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Who is a dentist?

Dentist is a doctor who studies, diagnoses, treats and prevents diseases of the oral cavity, teeth, gums and maxillofacial area.

The responsibilities of a dentist include:

• A complete examination of the patient to identify diseases of the teeth, gums, jaw or oral cavity.
• Performing diagnostic procedures and ordering additional studies in order to establish an accurate diagnosis.

• Prescribing adequate treatment.
• Performing surgical therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
• Teaching patients how to prevent diseases of the teeth, gums and oral cavity.

It is worth noting that dentistry is a general discipline in which several narrower areas have emerged over time.

What is the difference between a dentist and a dentist?

As already mentioned, a dentist is a medical specialist who graduated from a higher educational medical institution ( institute, university or academy). This doctor has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills that allow him to treat almost any disease of the teeth and maxillofacial area.

Unlike a dentist, a dentist is a less qualified specialist who has not graduated from a higher educational institution. Today, you can become a dentist after 3 years of medical school. The competence of this specialist includes examining patients, making a diagnosis, as well as treating simple diseases of the teeth or oral cavity ( in particular uncomplicated caries, inflammation of the oral mucosa and so on). If a more complex pathology is identified that requires the participation of a more qualified specialist, the dentist refers the patient to a dentist.

What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is engaged in the identification, diagnosis and treatment of various developmental anomalies characterized by abnormal growth of teeth or disorders of the masticatory-speech apparatus, facial skeleton and oral cavity. These anomalies may be congenital ( caused by various disorders of intrauterine development) or acquired, occurring after the birth of a child ( in early childhood or adolescence).

You should contact an orthodontist:

• For abnormal development of the jaw– The upper or lower jaw may be too large or small, and may also have an irregular, asymmetrical shape or position.
• When the teeth are incorrectly positioned in the jaws.
• With excess or deficiency of teeth.
• If the processes of appearance are disrupted ( teething), dental growth or development.
• When changing the shape or size of individual teeth– one or several at once.

What is the difference between a dentist and a dental technician?

Unlike a dentist, a dental technician is not a doctor, but a specialist directly involved in the manufacture of dental, jaw or other prosthetics and implants. A dental technician works in a special dental laboratory and almost never meets patients in person. All prostheses made by him are transferred to the dentist, who installs them, as well as determines the indications and contraindications for this procedure.

Dentist-therapist

Therapeutic dentistry deals with the study of diseases of the teeth and oral cavity that usually do not require surgical treatment or prosthetics.

A dental therapist diagnoses and treats:

• Caries– a disease accompanied by damage to the external areas of the tooth, their demineralization and destruction.
• Complications of caries.
• Non-carious lesions of teeth– diseases characterized by damage to tooth enamel or other tooth structures that are not associated with the development of caries.
• Inflammatory lesions of the oral mucosa– they can be traumatic ( develop after various injuries), infectious ( bacterial, viral, fungal) and so on.
• Periodontal lesions– a complex of tissues located around the teeth and directly involved in their fixation.

Orthopedic dentist ( prosthetist)

Orthopedics itself deals with the study of pathological processes associated with damage to the musculoskeletal system in the human body. An orthopedic dentist is a doctor whose responsibilities include identifying, diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries of the maxillo-speech apparatus ( congenital, acquired, developed as a result of injury, etc.). Doctors of this specialty establish indications for dental prosthetics, and also select the optimal methods and techniques for performing this procedure, which will meet the requirements of a particular patient and will not be too expensive for him.

After installing a denture, the doctor explains to the patient the rules for caring for it, and also sets dates for follow-up consultations necessary to assess the quality and effectiveness of the procedure, as well as to identify possible complications.

Dental surgeon ( tooth extractor)

Doctors in this specialty practice tooth extraction ( if there are indications for this procedure, as well as if there is no way to save the damaged tooth). They can also perform various tooth-preserving operations and procedures, perform operations on the nerves of the facial area, perform surgical treatment of jaw injuries, and so on. If it is necessary to replace any element of the maxillofacial system with prosthetics, the surgeon can perform the necessary preparatory procedures, after which he will refer the patient to an orthopedic dentist, who will directly install the prosthesis.

Maxillofacial surgeon

This specialist specializes in the surgical treatment of injuries, deformities and developmental anomalies of the maxillofacial region.

The competence of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon includes:

• correction of congenital abnormalities of the jaw;
• correction of deformities of the upper or lower jaw;
• treatment of traumatic injuries of the jaw;
• bite correction ( position of teeth relative to each other);
• treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the face and neck;
• correction of soft tissue damage ( muscles, ligaments) face and neck.

It is worth noting that maxillofacial surgery is closely related to orthopedic dentistry and other branches of medicine ( in particular with vascular surgery, neurosurgery, traumatology and so on).

Pediatric dentist

This specialist may also specialize in the field of therapeutic or surgical dentistry ( that is, it treats the same diseases in children that can occur in adults - caries, malocclusion, developmental abnormalities, and so on). At the same time, it is worth noting that in the process of the appearance of baby teeth and their replacement with permanent teeth, various disorders can occur, which, without timely and qualified intervention, can lead to the development of serious complications requiring longer and more expensive treatment. This is why it is extremely important to regularly ( at least 2 times a year) show the child to a specialist who can promptly identify possible disorders and prescribe adequate treatment ( conservative or surgical).

Dentist-oncologist

Oncology is a science that studies the processes of growth and development of tumors ( benign or malignant). There is no specialist among dentists who would exclusively treat tumors of the maxillofacial area. Dental surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons or orthopedic dentists can identify and remove a suspicious tumor ( the latter can also plan further patient management tactics, including replacing removed tissue with prostheses). At the same time, it is worth remembering that surgical tactics for benign and malignant tumors can differ significantly, therefore, before removing any tumor-like formation, the patient should be consulted by an oncologist specializing in the treatment of head and neck tumors. After a detailed examination, he makes recommendations regarding the expected nature of the tumor, and also indicates the recommended extent of the operation.

Dentist-periodontist

Periodontium is a complex of tissues that provide fixation, protection and regeneration ( recovery) teeth.

Periodontium includes:

• Alveolar processes of the jaws– bony protrusions of the upper and lower jaws in which the roots of the teeth are fixed.
• Gums– areas of the oral mucosa covering the alveolar processes of the jaws.
• Cement- a special substance covering the root of the tooth, located in the alveolar process.
• Periodontium- a special tissue located between the cement and the alveolar process of the jaw and providing their blood supply and regeneration ( update, recovery).

Periodontal diseases can be accompanied by the development of a number of complications, the outcome of which can be tooth loss, as well as damage to the hard and soft tissues of the jaw. A periodontist treats these pathologies, as well as prevents the development of complications.

Dentist-gnathologist

Gnathology is a very narrow branch of dentistry that studies the functions and pathologies of the temporomandibular joint ( providing fixation and movement of the lower jaw, that is, the processes of speech and chewing food), as well as teeth and masticatory muscles. All of these structures are closely interconnected, as a result of which damage to any of them will certainly lead to a disruption in the functioning of the joint itself and will cause digestive disorders ( due to improper chewing of food), speech defects, and so on.

A gnathologist is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of all pathologies that affect the temporomandibular joint ( including damage to the masticatory muscles, abnormal development or deformation of the teeth, lower jaw, and so on).

The reasons for contacting a gnathologist may be:

• pain in the masticatory muscles;
• pain in the ears when chewing;
• “crunching” or “clicking” in the area of ​​the temporomandibular joint;
• “jamming” of the jaw when opening the mouth ( for example, when yawning);
• pain in the temporomandibular joint when chewing or while talking.

After a thorough examination and diagnosis, the doctor plans further treatment, which may include prosthetics of teeth or other elements of the maxillofacial area, surgical correction and other methods ( For this purpose, relevant specialists are involved in the treatment process - maxillofacial surgeons, orthopedic dentists, and so on.).

Aesthetic ( cosmetic) dentist

Cosmetic dentistry is considered a fairly popular area of ​​dentistry these days, the purpose of which is to correct the shape, location and color of teeth, as well as decorate them in various ways.

A cosmetic dentist can:

• correct bite;
• change ( restore) color of teeth;
• change the shape of teeth;
• change the size of teeth;
• decorate teeth ( using gemstones or tattoos);
• perform dental prosthetics.

It is worth noting that, despite the relative high cost of the procedures performed, today aesthetic dentistry is one of the most popular branches of medicine.

Dentist-implantologist

This specialist deals with the correction of dental defects by replacing affected teeth with artificial implants. When examining a patient, the doctor carefully examines the dentition, bite and other features of the maxillofacial area, after which he selects and develops the optimal method for correcting existing defects ( for example, replacing an extracted tooth). After this, an implant of the required shape and size is made ( produced by a dental technician), and then it is installed. After the procedure, the doctor monitors the patient’s condition for several days in order to early identify possible complications ( for example, infections in the implant area).

Dental hygienist

The competence of this specialist includes maintaining oral hygiene, namely cleaning teeth. The importance of this specialty is explained by the fact that failure to comply with hygiene measures, poor nutrition and the accumulation of plaque on the teeth can lead to bad breath, the development of caries, and subsequently to damage to the deep structures of the tooth, which can cause its complete destruction and loss ( or deletion). A dental hygienist carries out early identification and elimination of risk factors that can lead to the development of these pathologies, thereby reducing the risk of their occurrence.

A dental hygienist can:

• remove plaque;
• remove tartar;
• restore strength ( perform remineralization) tooth enamel;
• perform conservative treatment of uncomplicated periodontitis;
• identify malocclusions, periodontal lesions or other dental structures and refer the patient to the appropriate specialist.

What diseases does the dentist treat?

As follows from the above, dentists treat diseases of the teeth, gums and other structures of the oral cavity.

Dental diseases ( caries, gumboil, pulpitis, malocclusion, endodontist damage, toothache)

Dental disease is one of the most common problems among middle-aged and elderly people. It is also worth noting that many adolescents seek to correct various congenital anomalies of the maxillofacial region ( for cosmetic purposes).

