Caring
for your teeth is an every day job, but there are some problems
that even good diet and regular brushing cannot solve.
Dentists are experts that find and treat problems in teeth and gums
before they become too serious. With the help of X-rays they can
even find unhealthy teeth that look normal from the out side. |
An
Examination
To spot decay a dentist will
use an angled mirror, and will shine a bright light on each tooth.
A suction hose will take away any saliva ("a posh word for spit")
so that the patient does not need to swallow.
Patients are asked to visit their dentist every 6 months for a check-up
so that any early signs of decay are spotted and kept at bay. |  |
X-rays
may be taken….
An x-ray shows the root of a tooth inside
the gum. Dentists can use the x-ray pictures to check developing
teeth in young people and to help correct crooked or uneven teeth
at an early stage. This treatment is called orthodontics. |  |
Fillings
When teeth decay, dentists drill out the damaged
area. Then they fill the cavity with a material known as amalgam
or with a plastic resin which hardens when light shines on the tooth.
Dentists can also repair a broken tooth with an artificial crown,
and only where there is no alternative will today's dentist extract
(pull out) teeth, replacing them with dentures (artificial teeth).
|  |
Technological
advances have made dental treatment safe, effective and nearly
painless. |
