Dentistry focuses on the study of the human teeth. The dentist treats the human mouth through studying, diagnosing, preventing and treating diseases and disorders. There are nine dental specialties that are recognized by the American Dental Association such as: general dentistry, oral and maxillofacial pathology, public health dentistry, endodontic dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral and maxillofacial radiology, periodontics, prosthodontics, and pediatric dentistry. Additional dental specialties include orofacial pain, temporomandibular disorders, oral medicine, dental implantation, dental aesthetics, and dental anesthesiology. Dental treatments are one of the most completed procedures in dentistry. These procedures include handling X-rays (radiographs), examinations, diagnosis, crowns, fillings, bridges, dentures (prosthetics), root canal therapy (endodontic), gum therapy (periodontal), and teeth extraction (exodontia). Dentists have the ability to prescribe medications to treat dental problems. Medications can include sedatives, antibiotics, and additional medications.
Dentists in North Attleboro MA heavily encourage their patients to prevent oral diseases from occurring through the process of daily oral care and proper hygiene. Oral hygiene includes flossing after eating and brushing teeth at least twice a day. The Atwill-Conroy Dental Associates recommends that people should go in to see their dentist at a minimum of twice per year for checkups and professional cleaning. The dentist will perform examinations to determine if there oral problems affecting the teeth such as diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, gum disease and other systematic type of diseases. Research has shown that gum disease is a precursor to increased risks of various health problems including preterm births, and heart disease.
Teeth cleaning remove hard dental plaque and bacteria from the teeth which helps to prevent cavities, periodontal gum disease, and gingivitis. In general people clean their own teeth through brushing and flossing, the dental hygienist has the tools to complete further cleaning through removing hardened tartar buildup that is hard to remove through routine cleaning. The dental hygienist is able to clean the teeth and use various methods including tooth scaling, debridement for heavy tartar buildup and tooth polishing. The dental hygienist will use several devices and instruments to removes the tartar buildup. Atwill-Conroy Dental Associates encourages their patients that they need to get their teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year.