A dentist can diagnose and treat:

• Caries. As mentioned earlier, caries is characterized by a violation of the mineralization of hard tooth tissues, which leads to its softening and destruction. In the early stages of the disease, when the carious process affects the surface layers of tooth enamel ( upper hard covering of the tooth), there are no symptoms ( except for a small brown spot in the affected area). In the later stages, when the pathological process spreads deep into the tooth and affects its nervous system, severe pain may appear ( worsen when eating hot or cold food), bad breath, and so on. Treatment of the early stages of caries consists of removing the altered tissue, after which the dentist fills the resulting depression in the dental tissue. In the later stages, when the nerve apparatus of the tooth is destroyed, it may require its complete removal with filling of the nerve canals, which is performed by a dental surgeon.
• Flux. This term refers to an infectious-inflammatory lesion of the periodontium, which also affects the gum tissue and jaw bone. This pathology manifests itself as severe throbbing pain, swelling and swelling of soft tissues ( gums, lips) in the affected area, disruption of chewing and speech processes. As the pathology progresses, systemic signs of infection may appear ( fever, general weakness). The prognosis for this pathology is very serious - without timely treatment ( prescribing antibiotics, opening a purulent lesion, and so on) infection may spread to neighboring tissues and organs.
• Bite disorders. As mentioned earlier, the bite is the arrangement of a person’s teeth with the jaws fully closed. Under normal conditions, when the jaws are closed, the upper and lower teeth come into contact with each other in a certain way, which ensures an even distribution of the load on them. In case of malocclusion ( congenital or acquired) the load on some teeth is too great, as a result of which they may become deformed or even fall out. It is easiest to correct a bite in childhood ( when teeth are still growing), therefore dentists do not recommend delaying the resolution of this issue. At the same time, modern technologies are used today ( braces - special metal plates that are placed on the teeth for a certain period of time, surgical methods, and so on), which allow you to correct the bite of almost any person ( It is worth noting that in adults, treatment is longer, more labor-intensive and expensive.).
• Pulpitis. This term refers to inflammation of the pulp, the internal substance of the tooth containing blood vessels and nerve endings. Damage to the nerve endings is accompanied by severe pain, and the pain is acute and can intensify when eating ( especially hot or cold) or at night. To treat pulpitis, the dentist may prescribe anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs that will help eliminate pain and fight infection ( which is the main cause of the disease). At the same time, if conservative therapy is ineffective, the dentist can remove the tooth pulp and fill the resulting cavity with a filling. Also an extremely important stage of treatment is the elimination of all foci of infection in the oral cavity ( This means carious processes, tartar, etc.), as they can damage the pulp of other teeth.
• Toothache. As follows from the above, toothache can be accompanied by various pathologies in which the dental pulp is affected ( caries, pulpitis, gumboil and so on). In addition, this symptom can be observed with damage to the trigeminal nerve ( innervating the teeth). Burning, throbbing pain in this case can occur without any external influences, continue for several minutes and then also disappear spontaneously. An important point in this case is the spread of pain to other areas innervated by the same nerve ( that is, in the face area). If this pathology is identified, the dentist can involve other specialists in the treatment process - neurologist, neurologist, maxillofacial surgeon ( if the trigeminal nerve is compressed by tumors or foreign bodies, surgical treatment may be required).

Gum diseases ( periodontitis, periodontal disease)

The dentist can treat infectious, inflammatory and other gum diseases.

The dentist treats:

• Superficial periodontitis ( gingivitis). The disease is manifested by swelling, redness and pain in the affected area of ​​the gum. In this case, the doctor recommends that the patient rinse his mouth with antiseptic solutions ( salt, soda), which leads to cure within a few days. In more severe cases, antibacterial drugs may be prescribed. If conservative treatment is ineffective and the purulent process spreads to adjacent tissues, the dentist performs surgical treatment ( opens and removes the source of infection).
• Deep periodontitis. When this pathology is detected, the dentist first prescribes conservative treatment ( rinsing the mouth with saline or soda solution, using antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, and so on), and in the absence of effect and when the infectious process spreads, surgical removal of the source of infection is performed.
• Periodontal disease. This is a non-inflammatory lesion of periodontal tissues, in which they become thinner and destroyed. At the same time, the dental processes of the jaw decrease, which over time leads to exposure of the neck of the tooth, itching or burning in the affected area, and in severe stages – to increased mobility or even tooth loss. To treat periodontal disease, the doctor prescribes various drugs that increase regenerative ( restorative) periodontal abilities ( fibroblasts, stem cells and so on).

Oral diseases ( stomatitis, cheilitis, glossalgia)

The inflammatory process can affect the mucous membrane of the mouth or tongue, and can also spread to the gums, contributing to the development of gingivitis. For all of the above pathologies, a consultation with a dentist may be required.

The dentist diagnoses and treats:

• Stomatitis. With this pathology, the oral mucosa is covered with small whitish-gray ulcers, which are usually painful. Sometimes there may be a white or gray coating in the area of ​​the ulcer. The mucous membrane immediately adjacent to the ulcer may be inflamed, red and swollen. The causes of this pathology have not been fully established, but it is believed that the main role in its development is played by the reaction of the immune system to any foreign agents ( infectious microorganisms, mechanical irritants, etc.). In most cases, stomatitis goes away on its own within 2 to 5 days. With a prolonged course of the disease, as well as with frequent relapses ( repeated exacerbations) the dentist recommends that the patient rinse his mouth with antiseptic solutions several times a day.
• Heilita. This term refers to a pathological condition in which a person’s lips are affected. The affected red border of the lips turns pale, becomes dull, dry, wrinkled, and can sometimes become covered with dense yellowish crusts. Transverse cracks are also observed throughout the affected area. The cause of the disease can be various hypovitaminosis ( conditions accompanied by vitamin deficiency in the body), oral infections, allergic reactions and so on. To prescribe the correct treatment, the dentist must first identify the exact cause of the pathology, and then direct all efforts to eliminate it ( For this purpose, multivitamin preparations, antimicrobial, antiallergic and other drugs are prescribed).
• Glossalgia. It is characterized by soreness or burning in the tip or edges of the tongue, occurring without any visible damage to its mucous membrane. The cause of the disease may be chronic injuries to the tongue ( for example, after improper filling of teeth), careless medical manipulations, taking certain medications, and so on. When diagnosing glossalgia, the dentist must direct all efforts to identifying the cause of this pathology and eliminating it. Symptomatic treatment may involve the use of physiotherapy, herbal infusions and other techniques to reduce pain in the tongue area.

Inflammation of the salivary glands

Salivary glands ( and a person has 6 of them - 2 sublingual, 2 submandibular and 2 parotid) provide the production of saliva, which enters the oral cavity and provides hydration of its mucous membrane, takes part in the process of digestion of food, and also performs protective functions ( has antibacterial activity).

The cause of inflammation of these glands is most often the penetration of infectious agents into them ( in case of injury, failure to comply with personal hygiene rules, and so on). At the same time, an inflammatory process develops in the tissues of the gland, which leads to disruption of its function. This condition manifests itself as dry mouth ( due to a decrease in the amount of saliva produced), stabbing or bursting pain, swelling and redness of the skin in the area of ​​the inflamed gland ( which can lead to facial deformation), the appearance of bad breath, and so on.

Before prescribing treatment, the dentist must determine the cause of inflammation of the gland. If the disease is caused by a bacterial infection, antibacterial drugs are prescribed; for a viral infection, antiviral agents are used, and so on. At the same time, do not forget about anti-inflammatory, painkillers and other medications designed to alleviate the patient’s condition.

If treatment is started in a timely manner and carried out correctly, conservative therapy is sufficient for a complete cure. At the same time, in advanced cases ( when pus begins to accumulate in the affected gland) may require surgical treatment ( opening the source of infection, removing pus and washing the resulting cavity with antiseptic solutions).

How is an appointment with a dentist?

During the consultation, the doctor asks the patient about the circumstances of the onset of the disease, as well as its course and previously used treatment methods. After this, the dentist examines the patient’s oral cavity, establishing an accurate diagnosis ( in some cases, this may require additional instrumental studies). After making a diagnosis, the doctor provides the patient with detailed information about his disease, as well as possible treatment methods. Then, having received the patient’s consent, the dentist begins to perform therapeutic measures.

What symptoms require you to see a dentist?

As mentioned earlier, a dentist treats diseases of the teeth, oral cavity and maxillofacial area. Consequently, any dysfunction of these organs may be a reason to contact this specialist.

Reasons for visiting a dentist may include:

• toothache;
• bad breath ( lasting for a long time);
• change in tooth color;
• the appearance of dark spots on the teeth;
• burning or itching in the mouth;
• pathological mobility ( unsteadiness) teeth;
• tooth loss;
• tooth deformation;
• irregular teeth shape;
• incorrect position of teeth;
• the appearance of ulcers on the oral mucosa;
• lip damage;
• pain in the jaw area ( accompanied by toothache) and so on.

Dentist services are paid or free ( according to the policy)?

According to current legislation, there is a whole list of dental services that can be provided absolutely free of charge to all patients with compulsory health insurance.

Free dental services include:

• Patient consultations– in order to identify pathological processes and make a diagnosis.
• Doctor visiting your home– in the event that the patient cannot independently ( or with anyone's help) move around.
• Treatment of dental diseases– caries, pulpitis.
• Treatment of gum diseases– gingivitis, periodontitis.
• Treatment of oral diseases.
• Tooth extraction– if there are medical indications for this manipulation.
• Treatment of traumatic injuries– for example, reduction of dislocations of the lower jaw.
• Some research– radiography of the jaw and teeth, physiotherapeutic procedures.

It is also worth noting that when receiving free dental care, the patient does not have to pay for filling materials, local anesthetics, bandages, cotton swabs, syringes and other consumables. To receive free medical care, the patient should contact any government agency ( to a clinic or hospital), in which there is a dentist's office or dental department.

Paid dental services include cosmetic surgeries, as well as procedures performed at the request of the patient ( such as teeth decoration, teeth whitening and so on). It is also worth noting that in addition to public medical institutions, dental services today can be provided in many private medical centers, offices or hospitals. In this case, almost all services, medications and procedures are paid.

Do I need to make an appointment to see a dentist at the clinic?

To visit a dentist in a clinic, you must first make an appointment with him. In case of acute pathology requiring urgent medical care ( for example, with the development of a purulent-inflammatory process in the gum area, accompanied by systemic manifestations of infection, with injury to the maxillofacial area, and so on) the patient should call an ambulance or independently go to the nearest hospital, where they will then invite a dentist for a consultation ( if necessary).

What should you do before going to the dentist?

Before a scheduled visit to the dentist, you should follow a number of simple recommendations that will make the upcoming consultation as effective and enjoyable as possible for both the patient and the doctor.

• Brush your teeth. This is a simple rule, which, however, not all patients remember. It is important to remember that the presence of food debris or plaque between the teeth can significantly complicate diagnosis. That's why before going to the dentist ( just before leaving home) It is recommended to brush your teeth with toothpaste. An exception may be those cases when the patient experiences severe pain in the tooth, gums or oral cavity. In this case, you can simply rinse your mouth several times with antiseptic solutions ( saline solution, soda solution), which must first be warmed up to body temperature ( using liquids that are too cold or hot may increase pain).
• Stop drinking alcohol. It is not recommended to drink alcohol the day before or on the day of visiting the dentist. The fact is that alcohol increases the permeability of tooth enamel, which can increase pain and cause diagnostic errors.
• Eat. This point is extremely important, especially if tooth extraction or other traumatic manipulation is planned. The fact is that after some procedures, the doctor may prohibit the patient from eating for several hours. If the patient is hungry before this, he may experience dizziness and general weakness associated with a lack of sugar and energy. This is why a light breakfast is recommended before visiting the dentist.

