Roles and Actions of the Dentist

Dentists are doctors who have special expertise in the field of dental and oral health. The role of the dentist is to diagnose, treat and prevent dental and oral problems. However, some actions can only be performed by dentists who have completed specialist education. During this time you may only know the term general dentist as a profession that can overcome all dental and mouth problems. But every problem of teeth, gums, and heavier mouths require specialist dental treatment according to the scientific fields that have been in it.

Dentist Specialization and Actions taken

As with general medicine, the branch of dentistry also specializes, including:

• Oral surgery specialist (SpBM)

The specialist field of oral surgery deals with the treatment of dental implants, abnormalities in the oral cavity such as wisdom teeth growing tilted or buried, abnormalities of the cleft lip and cleft palate, tumors and cysts in the oral cavity or jaw, repair of the jawbone, to procedures aesthetics (beauty). Some of these dental and mouth problems require surgery both minor (with local anesthesia) and major (with general anesthesia).

• Orthodontist (SPOrt) specialist

Orthodontists have expertise in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of malocclusions. Malocclusion or misaligned teeth can occur due to crammed teeth, more teeth than normal, or missing teeth. Orthodontist specialists are responsible for straightening teeth using braces and corrective retainer equipment. In addition to supporting appearance, the aim of even distribution of teeth is to improve tooth function so that they can chew and talk better.

• Periodontist (SpPerio)

Periodontists have the expertise to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases of the gum tissue and tooth supporting structures (both natural and artificial teeth). Periodontists are responsible for overcoming gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (gum disease and jawbone) with severe complications.

• Dental conservation specialist (SpKG)

The expertise possessed by dental conservation specialists or endodontic specialists is in dental care so that the function and aesthetics of the teeth can return to normal. The actions taken by the SpKG include the prevention of cavities, dental fillings as needed (making veneers, crowns, pegs, onlays, inlays), dental cavities, root tooth care and surgery, tartar, teeth whitening (bleaching), and endodontic surgery.

• Prosthodontist (SpPros)

Prosthodontists specialize in tooth repair and replacement of lost teeth using dentures, crowns or ceramics. Prosthodontists can also replace teeth with dental implants.

• Pediatric dentistry specialist (SpKGA)

The SpKGA field, also called pedodontist, provides care and treatment for diseases of the teeth, gums, and mouths of children from the age of one to the teens. SpKGA dentists have special skills in handling cases and diseases around children's teeth and mouth.

• Oral disease specialist (SpPM)

SpPM's area of ​​expertise is oral diseases, such as oral and dental infections including candidiasis, dental and oral bacterial infections, oral lichen planus, salivary gland disorders, tongue cancer, and oral cancer. Actions taken in the form of drug administration without surgical procedures.

• Dental radiology specialist (SpRKG)

SpRKG has the expertise in interpreting all types of dental and oral imaging such as dental X-rays and CT-scans, MRI, or other radiological investigations to support diagnosis in the mouth and upper jaw region.

Diseases Treated by Dentists

Dentists, according to their specialty, have in-depth knowledge of the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental and oral diseases. Diseases handled by dentists include:

• Bad breath.
• Cavity.
• Gum disease.
• Thrush prolonged.
• Sensitive teeth.
• Mouth cancer.
• Candidiasis.
• Oral lichen planus.
• Salivary gland disorders.
• Tartar.
• Broken teeth.
• Tooth impaction.
• Uneven / parallel / sparse teeth.

When should you see your dentist?

Often complaints about teeth, gums, and mouth can be handled alone so that most people feel no need to see a dentist. Though control to the dentist should be done every six months to maintain oral health. In addition, if there are abnormalities, they can be detected more quickly so that treatment can be done immediately. Visit the dentist especially if you experience this problem:

• Rocking teeth.
• Cavity.
• Cracked teeth.
• Tooth ache.
• Swollen or reddish gums.
• Jaw pain.
• Sprue does not heal either in the gums or on the tongue.
• There are many plaque / tartar.
• Pain is extraordinary when wisdom teeth grow.

Which Must be prepared Before Meeting the Dentist

Visiting a dentist is often scary, especially for young children. But actually you don't need to worry. Because even if you have to do something like tooth extraction, the dentist will do local anesthesia so that it won't hurt. When checking, usually the doctor will do:

• Asking complaints that are felt.
• Ask about eating habits, or habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Ask about your habits in maintaining oral hygiene.
• Check the overall health of the teeth, gums, and mouth.
• Take action in accordance with complaints.
• Providing medicines according to the diagnosis and the patient's needs, related to problems in the teeth, gums, and mouth.

If there are conditions that cannot be treated by a general dentist, referral may be given so that your dental and mouth problems can be treated by a specialist dentist. However, if before a visit to the dentist you already have a specific purpose, for example, you want to make dentures, veneers, or install braces, you can immediately go to a specialist dentist according to the required field.