Understanding the Basics of Dentistry Dentistry has been practiced in the United States for many years. The first school of dentistry was opened in Baltimore, Maryland in 1840 and was called the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery when it opened.
At the College Level The Philadelphia Dental College followed shortly after being founded in 1863 and it as not until 1907 that Temple University accepted a bid to incorporate the Dental College. These schools thrived and as the practice of dentistry evolved so did the dental schools in the United States. Interestingly, dentists that graduate from dental schools in different countries have different approaches to fixing problems. A dentist in the United States may have a very different treatment plan for a patient than a dentist may have in Easter Europe or even the Middle East. It is important for patients to do research about the treatment plan they want to take. Discussing different treatment plans with a dentist is a great way to ensure that your teeth are being treated in a way that you are comfortable with and you have positive feelings towards.
The Great Division As dentistry continued to grow in the United States there seemed to be four different treatments that evolved. The first type of treatments are the restorative treatments and these are most commonly known for cavity fillings. When there is decay that cannot be repaired on a tooth a dentist will often fill it. The dentist will clean out the infected area and ensure that there is no more infection before he or she fills the hold with a permanent solution. This solution will adhere to the teeth and stick so that no more decay can occur. The decay will be stopped from progressing and this will ensure that the nerve is not going to continue to be affected and the pain in the tooth will often cease.
The second form of dentistry often comes in the form of extraction. This process is utilized when a tooth cannot be restored at all and needs to be surgically and safely removed from their mouth. When a tooth is removed from the mouth a fake tooth can replace the real tooth. This way, the aesthetics of the mouth remain positive and the patient is able to use all of their teeth in a functional manner. Scaling is a third practice within dentistry that removes plaque and tartar from the teeth of a patient. This practice gives the patient a deep clean to ensure that his or her teeth are safe from the damage that can be caused by buildup. Finally, there are cases in which a root canal is needed. Some teeth decay into the root and it becomes necessary that a root canal is performed. When an abscessed tooth is causing pain it is important that a dentist is able to work on the tooth as soon as possible. A dentist in Lincoln will be able to provide the needed services to ensure that the tooth is taken care of and will not cause the patient any more pain. Photo Credit: Bon Mots, Dentistry