What instruments does the dentist use?

The dentist has at his disposal a wide variety of instruments necessary for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Dentist instruments include:

• Dental mirror. A small round mirror attached to a long and curved handle. Allows the doctor to examine the inner surfaces of the teeth and gums.
• Pointed probe. It is a thin curved needle fixed on a thicker handle. It is used to determine the depth of damage to a tooth by the carious process, to identify various deposits on teeth, and so on.
• Dental excavator. It is a small metal rod with pointed ends, bent at a certain angle. Used to remove destroyed tissue and food debris from carious cavities and hard-to-reach places.
• Extraction elevator. A special tool consisting of a handle and a flattened tip. Used for tooth root removal.
• Dental chisel. With its help, protruding areas of bone tissue are removed, and carious cavities are also treated.
• Tooth extraction forceps.
• Drill. This is a special device with a rapidly rotating tip attached to the handle. Used to clean carious cavities and prepare them for filling. It is worth noting that today standard drills are being replaced by modern devices that use a jet of air under high pressure to clean carious cavities. This method is no less effective than a drill, but allows you to avoid the unpleasant sensations associated with drilling a tooth.
• Oral irrigator. A special device that creates a thin stream of water released under high pressure. Used to rinse various areas of the teeth or oral cavity.
• Dental instruments. This is a set of devices used by a dental technician to make dentures.

It is worth noting that this list contains the main, but not all, dental tools.

What does a dentist do when examining your mouth?

As mentioned earlier, after a thorough interview with the patient, the dentist begins to examine the oral cavity. To do this, he asks the patient to tilt his head back and open his mouth as wide as possible.

When examining the oral cavity, the doctor evaluates:

• Condition of the mucous membrane. Foci of redness, swelling or ulceration in the mucous membranes of the lips, cheeks, and tongue are specifically identified.
• Condition of gums. Their color and structure, the presence or absence of visible bleeding or damage, foci of inflammation, and so on are assessed. If necessary, the doctor may press lightly on the gums with a metal instrument to detect increased bleeding.
• Size and shape of teeth.
• Condition of teeth. Using a dental mirror, absolutely all teeth are examined from all sides in a certain sequence. First, the doctor examines the teeth of the upper jaw ( from right to left), and then the teeth of the lower jaw ( from left to right). In this case, the color of the tooth, the presence of dark spots, carious lesions, thinning of tooth enamel, the presence of plaque, fixation of the tooth in the alveolar process of the jaw, and so on are assessed. When identifying “suspicious” teeth, the doctor can lightly press on them, thereby trying to identify pathological mobility.

At the end of the examination, the doctor may perform probing. Using a pointed probe, he evaluates the strength of tooth enamel and also examines carious cavities ( If there are any), painful tooth sensitivity, and so on.

How do dentists count teeth?

When examining the oral cavity and counting the number of patient teeth, dentists use special charts designed to facilitate the diagnostic process and record data. In order to understand how they work, you need to know the names and locations of teeth.

An adult normally has 32 teeth ( 16 on the upper jaw and 16 on the lower jaw), and they are located symmetrically.

The dentition of each jaw consists of:

• Central incisors– two front flat teeth.
• Lateral incisors– located on the sides of the central ones.
• Klykov- located on the sides of the lateral incisors.
• Premolars– wider teeth located on the sides of the fangs ( two on each side).
• Molars– located on the sides of the premolars, 3 on each side.

Today, there are several schemes for counting teeth, but the principle of their design is similar. The doctor figuratively divides the patient’s jaw into 4 parts ( that is, the upper jaw into 2 parts and the lower jaw into 2 parts). The midpoint between them is the central line passing between the central incisors. This produces 4 squares, each with 8 teeth. They ( teeth) are numbered from 1 to 8, with 1 tooth being the central incisor and 8 tooth being the third molar. When examining teeth, the dentist evaluates each of them, recording the relevant data in the form of a “dental formula”, where each tooth corresponds to its location, number, and the presence or absence of pathological changes. If the examination reveals the absence of a tooth, the corresponding number is not entered into the dental formula. This makes it easier to navigate in the future when making a diagnosis and prescribing treatment.

Why does the dentist order x-rays?

X-ray examination is indispensable in the practice of a dentist, as it allows one to obtain accurate information about the bone structures of interest to the doctor - teeth, jaws, and so on. This may be required both at the diagnostic stage and during treatment of certain diseases.

In dentistry, x-rays are prescribed:

• To study the location of teeth. In this case, a panoramic photograph of the teeth is used ( orthopantomogram). To obtain such an image, the patient needs to approach a specially designed device and fix his chin on a special stand. The X-ray machine will then slowly move around the patient's head, taking a picture of all the teeth, jaws and temporomandibular joints. Such a study allows us to identify anomalies in the location of the teeth, the wrong direction of their growth, pathological changes in the area of ​​the mandibular joint, in the jaw bones, and so on.
• To evaluate the work done. When removing and subsequently filling a tooth, it is extremely important that during the filling process the canals of all tooth roots are tightly closed ( of which molars can have 2, 4 or even 5), since otherwise complications may develop. To confirm the quality of the procedure performed, the doctor, after filling, sends the patient for an x-ray, pointing in the direction of which tooth needs to be examined. In the X-ray room, the radiologist gives the patient a small film, which should be applied to the tooth being examined ( from the inside) and press with your tongue. Next, the doctor passes x-rays through the tooth, as a result of which all the bone canals, filling substance and other radiopaque structures are displayed on the film.
• To identify traumatic injuries to the jaws or facial bones. Most relevant in maxillofacial surgery.

What tests can the dentist order?

In daily dental practice, no laboratory tests are required. The need for them arises when the patient is planning to undergo surgery. In this case, he must undergo a series of tests to determine the general condition of the body, as well as the condition of its individual systems.

Before the operation you must pass:

• General blood analysis. Contains data on the number of red blood cells ( red blood cells) and hemoglobin - a respiratory pigment that ensures the transport of oxygen in the body. If these indicators drop below the acceptable level, the operation cannot be performed.
• Blood chemistry. Allows you to assess the condition of the kidneys, liver and blood coagulation system, which is extremely important during surgery.
• General urine analysis. Prescribed to study the excretory function of the kidneys.

Also, if necessary, the dentist can prescribe other tests if he sees the need for them. For example, in case of frequently recurring infectious lesions of the oral mucosa, a bacteriological examination can be carried out in order to identify pathogenic microorganisms that are the causative agents of the infection.

Why does my jaw hurt after visiting the dentist?

Many patients, after visiting the dentist, may experience pain in the temporomandibular joint, which intensifies while chewing food or talking. This is especially true if the dentist performed any long-term medical procedures, and did not just examine the oral cavity. The reason for this phenomenon lies in the structure of this joint.

The temporomandibular joint consists of the articular surfaces of two bones ( temporal bone and mandible), which at the point of articulation are surrounded by a special capsule. Also in the area of ​​the joint there are several ligaments that fix it. When performing medical procedures ( for example, when filling a tooth) the patient is forced to keep his mouth wide open for a long time. In this case, a displacement of the articular head of the lower jaw occurs, accompanied by tension in the ligaments. In some cases ( especially with malocclusion) prolonged stay in this position can lead to microtraumatization of the tissues and ligaments of the joint, which will manifest itself in the development of the inflammatory process in them. The resulting tissue swelling will compress the joint structures, and inflammatory mediators released from the blood will contribute to the appearance of pain and its intensification during any movements in the joint.

As a rule, this condition does not require specific treatment and usually goes away on its own within 1 to 2 days. At the same time, in case of severe pain, you can take painkillers ( for example, nimesil). If the pain does not subside after 2–3 days, you should consult a doctor.

Is it possible to call a dentist at home?

Patients who cannot visit the clinic on their own can call a dentist to their home for free ( for example, disabled people who are unable to move). In this case, they must have a compulsory health insurance policy. When calling a dentist from a private medical institution, the consultation will be paid.

When visiting a patient at home, the doctor can carry out almost all diagnostic measures ( with the exception of x-ray examination and laboratory tests), make a diagnosis and tell the patient about methods of treating his disease. At the same time, it will be extremely difficult to perform any medical procedures at home, since the doctor usually requires special tools for this.

How often should you visit the dentist for preventive care?

All patients, regardless of gender, age and lifestyle, are recommended to visit the dentist for preventive purposes at least 2 times a year. During the consultation, the doctor will be able to identify any pathological changes in tooth enamel in the early stages of development, which will allow them to be eliminated quickly and painlessly. If you neglect preventive visits to the dentist, the existing pathological processes will eventually spread to the deeper layers of dental tissue, which can lead to its complete destruction. Treatment in this case will be longer, more labor-intensive and expensive.

Should I visit the dentist during pregnancy?

It is best to visit a dentist and solve all problems with dental and oral health before pregnancy. This is explained by the fact that with the onset of pregnancy, certain hormonal and metabolic changes begin to occur in the female body, one of the manifestations of which is a decrease in immune activity ( the body's defense system responsible for fighting infections). That is why during this period of time the risk of developing any infectious and inflammatory disease increases, in particular pulpitis, stomatitis, caries, periodontitis, and so on. At the same time, any of the listed pathologies during pregnancy can be complicated by infection of the deep tissues of the tooth, as well as the spread of infection to the jaw tissue and the appearance of systemic signs of the inflammatory process, which can have an extremely negative impact on the condition of the unborn fetus.

Considering the above, it becomes clear why pregnant women are recommended to visit the dentist at least 4 times ( every 2 months of pregnancy). In this case, the doctor will be able to identify any pathological changes in the teeth at the earliest stage of development, when treatment does not require much effort and does not involve the introduction of large doses of medications into the expectant mother’s body.

What procedures does the dentist perform?

A modern dentist’s office has all the necessary equipment to perform basic treatment procedures. After making the correct diagnosis, the doctor can immediately begin treatment if he obtains the patient's consent.

Does the dentist perform anesthesia ( anesthesia)?

