dentists are also qualified to perform treatments such as dental restorations such as crowns and bridges, orthodontics, dentures, root canals, tooth extractions as well as prescribing antibiotics, fluorides, and pain killers. Dentists may also gain further expertise and training to execute the administering of anesthetics, oral surgery, and dental implants.

Oral health and diseases affecting the oral cavity can be connected to the overall health of the entire body and can be symptomatic of underlying illnesses such as osteoporosis and diabetes. Disorders affecting oral health include cavities and tooth decay known as dental caries, gingivitis, and dental abscess due to infection.

Procedures performed by a Dentist can include Apicoectomy, Debridement, Dental extraction, Dental restoration, Dental surgery, Fluoride therapy, Gingivectomy, Gum lift, Oral and maxillofacial surgery, Osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis, and Pulpotomy.

Useful Resources

Canada

Canadian Dental Association

British Columbia

Alberta

Saskatchewan

Manitoba

Ontario

Quebec

Newfoundland and Labrador

New Brunswick

Nova Scotia