Dentists - They Do More Than Clean and Fill Teeth

A dentist should be selected with the same level of care and concern a patient would put into choosing a surgeon. Teeth and gums are a vital part of a person's general overall health and should be cared for as diligently as any other organ. Often times, the world's first impression of a person is judged by their smile, whether they possess lovely straight white teeth or hesitate to show a chipped or yellowed smile, an image is created in those first initial moments.

Fifty years ago, dentists were seen as barbaric, scary individuals who enjoyed torturing the general public. Movies, television shows and even musicals have been made based around this image of the dentistry field. But times have changed and advances have been made, enabling these professionals to shed this reputation. A visit to their office no longer has to be a stressful experience.

Beyond the usual cleaning or filling of a cavity, there are numerous improvements that can be made to one's smile, from whitening to straightening to fixing crooked, crowded, worn or chipped teeth. Those mercury metal fillings so commonly used in decades past can be replaced with filler matched to the tooth allowing it to blend inconspicuously. A bite dysfunction may be corrected without the use of braces, and missing teeth can be replaced several different ways, depending on the health of the gums and bone. Whether a patient is looking for preventative, comprehensive or cosmetic dentistry, options are available on every scope.

Some individuals in search of a dentist will turn to friends or family, while others will opt to simply open the telephone book or Google in search of a dental practice near them. Some patients may call their insurance carrier and request a referral from their company list. Others will turn to the Internet and seek feedback from sites devoted to individual experiences.

Whatever is the desired outcome with a dentist, the possibilities are endless. General maintenance is important including brushing, flossing and regular cleanings. Any obvious sign of redness, bleeding while brushing or pain should prompt a visit to the dental chair.

A white, bright, straight smile is more than cosmetically pleasing: it can actually give an individual a more youthful and healthy appearance, and give the impression of being open, friendly and happy. As with anything, maintaining that smile requires care, patience and dedication. Regular visits to the dentist are a good and necessary part of a person's overall health.