When it comes to a visit to the dentist, and especially about any medical procedures ( for example, filling or tooth extraction), the first thing most patients wonder is whether they will feel pain? It is immediately worth noting that at the current stage of development of medicine, almost all dental procedures are performed with anesthesia. When filling a tooth or other similar manipulations, local anesthesia is performed by injecting an anesthetic solution into the mucous membrane of the gums ( lidocaine or novocaine). These drugs temporarily block the nerve endings at the injection site, leaving the patient feeling absolutely nothing. It is also worth noting that sometimes special sprays can be used for pain relief ( they are usually used in children, as an injection of local anesthetic into the gums can cause fear and panic in them).

For more extensive operations, local anesthesia can also be used, and if necessary, general anesthesia can be used ( when the patient falls asleep during the operation, does not feel pain, and after waking up does not remember anything).

In the postoperative period, pain relief is also carried out using various painkillers, so you should not be afraid of pain when visiting the dentist.

Sanitation of the oral cavity at the dentist

This term implies a set of measures carried out regularly throughout the patient’s life and consisting in the early detection and treatment of any diseases of the teeth or oral cavity - timely treatment of periodontitis, removal of plaque, filling carious cavities, removing tartar, correcting the bite, and so on.

The main goal of all the described measures is to prevent the development of complications that will certainly arise with the long-term progression of any pathological process in the oral cavity. This technique is justified both from a health point of view ( early treatment of diseases allows you to preserve healthy teeth and prevent traumatic interventions in the future), and from a financial point of view ( The earlier a pathology is detected, the easier it is to eliminate it and the less money is required for this).

Cleaning plaque at the dentist

Plaque forms on teeth almost constantly and is an accumulation of bacteria. These bacteria multiply on the surface of the teeth, releasing various waste products. This leads to bad breath and an increase in plaque thickness. With time ( with insufficiently frequent and high-quality teeth brushing) plaque can mineralize, firmly attaching to the dental tissue. In this case, only a dentist can remove it using special techniques.

The dentist can remove plaque using:

• Air jets– plaque is destroyed under the action of an air stream containing microcrystals of soda or other substance.
• Ultrasound– ultrasonic waves destroy pathogenic bacteria and contribute to the destruction of plaque.
• Laser– a modern method that allows you to remove any plaque even in the most inaccessible places.

Teeth whitening

Today, the teeth whitening procedure has become very popular among all the population. There are also several whitening methods that differ in duration of use and cost, but they all give approximately the same positive results.

Teeth whitening can be done:

• Chemically. Special chemicals are used ( for example, hydrogen peroxide), with which you need to treat your teeth according to a certain method for several weeks.
• Ultrasonic method. With the help of ultrasound, yellowish plaque is destroyed, which returns the teeth to their former white color.
• Using photobleaching. The essence of the procedure is to treat teeth with hydrogen peroxide followed by exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which accelerates the whitening process.
• Laser method. It is the most effective way to achieve a positive result within a minimum period of time.

When does the dentist place a filling?

Tooth filling is performed in the treatment of caries, which destroys a certain part of the dental tissue. In this case, the destroyed tissue is removed, the walls of the cavity formed in the tooth are thoroughly cleaned, after which a filling substance is placed into it ( in the form of a paste). After a few minutes, this paste hardens and becomes no less dense than the dental tissue itself. This technique allows you to prevent further spread of the carious process, as well as the penetration of bacteria into the carious cavity and the spread of infection. In addition, installing a filling prevents tooth destruction after removal of a carious lesion.

What material are dental fillings made of?

Today, a variety of substances are used as filling materials, which differ from each other in their properties and qualities.

A seal can be made:

• made of gold;
• from amalgam;
• made of plastics;
• made of ceramics;
• from special cement;
• from porcelain;
• made of composite material and so on.

The choice of material for filling depends on the preferences and financial capabilities of the patient, since some of the listed fillings are very expensive.

Dental prosthetics

This procedure is prescribed to patients who, for one reason or another, have lost one or more teeth. The essence of the method is to replace missing teeth with dentures that are similar in shape, size and function to real teeth.

Dentures can be:

• Non-removable. In this case, the prosthesis is installed once, after which the patient cannot independently remove or replace it. This group of prostheses includes dental crowns, veneers ( special plates that replace the outer layer of teeth), dental implants.
• Removable. In this case, prostheses are used, which the patient can remove if necessary. This group includes plate prostheses ( consist of special plates on which artificial teeth are attached), clasp dentures ( are artificial teeth attached to artificial gum) and so on. Such dentures cost much less than permanent ones, but can cause some inconvenience to the patient.

Installation of a dental crown

This is the most common form of fixed prosthetics, allowing you to quickly, efficiently and inexpensively eliminate existing defects. The essence of the procedure is that a specially prepared ( sharpened) the tooth is put on ( sticks) metal-ceramic crown ( which is made by a dental technician after taking impressions of the patient’s dentition). In terms of external characteristics, this crown is practically no different from a regular tooth, and thanks to the metal frame and ceramic coating, it is much more durable. Such a crown can last for several decades, and practically does not require any special care.

Which dentist installs braces?

Braces are a special metal structure designed to correct the bite and correct ( leveling) dentition. The orthodontist is responsible for identifying indications, installing, removing and monitoring the effectiveness of braces treatment.

Braces are attached to the patient's teeth for a certain period of time ( for a few months), putting pressure on certain teeth and thereby promoting their alignment. It is worth noting that today braces are made from many different materials, but the severity of their therapeutic effect is the same. The difference is only in the aesthetic component, which is important for some patients ( taking into account the fact that you need to wear them without taking them off for several months in a row).

Braces can be made:

• made of metal;
• made of gold;
• made of plastic;
• made of ceramics;
• made of sapphire ( transparent and almost invisible on the teeth).

A separate group should include lingual braces, which are not attached to the outer ( like everyone else), but on the inner surface of the teeth, as a result of which they remain invisible to others.

Dental restoration

This technique is similar to tooth filling, however, at the same time, it is significantly different. Tooth restoration is used if the existing defect ( carious cavity) is located on the front, outward-facing surface. In this case, a regular filling will be noticeable, which will immediately catch the eye of others and can create certain problems for the patient ( female patients).

The essence of the restoration is that for filling, the dentist selects a special material, which is given the same color as the patient’s regular teeth. After filling the resulting cavity, the dentist grinds and polishes the filling to such an extent that in terms of shape, size, color and functions it is almost impossible to distinguish it from real dental tissue.

Why can't you eat after visiting the dentist?

To be precise, you should not eat after the dentist has performed certain procedures, in particular tooth extraction or other traumatic surgical operations. The fact is that after a tooth is removed, damaged blood vessels remain in its alveolar process, which, when injured ( write while chewing) may become damaged, resulting in

There are several specialized areas in dentistry. Each doctor solves specific problems of the dental system. Therefore, it is necessary to know who treats certain diseases, including which dentist treats caries and places fillings.

Which dentist treats caries?

In dental practice, 3 specialists can fill teeth at once:

• Dentist;
• therapist;
• pediatric dentist.

The job description of the first professional includes a wide range of responsibilities. He chooses treatment tactics, administers anesthesia, diagnoses, prevents and treats caries. However, this specialization does not require lengthy training in higher education institutions.

Important! Today, the profession of a dentist is considered obsolete. Their main responsibilities are handled by junior medical staff. Therapists are responsible for diagnosis and treatment.

A dentist-therapist is a general specialist.

The pediatrician can also place fillings. However, its focus is the elimination of oral diseases in children.

Additional Information! A dentist of any specialization is familiar with all manipulations. Therefore, it is not always important which doctor puts the fillings. The procedure may be necessary when performing work of a different nature: prosthetics, orthodontic treatment and other manipulations.

Responsibilities of a dental therapist

A dentist-therapist is a specialist with a higher medical education. He is obliged:

Additional Information! In addition to basic services, the therapist is required to monitor the condition of the equipment, take and store medications, and teach hygiene to patients. An important point is constant professional development, improvement of professional skills, and introduction of new treatment methods.

Modern dentistry provides a range of services, so today there are more and more different specializations in this field.

Dental professions:

• Dentist;
• dentist;
• orthopedist;
• orthodontist.

In this article we will discuss each specialization separately. You will learn: what is the name of the doctor who inserts teeth, and also whether a dentist has the right to remove teeth, which doctor treats stomatitis, and much more.

In fact, the specialty of a dentist implies a fairly wide range of responsibilities, despite the fact that they study for this profession for only three years.

What does a dentist do:

Many people are interested in the question: can a dentist remove teeth? Despite the fairly wide range of services that he has the right to provide, he cannot do this because he does not have enough knowledge and qualifications.

What are the responsibilities of a dentist?

A wide range of dental problems and the emergence of innovative technologies have contributed to the need for more intensive training of doctors in dental practice.

Dentist– a specialist who has a higher education, unlike a dentist. In other words, the name of the doctor who treats teeth is a dentist. The therapist's responsibilities include:

The work of a dentist is a very responsible job, because it is very important to establish the correct diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment measures so as not to harm the patient’s health. A dentist must constantly improve his level of qualifications, follow new trends in dental treatment, be able to correctly use special tools and equipment, and understand medications. Due to the emergence of new specialties, many people get confused and ask a completely normal question: what kind of doctor puts fillings on teeth?

The filling procedure is an intervention that requires certain knowledge and skills, so filling can be performed by a specialist with a higher education - a dentist.

What does a dentist surgeon do?

The specialist who performs surgical actions during the treatment process is called a surgeon. What kind of doctor removes teeth when we are in great pain and unbearable? Of course the surgeon. In addition to this common procedure, his responsibilities include other actions:

When performing all of the above manipulations, it is important to provide the patient with reliable pain relief. Most often, local anesthesia is performed, but at the client’s request, operations can also be performed under general anesthesia.

Which doctor does dental prosthetics?

Let's look at which doctor puts crowns on teeth. These are the responsibilities of an orthopedic doctor, which includes the restoration of teeth, as well as their prosthetics. If the roots of the tooth are good and not damaged, then restoration is done, and if the root and tooth are not subject to further use, then prosthetic procedures are performed.

Orthopedics in dentistry is considered the most popular field. With its knowledge, you can not only successfully carry out restoration, but also restore all functional abilities.

The doctor who puts crowns on teeth is called an orthopedist. The restoration procedure includes three methods:

• non-removable;
• removable;
• conditionally removable.

Crowns, bridges and inlays are used in the case of fixed type prosthetics.

A doctor who puts crowns on teeth is called an orthopedist

The fastest and easiest is the removable method. Such dentures are almost no different from real teeth, are quite wear-resistant and practical, and are affordable.

The conditionally removable method is performed if one tooth needs to be replaced. This intervention is different in that the new tooth can be easily removed by a specialist inserting teeth, but the person cannot remove it on their own.

Which doctor puts braces on teeth?

