Dentists specialise in diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases of the mouth. In addition, they provide oral care services and educate patients on proper dental hygiene practices.

Aspiring my-dentist.com.au dentist Norwood should complete an undergraduate degree in an applicable subject to ensure they completes all of the science courses needed by dental school.

Preventative Care

Preventative care aims to detect potential problems early and correct them quickly to maintain oral health, often at less expense than more extensive restorative work such as fillings or implants. Preventive services include instruction on proper oral hygiene practices; exams to detect cancer or other diseases in the face, lips, tongue, throat and gums; and diagnostic X-rays and treatments that eliminate infection or stop diseases from progressing – such as scaling and polishing.

Many oral health issues begin with plaque, an invisible film of bacteria that adheres to teeth and gums, feeding off sugar to produce acid that damages enamel and gums over time. If not removed regularly and thoroughly, plaque hardens into tartar, which must be regularly and thoroughly removed through brushing and flossing twice daily to avoid cavities and gingivitis.

Preventative measures such as maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental visits can drastically decrease the need for more extensive treatments in the future. This is especially true for adults, as proper care and diet can easily prevent many oral health issues. Furthermore, bacteria-filled mouths may contribute to systemic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, so some dentists provide holistic or integrative solutions.

Pain Management

Pain management is a crucial component of dental care. Pain is caused by neural signals between the brain and specialised nerves, differing in intensity depending on each person. Dentists provide various means of pain control, including nitrous oxide, topical/injectable anesthetics, general anesthesia, and analgesics – medications designed to alleviate anxiety and discomfort.

Dentists may prescribe or administer opioids to manage severe or chronic pain. This practice is governed by state law, and dentists must follow guidelines designed to limit misuse – for instance, monitoring for signs of abuse among their patients, prescribing only what’s necessary and providing education on opioid use.

Dentists possess an in-depth understanding of the oral-systemic relationship, as many diseases manifest first through symptoms in the mouth. Dentists are often the first to recognise problems, so their knowledge of pharmacology for oral medications and interactions between medications must also be broad.

A dentist can use their communication skills to educate and provide updates for other members of the dental team and patients, enhancing patient comfort and confidence with services provided – for instance, explaining preventative dental procedures to them or what to expect during a process. They may even be an excellent referral source for other specialists like an oral surgeon or orofacial pain specialist.

Cosmetic Procedures

Although cosmetic procedures like tooth whitening, veneers and dental bonding may seem cosmetic only at first glance, they provide numerous health advantages. These my-dentist.com.au dentist Norwood treatments address issues related to alignment, position, colour shape and size of teeth and gums, and improving the overall bite. Furthermore, some can even alleviate symptoms like chronic headaches and jaw pain caused by misalignments or an improper bite.

Cosmetic dentists can help improve the colour of your smile using professional whitening techniques and veneers or crowns to address issues with the shape or colour of teeth. Dental bonding is another popular option that involves applying composite resin directly onto the front of teeth before hardening it with special light; this process may repair chipped or broken teeth, close gaps between them, or cover discolourations not responsive to normal bleaching treatments.

Dental implants are another popular cosmetic dentistry procedure. These artificial tooth roots replace missing ones to create a fuller and healthier-looking smile while preventing bone loss in the jaw where natural teeth once stood. A my-dentist.com.au dentist Norwood may also perform a gum graft procedure to correct receding gums or improve the appearance of nearby teeth.

Management of Staff

Staff management is an essential aspect of running a dental practice. It encompasses hiring new employees, training them in their roles, conducting performance reviews and cultivating a positive work culture for employees to thrive. A well-functioning team can increase efficiency while decreasing office frustration – one way of effectively overseeing staff is establishing clear standards of performance that allow all employees to understand their roles within the practice.