A specialist who restores teeth is called an orthodontist. When a person’s teeth are not naturally located beautifully: very close or far in relation to each other, the orthodontist’s task is to correct this defect. After installing braces, a person’s teeth are in the correct position, making the smile more attractive.

This manipulation is an excellent prevention of caries and gum pathologies. Unlike dental prosthetics, correction of defects in the field of orthodontics requires a longer time, but without surgical intervention or tissue damage. The effect of manipulation is often long-lasting.

Considering that the aesthetic appeal of a smile is considered one of the most basic factors of a good appearance, orthodontics is one of the most popular fields in the dental field today. A beautiful smile is the key to success in almost all areas of an individual’s life. If a person has any anomalies or defects that do not allow him to smile freely, eat food, etc., he will have many complexes.

A specialist who specializes in restoring teeth is called an orthodontist.

A true professional is a specialist who has enough knowledge and experience. However, the possibilities of the procedures depend on the equipment that the clinic has. The higher the level of a medical institution, the more modern its equipment. Accordingly, the result from the services provided will be much better.

To decide on the doctor you need, you must first get an appointment with a dentist or dentist. It's up to you to decide who to go to. When it comes to providing consultation, these two specialists are practically no different: they will examine you, make a diagnosis, prescribe treatment, and, if necessary, refer you to another specialist with a narrow profile.

When visiting a dental clinic, you may notice on the doors of the office various signs with the name of the doctors. Many patients cannot understand how one specialist differs from another. Especially many questions arise when making an appointment with a dentist or dentist. What is the difference between a dentist and a dentist and what functions does each of them perform? The answer to the question will be given in the article.

Who is a dentist

The phrase first appeared in 1710. Until this time, teeth had not been treated; they fell out and destroyed on their own. Some patients died from excruciating toothaches. In the best case, the diseased element was simply pulled out of the oral cavity.

Dentistry in Russia began to develop during the time of Peter 1. He opened the first dental schools, but only 10 years later a decree was issued allowing treatment of the oral cavity after receiving a medical education. Gradually, dental services have become more in demand. In addition, people experienced more dental problems due to the switch to soft foods.

A few centuries ago, people needed doctors of various profiles, but in terminology the word “dentist” was more often used. Today, this concept has been replaced by the term “dentist”.

To become a dentist, you must complete 3 years of training and receive a diploma of the appropriate level of qualification. A dentist is not entitled to solve certain dental problems:

• pulpitis;
• malocclusion;
• prosthetics;
• anesthesia.

In small villages, a dentist can also perform the above tasks if there is no specialist in the required profile.
Abroad, a dentist is called a dentist. He receives a diploma after completing secondary education.

What does a dentist with secondary education do? He deals with simple manipulations, which include:

• examination of the patient's oral cavity;
• establishing the cause of the violation;
• treatment of gum pathologies;
• filling minor areas of damaged enamel;
• consultation on performing hygiene procedures;
• Recommendations for choosing suitable products for personal oral hygiene.
• issuing a referral to specialized specialists if serious dental problems are detected.

The list of responsibilities of a dentist is quite extensive. Due to this, the specialist is a highly sought-after doctor in clinics.

Categories of dentists

After a certain period of time, the doctor can improve his qualifications. The category largely depends on the doctor’s work experience and the completion of additional training courses. There are 3 categories in total that a dentist can receive:

1. Second. Awarded to people whose work experience is more than 3 years after certification. To obtain a category, a doctor must be savvy in both theoretical and practical skills.
2. First. Given to dentists who have worked in their specialty for more than 7 years. In this case, he needs to study related disciplines related to prosthetics, dental work, etc.
3. Higher. Issued to doctors whose work experience exceeds 10 years. Doctors of this level of training have advanced theoretical and practical knowledge and skills.

Not only the doctor’s knowledge, but also his salary depends on the category. Some dentists only treat children. They can eliminate small cavities caused by a child's excessive consumption of sweets or poor oral hygiene.

In some cases, the dentist is unable to provide assistance to a small patient. This is due to several factors:

• A child's jaw is different in structure and structure from an adult's.
• The dentist does not have special equipment and devices for treating pulpitis or complicated caries.
• Lack of drugs necessary for therapy.
• Inability to find an approach to the child.

If one of the listed problems is present, the child is referred for treatment to a pediatric dentist. In most cases, a dentist can also cope with simple caries in a baby. The dentist also conducts preventive examinations of children 2 times a year.

Uncomplicated caries in a child

Dentist profession

A dentist has more authority regarding the conduct of medical procedures. Specialty training lasts 6 years, during which doctors master several important disciplines. Upon completion of training, the specialist is asked to choose one of the areas: therapist, surgeon, orthodontist, orthopedist or hygienist.

Comprehensive training is necessary in order to know the structure of the human body and be able to establish the relationship of one organ with another. The doctor also has to master the basics of psychology, since some patients come to the office in a depressed state, which aggravates the therapy.

Each category in dentistry should be considered in more detail.

Therapist

The doctor treats the diseased tooth and installs a filling. The dentist also copes with these responsibilities. Both specialists can also examine the patient’s oral cavity and diagnose the disease. The difference between a dentist and a dentist is that a dentist solves minor problems (gum inflammation, mild caries). All the therapist’s work is aimed at combating advanced caries and its consequences (pulpitis, periodontitis, dental cysts, etc.). Let’s take a closer look at each of the diseases that the dentist deals with.

In the photo, pulpitis is one of the complications of caries that requires dental care.

Caries is caused by the gradual destruction of the enamel elements. If treatment is not timely, the pathological process spreads to dentin and pulp. The problem arises under the influence of negative external factors: taking certain types of medications, consuming carbohydrate-containing foods, and lack of proper oral care.

One of the complications of caries is pulpitis, in which the nerve endings of the tooth are involved in the pathological process. The main symptom of the disorder is acute severe pain, which is difficult to relieve even with potent drugs. Pulpitis requires immediate treatment from a dentist.

Periodontitis develops as a result of bacterial infection of the jaw bones. The condition can cause complete or partial edentia (loss of teeth).

Another problem that the dentist deals with is periostitis (flux). The disease is accompanied by severe swelling of the soft tissues of the mouth and intense pain.

The competence of the general practitioner also includes solving non-carious problems:

• demineralization of enamel;
• fluorosis;
• wedge-shaped defects;
• enamel abrasion;
• necrosis of bone tissue.
• increased sensitivity of teeth;
• diseases of the mucous membranes of the mouth (stomatitis, periodontitis, gingivitis).

There is no difference between a dentist and a dental therapist. Both specialists deal with general problems and provide referrals to specialist doctors if necessary.

Some private clinics provide services to restore the aesthetics of a smile. They include enamel whitening, elimination of bad breath, and dental restoration with reflective composites. All of the above types of services are provided by dental therapists.

Orthodontist

The main task of the doctor is to perform prosthetics. The doctor restores the chewing function of the jaw in the absence of one or more elements in the oral cavity. In addition, with the help of orthodontic structures, the aesthetics of a smile is restored, thanks to which a person ceases to be embarrassed by others.

Another name for an orthodontist is a prosthetist. First, all patients see a therapist, who issues a referral to an orthodontist.

The differences between the specialist in question and the dentist are obvious: the first is engaged in restoring the shape and aesthetics of the tooth, the second is in treatment.

Today, orthodontists are in increasing demand. They can offer patients modern prosthetic options to solve various occlusion problems. Orthodontic structures differ in purpose, cost and installation time. In each specific case, the doctor selects the best option for the patient.

Surgeon

If the tooth enamel or pulp of the element is severely destroyed, then the only way out is tooth extraction. What kind of doctor removes teeth? This function is performed by a dental surgeon. The doctor is also involved in other activities:

• performs maxillofacial surgeries;
• prepares the oral cavity for implant installation;
• corrects dental anomalies;
• gives advice on correcting malocclusions.

The surgeon performs a list of rather complex tasks that a dentist-therapist cannot cope with. After extraction of the problematic unit, the surgeon gives advice on caring for the oral cavity to minimize complications and speed up wound regeneration.

Orthopedist

What does an orthopedic doctor treat? The specialist is engaged in the restoration and correction of defects of the entire musculoskeletal system. He, like an orthodontist, can save a unit whose coronal part is destroyed but the root is intact. The differences between the specialists in the profile under consideration are that an orthodontist deals only with dental problems, while an orthopedist solves a wider range of problems related to joint damage, etc. Orthopedics also provides for dental implantation and prosthetics if there are problems with bite.

Orthopedic structures to normalize the bite

Pediatric dentist

The structure of the jaw in children has some differences, so separate specialists deal with the elimination of dental diseases in children. The doctor knows what filling materials and anesthetic agents can be offered to young patients.

The opinion that children do not need to have their baby teeth treated is wrong. Carious processes can spread to the pulp, nerve endings of the element, as well as periodontal tissue, which in the future will create problems in the formation of a permanent bite. To treat children, the doctor will have to use not only other drugs, but also instruments. In addition, the pediatric dentist must have the skills of a psychologist to prepare the patient for the upcoming procedures.

Hygienist

This profession is considered relatively new in dentistry. The main goal of the specialist is to properly care for the patient’s teeth and teach the latter hygienic skills. The list of services provided by the doctor includes:

• diagnosis of oral diseases;
• professional enamel cleaning;
• prevention of caries;
• medical examinations in various institutions (kindergartens, workplaces, schools).

Rubric “Question and answer”

Who is a dentist?

The concept was used in the 20th century and is now considered obsolete. Previously, the term was used to describe dentists who did not have a special higher education. In foreign countries, a dentist is a dentist who has received secondary education in his specialty. This term can be used to describe a dental laboratory specialist, a dentist, or a paramedic.

Can a dentist perform the duties of a dentist?

The answer to the question will be negative, since the dentist does not have the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out the procedures that are the responsibility of a dental therapist.

Can a dentist remove teeth and treat caries?

Maybe, if the process is not complicated by other diseases or periodontal pathologies.

Often patients are not even interested in what kind of filling the doctor puts in. This is a big mistake. A significant number of various dental materials allow you to make a choice in favor of price-quality ratio. However, it is easy to get confused in a large number of tools.

It is necessary to at least approximately know what a particular material is. After all, their classification is based precisely on durability, strength and aesthetic qualities. It is usually believed that if the cost of the work is higher, then the filling is of better quality. However, high-quality materials today can be used at a free reception.

Patients often ask which doctor does fillings? This is done by a dental therapist, dentist or pediatric dentist. Placing a filling is a very responsible and delicate process that requires high professionalism of the doctor.

What fillings are installed for free?

Typically, such procedures are carried out under the mandatory minimum medical care of the population or under insurance medicine. Of course, the quality of these materials differs greatly from those used as paid services. But until some time these same means were used everywhere, since there were no more modern ones.
Mostly, cement fillings are installed free of charge. Silicate and silicophosphate dental cements are used. After such treatment, caries relapse often occurs; these cements have too weak adhesion. They are quite dangerous when placed in a deep carious cavity, as they are capable of releasing toxic substances.

Silicate cements are placed on the front teeth. They are more consistent in color with natural fabrics, have a certain transparency and are well processed. Silicophosphate materials are designed to close cavities in chewing teeth.

Recently, chemical-curing composites have begun to be used in some public clinics. You can often find Evicrol, Composite, Crystalline. These products are much higher quality than any cements, although they are far from the positive properties of more expensive fillings.

Types of fillings

They can be conditionally divided according to the material of manufacture and purpose. So, it is customary to distinguish the following types:

Temporary fillings

They are used as a filling at intermediate stages of dental treatment. For example, during the treatment of apical periodontitis, when it is necessary to check the sealing. They are also irreplaceable in the treatment of pulpitis using the devital method, when a medicinal substance is placed under the pad.

This material can be easily removed if necessary. It has low strength but sufficient adhesion to temporarily cover the problem area. Its composition is absolutely harmless if swallowed by the patient.

Cement fillings

Cement fillings. Advantages - due to stickiness and the possession of certain chemical properties, they find their application. Disadvantages: poor aesthetics and wear and tear over time.

This type of filling has been used for quite a long time, but today it has not lost its relevance. There are three types of materials used:

• Silicate. They contain special glass and phosphoric acids. After polymerization, silicates are capable of releasing fluorine to a certain extent. Therefore, they are quite relevant for acute caries. However, they are not used in primary occlusion due to the fairly large release of orthophosphoric acid. Weak enamel can become saturated with this substance and a chemical burn of the pulp will occur.
• Phosphate. These are low-quality products that dentists are gradually abandoning. For a long time they were used as insulating pads in the treatment of uncomplicated caries. Until now, phosphate cements are used under the crown during dental prosthetics.
• Glass ionomer. They have a chemical composition very similar to natural tooth tissue. Thanks to this they have excellent adhesion. Polymerization occurs under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. The doctor manages to completely shape the material to the anatomical shape of the tooth. Glass ionomers have some modifications that are characterized by increased strength. So they include ceramics or even metal. This property allows them to be successfully placed on chewing teeth. Glass ionomer cements have been successfully used in primary dentition. They release a large amount of fluoride, at the same time, without having a toxic effect on the pulp. A high degree of adhesion allows you to place a filling even in a humid environment. Unfortunately, they lack aesthetics. But modern dentistry is already producing glass ionomers to which photo-curing is added, which makes it possible to achieve fairly high aesthetic results.

Composite fillings

Composite fillings are made of hard plastic, making them very safe and strong. The main advantage is the color that matches the teeth, but the disadvantage is the short service life (5 years).

These are relatively new technologies in the treatment of complicated and uncomplicated dental caries. But in a short period of use, they have already earned the trust of many patients and dentists. This type of material also has its own subgroups, which mainly include the following:

• Acrylic oxide compounds. They are one of the first composite compounds. They have sufficient strength and abrasion resistance. However, they have more negative qualities than positive ones. The main disadvantage is high toxicity. They are categorically not recommended to be placed on non-pulpless teeth. There are cases where acrylic-containing materials had a toxic effect on neighboring healthy teeth and contributed to the development of caries. At the same time, they are successfully used in pulpless chewing teeth. The service life of the material is up to 5 years.
• Epoxy compounds. Made on the basis of epoxy resins. They are stronger than acrylic fillings, but are quite fragile. In addition, they darken after a few years. Epoxides are less toxic. When placed, they perfectly fill the cavity and are evenly distributed. Their rapid hardening can prevent the dentist from forming a filling in a timely manner. The service life of the material, like acrylic, is up to 5 years.

A product made from the materials listed above is a so-called chemical filling. That is, its hardening occurs on its own due to certain processes occurring by composition and contact with the environment. Other representatives of composites are compounds that harden only under the influence of a special lamp.

• Light-curing fillings. They are a high-quality material in terms of aesthetic and physical properties. They are successfully placed both in the chewing and in the frontal areas of the jaw. For the best contrast, match the color to the tooth tissue. The package can contain up to 12 tubes with different color markings. Polymerization occurs only from exposure to an ultraviolet lamp, and then only by 70-80%. To impart strength, the surface of the filling must be carefully ground and finely polished after hardening.

The service life of composites is from 5 to 10 years. In modern dentistry, the use of hybrid composites and nanocomposites is practiced. These compounds contain very small particles. Namely, they provide ultra-reliable adhesion to natural fabrics. This is the best option for treating chewing teeth. However, dentists tend to consider the material universal and use it in all cases.

Compomer compounds (compomers)

Compomer fillings are a combination of glass ionomer and composite materials. They incorporate the reliable fixation of the former and the aesthetic characteristics of the latter. But they also inherited disadvantages, so they usually wear out faster than even composite ones.

The first compomer fillings began to be used in the early 1990s, representing a hybrid of composites and glass ionomers. Both types of these materials have both positive and some negative properties.

Their complex composition includes benzoin and amine peroxides, monomer, various resins and polyacrylic acid. Polymerization occurs evenly, without the formation of pores, which gives the filling additional strength. This light filling is placed mainly on the fangs and incisors, that is, in the places of the least load. However, it has been practically proven that compomers are able to withstand any chewing load. An important disadvantage is the rather high price and fragility, like composite materials.

Filling materials for baby teeth

Colored fillings for children are made of composite materials. But instead of having a specialist select the natural tooth color, the child is left to choose the color. The main thing here is the psychological factor. The short service life of such a filling is usually quite sufficient for a baby tooth.

For a long time, dentists were content with only glass ionomer cements. But they did not quite meet all the requirements. Today it is proposed to carry out fillings with special children's colored materials based on composite resins. This very unusual approach has recently been used and has gained popularity among children and dentists. In addition to their color appearance, these products have a number of advantages over conventional fillings:

• They combine the properties of glass ionomers and photopolymers.
• They have high plasticity, which allows the dentist to easily work with them and achieve the best placement in the carious cavity.
• They have a high degree of adhesion to milk tissue.
• It is installed on baby teeth and is kept on them for up to 3-4 years. This is quite enough for the normal process of changing the bite to take place.
• The material is capable of accumulating fluoride from toothpaste and food during chewing.
• On bright fillings, areas of abrasion are more noticeable, which can be corrected in a timely manner.
• Affordable price.
• Psychological factor. From the first visit to the dentist, the child begins to show interest in colored fillings. Thanks to this, tension is relieved during treatment, and the habit of oral care is quickly instilled. The child is happy to visit the dentist again.

Amalgam fillings

Amalgam or “silver” fillings have been the most popular and effective filling in dentistry for the past 150 years. Advantages: durability, affordability, and installation in one visit. Disadvantages - unaesthetic, sometimes it is necessary to remove healthy tooth tissue for installation in order to make room for filling, over time it can fade or crack due to temperature changes.

Such fillings are also called silver fillings. This is outdated material. It is an alloy of mercury, silver, tin or copper. The filling is very hard, durable, but completely lacks aesthetic qualities. There is evidence that the material lasted in the oral cavity for more than 20 years.

The big disadvantage is the high thermal conductivity and heat capacity. In addition, there are suggestions that mercury particles may be released from the amalgam. As you know, this is a very harmful substance that can cause some mutations and cancer in the body. But this fact remains unproven and it is believed that the amount entering the body is extremely insignificant. At the moment, amalgam is practically not used.

The choice of one or another filling material remains with the patient. The doctor can only recommend which one to choose after an adequate examination and diagnosis. The patient has the right to refuse the imposed material, but he must consider the consequences of his choice. If you ask a doctor, he can always tell you about the advantages and disadvantages of a particular material, so only the dentist knows which filling is better.

Quite often, patients in dental clinics are prescribed dental filling. But not every patient thinks about how this procedure is performed and what the doctor does during it.

Haste in treating a diseased tooth leads to rash actions. For example, the patient may not say that he is allergic to any component. This may lead to negative consequences of such treatment.

Incorrectly selected material by a doctor without taking into account the anatomical features of the patient’s oral cavity can also lead to poor-quality tooth filling. Therefore, you need to understand How is tooth filling done?.

Most of us have forgotten that the only correct solution to deal with a bad tooth is to remove it. Dentistry does not stand still and is constantly coming up with new methods that allow us to treat teeth and eliminate damage. Today, an effective way to cure caries and damaged teeth is filling.

It is worth noting that quality of partial treatment of the damaged area will directly depend on the quality of the material and the professionalism of the doctor.

Pain in this option is inevitable. Because at the root of the tooth there are nerve endings that gradually transmit their signals to the brain about the manipulations performed by the dentist. But several decades ago, it was impossible to cure caries for the reason that painkillers were not used. Today, it is impossible to imagine any manipulation performed in the oral cavity without them. Thus, the patient has the opportunity to quietly cure everything and painlessly.

Tooth filling process

Technology for filling the damaged area consists of several manipulations. It can take up to an hour, depending on the patient’s clinical picture. As a rule, it consists of the following procedures:

1. an injection with an anesthetic that relieves any pain;
2. The oral cavity is carefully treated. At the same time, the affected areas of the tooth will be cleaned. During the inflammatory process, the pulp can be removed. After which the tooth is disinfected. At this stage, it is important that there are no areas of affected tissue left under the filling. Otherwise, the inflammatory process will be characterized by relapse;
3. If the damage to the tooth surface is not severe, a therapeutic lining can be installed. But if not, then a pin will be installed during filling of the affected area;
4. when choosing a material, the doctor pays attention to the location of the damaged tooth, as well as other factors;
5. to ensure the quality of his work, the dentist takes a control x-ray;
6. To eliminate discomfort and cover the filling with varnish, the composite is sanded. Thus, there are no problems with chewing food and closing the jaw.

In some cases, the standard process - filling - may not be suitable for the patient due to serious lesions and abnormalities. These include:

• curvature of the canal;
• filling with a pin and inlay;
• resection of the root apex.

In these cases, the dentist performs a retrograde filling, which allows further inflammation and hermetically seal the canals.

Tooth filling: materials

In modern dentistry materials for filling are varied. Their purpose is not only to close a hole in the tooth. They are aimed at restoration processes, physiological and anatomical functions. Thus, the material must be selected for the appropriate load and its location.

In case of serious damage, in case of damage to the structure itself, polymers are used as a filling material. They are able to withstand heavy loads that will be placed on the front structures. In addition, light-curing composites can be used. With their help, it becomes possible to reproduce the natural color of a filling, like a tooth. If the damage affects the incisors, then silicate phosphates or silicate cements can be used.

As with any other material, there are special requirements. For canal filling to be successful, the material must meet the following requirements:

1. it must perform complete sealing of the canal root;
2. it should not have a chemical reaction that changes the color of the structure;
3. it should not shrink fillings;
4. the material should be easily removed from the oral cavity in case re-treatment is required;
5. the material should not dissolve in soft fabric.

According to all these requirements, filling can be carried out using gutta-percha. However, this material does not meet all the requirements. Gutta-percha cannot block the life of microorganisms in a sealed cavity.

Cements that are used for filling, on the contrary, prevent this process. But at the same time, they do not have such a high level of strength. Thus, they are fully compatible with dental tissues and release fluorides, which will help strengthen dentin and promote shrinkage. This material is the most durable and does not give negative consequences. The only drawback is the high level of acidity. For proper installation, dentists use a calcined spacer.

Tooth filling: does it hurt?

Every second person who is faced with the problem of filling is interested in how painful it is. If earlier this process was performed without anesthesia, now going to the dentist is not at all scary. After all, tooth filling is carried out under the influence of painkillers.

The doctor at the clinic will not ask you questions about anesthesia. Since such manipulations are carried out only under the influence of painkillers. In this case, the only thing you should do is choose a drug. Today there are many of them. Even diabetics and allergy sufferers can have their teeth treated without suffering. Anesthesia is given with several injections into the gums. During the procedure, the patient does not feel anything. There may be some sensitivity after the filling procedure is completed. It goes away in a few days.

It is quite common to notice anterior caries. This is caused not only by poor nutrition and lack of proper care, but also by poor heredity. Caries is a dark-colored stain that forms on the inside of a tooth or between them, which is quite difficult to notice. But due to the fact that the protective layer on the front teeth is too thin, this stain will grow rapidly. The main thing is not to miss the initial stage of the process and cure it in time.

It is worth noting that the filling of the front row has exclusively aesthetic indicators. Since these teeth receive minimal chewing load. In order to avoid discomfort while chewing food or while smiling, light-curing fillings are installed, which allow you to restore the natural color of the enamel.

It is possible to restore the front teeth using ceramic fillings. They are almost identical to natural teeth. Only up close can you see that it is just a filling and not a real tooth. But this material will take a long time to produce. It is also used for serious damage to the front teeth. But at the same time it is resistant to external influences.

Filling a tooth: using paste

Quite often, dentists use pastes when filling canals. They are necessary to seal the void after the inflamed pulp is removed. Today there are three types of pastes:

1. Endametozon paste is the best option. It does not dissolve or dissolve. In addition, it does not irritate tooth tissue. Always remains unchanged. Paste powder comes in two shades. It can be pink or ivory;
2. "Forfenan" paste widely used in dentistry. During polymerization, it overheats greatly. As a result, it releases formaldehyde. It turns into a solid antiseptic. The disadvantages of using forphenan include a long hardening period;
3. formaldehyde paste previously quite often used in dentistry. Today it is rarely used, as it can affect the color of the tooth. In terms of basic properties, it is not inferior to the previous two. It is recommended to use it on any molars except the front ones.

Today, pastes are used in all dentistry. But there is no universal one. Each of them has a drawback - it is difficult to unseal during repeated treatment. Thus, the dense material that enters the channel is distributed unevenly. Air pockets may form in solid paste. But despite all the difficulties, filling with paste is a popular way to cure caries and close a tooth hole.

Along with the usual methods of filling, dentistry does not stand still. She constantly invents new ways to treat teeth. We invite you to consider innovative, modern methods of tooth filling.

1. Canal sterilization, filling them with depophoresis. Cracks and cavities will be filled with a special product. Can be used in difficult cases, for example, curvature of canals. It is applied using a medicine and a special instrument.
2. Application of hot gutta-percha for filling teeth is a reliable method for filling. Can be used with the injection method. In this case, gutta-percha is applied to the problem area and seals the canal. With the vertical condensation method, when three-dimensional filling is performed. Can be used with the continuous wave method, which is similar in performing vertical condensation. For syringe administration, heated gutta-percha is also used. Such methods can only be used by a dentist with a high level of qualifications.
3. Filling a tooth with cold gutta-percha. Can be used when installing a single pin. And also using lateral condensation, when gutta-percha and a pin are used to fill the canals. They are also used when there is a risk of tooth fracture or leaky filling of the canal. Can be used for thermomechanical condensation. With this option, the canal is filled using a special rotating tool.
4. Another way is mummification of the canal. In this case, the pulp can be treated with a large number of antiseptic agents. Then the inflammatory process will be blocked.
5. Retrograde filling is a procedure using modern equipment. To do this, you need a special nozzle from injection pistols. Initially, the root is filled with the selected material. And then, according to the movement schedule, the doctor performs the following filling.

There are many ways to fill a tooth. But each of them has both advantages and disadvantages. When choosing one method or another, you should definitely consult with your dentist. Since many of the options may not fit the individual clinical picture of the patient. In general, tooth filling is successful and does not require additional restoration. What is especially important is that the procedure is safe, effective And painless. To restore chewing functions and aesthetics, it is necessary to use dental fillings.

One of the main occupations of dentists is filling teeth. The procedure is familiar and ordinary for both the dentist and the patient. But few people think about the biological meaning of filling a tooth. Why don't fillings last forever? How long can fillings last? Why under a filling? tooth hurts after treatment? Why do fillings fall out? Let's try to understand these issues. There are several reasons for placing fillings, let’s consider the three most important:

Treatment of caries

Treatment of caries- the most common and most important reason to get a filling. It is interesting to note that caries occurs only in humans; other species of mammals do not suffer from this disease. Tooth decay can be induced in animals, such as rats in the laboratory (they are fed a cariogenic diet containing large amounts of sugary foods). Caries, tooth pain- This is a kind of payment a person makes for eating processed foods. And, first of all, we are talking about products containing sugar and other carbohydrates.

Salty, pickled, spicy, fatty foods do not cause much harm to teeth. Tooth decay occurs from sugary foods and drinks. Carbohydrates are the best “food” for microorganisms that live in the oral cavity and secrete acids that destroy tooth enamel. In addition, when talking about the occurrence of caries, we must not forget about the nature and diet of a person, the quality of salivation, the amount of fluoride entering the body, as well as the genetic predisposition to caries and general health.

After eating, some of the food remains on the teeth: at the junction of the tooth with the gum, in the natural depressions between the cusps of the lateral teeth (fissures) and in the interdental spaces. These are the most typical places for dental caries to occur. Pieces of sweet food stuck in these places provide excellent nutrition for certain types of bacteria, which quickly form colonies on the surface of the enamel.

Inside bacteria, carbohydrates are processed, and the products of their breakdown become quite active organic acids. These acids, released in large quantities by bacteria, dissolve tooth enamel. In place of the destroyed enamel, voids form, which are filled with bacteria, which release even more acid. The voids increase, and over time, a carious cavity forms in the tooth, literally teeming with bacteria. The process is irreversible - a person needs treatment of dental caries. Tooth pain appears later, when the carious process reaches the nerve of the tooth.

Caries looks like a brown or black stain on a tooth. In advanced cases, the hole in the tooth is clearly visible or even felt with the tongue. Caries is an insidious disease! The fact is that enamel is strong and dense, but the tissue underlying it - dentin - is less durable and is subject to destruction much faster. Therefore, the manifestations of caries on the surface of the tooth can be very different from what happens inside. Under a small, barely noticeable spot on the enamel, there may be a huge carious cavity.

Treatment of caries consists of removing all softened tooth tissues with a drill to a clean, healthy layer. The missing tooth fragment is replaced with a filling.

What to pay attention to when treating caries

As an endodontist, caries treatment I advise you to pay attention to the following points.

Firstly, do not neglect preventive visits to the dentist; consult a doctor even if you notice a slight change in the color of the tooth enamel or a change in tooth sensitivity. The best way to diagnose caries can be done by a specialist using x-rays. Treat caries on time, without waiting for complete tooth destruction or pulpitis.

Secondly, when choosing a clinic for dental treatment, be guided by the presence of an endodontist on staff who has special skills root canal treatment and performing dental treatment under a microscope. Endodontic dental treatment will save you from problems associated with poor-quality caries treatment. Every second visitor to my office makes a complaint - “ tooth hurts after treatment" or " teeth ache" This means that the procedure performed in another clinic was carried out poorly, the carious cavity was not completely cleaned and properly disinfected. The inflammatory process after such treatment begins with renewed vigor and, as a rule, leads to inflammation of the nerve or pulpitis. Treatment of pulpitis- a more traumatic and expensive procedure than.

Treatment of non-carious dental lesions

Less often than caries, dentists have to treat non-carious lesions of teeth. Over the past decades, these lesions have been increasingly diagnosed among the population of developed countries. The causes and mechanisms of the occurrence and development of this disease are not fully understood; there are many theories and hypotheses on this subject.

These lesions represent destruction of the enamel without noticeable carious inflammation. As a rule, they are located in the gingival part of the tooth and look like chips of enamel. In some patients, these defects are sensitive and painful, in others they appear unnoticed.

In the photo: a tooth with a non-carious lesion, closing the defect with filling material and the appearance of the same tooth six months after treatment.

Treatment of non-carious defects is similar caries treatment- the missing part of the tooth is restored with a filling. If you leave a tooth without treatment, the defect increases over time and can also be aggravated by the inflammatory process.

What to pay attention to when treating non-carious defects

First of all, pay attention to tooth sensitivity; it may be caused by a non-carious defect that is invisible to your eye. Maintain regular oral hygiene and visit your dentist twice a year to ensure dental problems are diagnosed early.

Tooth restoration after root canal filling

As a rule, canal filling is carried out when treatment of pulpitis. In this case, another essential requirement is imposed on the seal: it must be absolutely airtight. ABSOLUTELY. If there is no tightness, then oral microbes will sooner or later penetrate into the canals again, and a sluggish inflammatory process will begin. The reason root canals become infected is that the material used to fill the canals is not as strong as a dental filling.

What to pay attention to when restoring a tooth

First, choose a clinic with an endodontist on staff. Only this doctor can guarantee correctly performed root canal treatment, which will not be subsequently complicated by inflammation. Secondly, check with your doctor what options for tooth restoration he can offer you. If you are offered to restore a badly damaged tooth, then you should know that there are three methods of restoring teeth. The first - restoration with filling material directly in the mouth (filling) - is used for small cavities. The second is the restoration of a tooth made in a dental laboratory using impressions with a ceramic dental inlay - used in case of severe tooth decay, when the crown part is missing or thin walls remain after caries treatment. The third - placing a filling and subsequent covering of the tooth with an artificial crown - is used on a chewing tooth with significant damage, and especially after filling the canals, when the filling cannot fully restore the relief of the tooth. The doctor will always explain which method is most suitable in your case.

Choose a clinic that has its own dental laboratory, and whose doctors know a variety of methods for restoring damaged teeth, this will help you quickly and reliably cure your teeth.

At least once in their life, everyone has to go to the dentist to have a tooth filled. Many people are interested in what dental fillings are made of. Different types of materials can be used in the work, depending on the type of filling. Dental services now offer a large selection of filling materials. You need to know what dental fillings are made of, composition and characteristics.

Types of fillings by materials

What are they?

When sealing a tooth, both permanent and temporary fillings can be performed. Their composition is significantly different, since the purpose is completely different. Below we will consider what the main differences between these fillings are.

1. Temporary. Used as a component of a tooth with short-term wear. After a certain time, it is removed and replaced with a permanent one. Used for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. In most cases, temporary is used to prevent the release of medications that are placed into the tooth cavity for treatment. A temporary filling is also often used to close canals and arsenic. Any dentist can do this.
2. Constant. Acts as a permanent element of the tooth, which can remain in it for several years. The composition of the constant varies depending on its type.

Temporary and permanent fillings

There are several types of permanent fillings. Their differences vary depending on the type of specialized material used. The main ones include:

• metal - made from special metal alloys that contain mercury;
• cement - consist of different types of cement: phosphates, glass ionomers and others;
• plastic - created on the basis of acrylic acid compounds;
• light polymer - also called photopolymers, which harden when exposed to ultraviolet light.

The choice depends on the condition of the tooth and the desired result.

What does a temporary filling consist of?

Temporary is used in the treatment of various dental problems. It acts as an insulating material to prevent medications from escaping. This type can be installed for different periods of time, but not more than three months. The composition of a temporary filling is completely different from that of a permanent filling; the following materials are used:

• artificial dentin and dentin paste;
• sympath and vinoxol;
• special cements, including: zinc eugenol, phosphate, glass ionomer, polycarboxyl.

When installing gaskets, materials based on calcium hydroxide are used. The composition of the filling that will be used to treat the patient’s teeth is determined individually, depending on the situation.

Material for temporary fillings

The temporary installation is carried out after cleaning and drying the tooth cavity. Dental material does not affect tooth tissue, providing good sealing. The substances included in the composition do not interfere with the process of teeth adhesion.

Materials for temporary fillings are inexpensive, easy to use, and quickly and easily removed if necessary.

Despite all these characteristics, the temporary one must be durable. It should prevent food from entering the tooth cavity and not chip off when chewing. Let's consider what materials are used for this.

• Artificial or water-based dentin. The substance consists of a powder, which includes: special clay, zinc sulfate and zinc oxide, as well as distilled water. The consistency of the material is determined by the dentist.
• Cement. The substance has a high strength index, which is very important when chewing loads. It can be used not only as a filling material, but also as gaskets.
• Dentine paste. The composition of this substance is almost the same as dentin, but instead of a solution, clove or peach oil is used. As a rule, the product is produced ready for use. After installation it becomes hard after a couple of hours. It also provides an antiseptic effect.
• Polymers. The substances are presented in the form of a paste that has a rubber-like consistency. It is very convenient to use and also provides good adhesion to the dental walls. After applying the paste, no additional treatment of the tooth is performed. Hardening of the material occurs under the influence of a special lamp.

The disadvantages of temporary fillings are that they are not strong enough to provide long-term protection. As a result of chewing load, they are gradually destroyed.

If the filling begins to crumble, you need to contact your dentist, otherwise it may fall out completely.

What is the composition of metal fillings?

One type of permanent filling is a metal one. Metal fillings include alloys with mercury, as well as additional materials: zinc, copper, silver, tin. This type of filling is very durable and hard, thanks to silver. It does not corrode. The tin in the composition ensures a rapid hardening process, and zinc is plastic and prevents the oxidation process. This filling material has significant advantages, including:

• plastic;
• high strength;
• resistance to abrasion and mechanical damage;
• antiseptic effect due to silver ions.

Amalgam filling has a metallic color

It is very important that a metal filling be installed by an experienced dentist, as there is a risk of corrosion and mercury poisoning. This can happen as a result of incorrect technology for preparing filling material. The disadvantages of fillings include:

• high thermal conductivity;
• unaesthetic;
• influence on the shade of enamel;
• low level of adhesion;
• sediment upon solidification.

Nowadays such fillings are used very rarely, although new materials have been created that do not have these disadvantages. In the future, such improved fillings will be used much more often.

What is the composition of cement fillings?

Before dentistry reached its current level of development, cement fillings were most often used. Now they are not used so often. Several types of cements are used, most often glass ionomer and phosphate. The positive characteristics of this type include:

• anti-caries effect;
• prevention of the development of secondary caries;
• quick and easy installation;
• no problems with extraction, if necessary.

Such fillings have lost their importance in dentistry. They quickly wear out and darken, do not fit tightly enough to the walls, resulting in a gap where food gets caught and leads to secondary caries. Disadvantages also include: low adhesion, low toxicity, low strength, need for gaskets.

Silicophosphate cement for fillings

Glass polymer cements adhere more tightly to the tooth walls and have fewer disadvantages than phosphate cements. They contain silver ions, which improve the remineralization of enamel. They are mainly used for filling teeth in children who have baby teeth. All cement fillings last a short time.

Glass ionomer fillings - material

What are plastic fillings made of?

Fillings made of plastic are very cheap, so they are often used in dentistry. Most of these fillings are made from acrylic acids and additional materials. If installed correctly, the dental material will have the following positive characteristics:

• high mechanical strength;
• durability;
• Possibility of selecting material to match the shade of the tooth.

Such fillings are practically no different from natural teeth, as there are many shade options.

In addition to their advantages, they also have disadvantages, which include:

• the formation of microscopic pores, which often leads to secondary caries;
• favorable conditions for the development of pathogenic microflora due to the porous surface, which in turn causes various diseases;
• rapid darkening of the material, especially with frequent use of food dyes and smoking;
• acrylic toxicity.

Material for plastic fillings - acrylic oxide

When installing plastic fillings, pulpitis develops, since acrylic acids negatively affect the pulp. Even with a gasket, the risk of developing pulpitis is not reduced. To avoid such negative consequences, composite materials are often used. Their main component is epoxy resin. There is also toxicity here, but less pronounced. Composite fillings do not wear out as quickly and are less fragile.

Chemical curing fillings

What is included in light polymer fillings?

Light-polymer fillings are also called photopolymer and light-curing fillings. They are most often used in dentistry. The unique composition quickly becomes hard due to exposure to an ultraviolet lamp.

Light polymer filling - the highest quality

The dentist's work is carried out in stages. The material is applied in small layers, which makes it possible to form the most correct tooth shape. After the dental filling hardens, it needs to be sanded a little using several attachments. It has shine, which allows you to achieve the most natural appearance of the tooth, which does not differ from natural ones. And also positive characteristics include:

• high strength index;
• aesthetics;
• the ability to select the desired color;
• minimal toxicity of the material;
• slight shrinkage;
• abrasion resistance;
• long service life.

Curing the filling with UV light

There are practically no disadvantages to such fillings. If the work is done well, it is very difficult to distinguish a photopolymer from a real tooth.

Such fillings are relatively inexpensive, so they are most often used for fillings.

Another type of filling used in dentistry is ceramic. They are not used so often, since they are expensive and not everyone can afford such a filling. Ceramics are expensive materials, and they also take a lot of time to install. The main advantage of such a filling is its high strength and maximum similarity to a natural tooth. The composition of the material is not susceptible to temperature changes, is very durable and does not stain.

Ceramic inlays for teeth

Which filling is best to choose depends on the problem with your teeth and the desired result. It is necessary to consult with a specialist who will tell you what the filling consists of and what characteristics it may have. You should also clarify the disadvantages of the material. Every tooth made must be guaranteed.

Dental fillings are encountered for the first time at different ages - some have been familiar with this since childhood, while for others the procedure became a discovery only in adulthood. It is used to hide damaged enamel or other defects. To decide which fillings are best to install, you should consult with your dentist. When choosing, it is important to remember that the more reliable the structure of the material being installed, the better the tooth will be able to perform its functions in the future.

Types of filling materials

Main disadvantages:

• Toxicity.
• Washability.
• Poor resistance to mechanical loads.
• Color change over time.
• Smell of plastic from the mouth.
• Possible allergic reactions.

Compomers

Compomer fillings have been used in dentistry for quite a long time and are a hybrid of composites and glass ionomers. Despite the fact that they are widely used and can withstand any chewing load, such fillings have a high price and fragility, which are factors of low demand.

Which filling is better to put?

When choosing a filling, it is important to pay attention not only to the material from which it will be made, but also to consider the location of its installation.

On the front teeth

As a rule, the most aesthetically pleasing teeth are chosen first for the front teeth because they experience the least amount of stress.

Light-curing composites have become popular among adults, as they have a wide range of colors, which allows you to choose a shade that matches other teeth. To obtain the most aesthetic appearance, metal-free ceramics are used.

Fillings for front teeth

Silicate and silicophosphate cements are recommended for children, as they have the lowest toxin content. The disadvantages of cements include: the filling has a yellow tint and cannot be polished; a sour taste appears in the mouth.

On chewing teeth

If we talk about, then aesthetics in this case, of course, is relegated to the background. Fillings should be selected so that they do not wear off quickly and have high strength and durability. It is also equally important for patients that there are no adverse tastes in the mouth from the material used.

Composite materials with increased strength are very popular when filling chewing teeth. Less commonly used is amalgam or white cement.

What is the best filling for a child’s tooth?

When choosing a filling material for a child, it is important to consider additional factors. For example, in order to minimize the discomfort from the procedure, light-curing compounds are recommended. An equally important point is the minimal toxic impact of the material.

Pediatric dentists successfully use glass ionomers in their practice. The advantages of such materials include the effect of enamel remineralization, and the disadvantages are rapid abrasion.

The cost of filling depending on the chosen material

Each filling material has its own cost. So, approximate prices in Moscow dentistry are as follows:

• Composites - from 3000 rubles.
• SCM - from 4000 rubles.
• Amalgam - from 1500 rubles.
• Ceramics - from 3500 rubles.

For children, the cost is usually lower, and costs about 2,000 rubles.

When choosing a material for filling teeth, it is important first of all to pay attention not to the lowest cost, as many do, but to its strength and service life. To avoid mistakes, it is better to consult a specialist.