What is the dental therapist's role in the practice?

As well as doing all the work that a dental hygienist does, a dental therapist can also carry out some dental procedures that patients are more used to a dentist doing. A dental therapist can do fillings, extract ‘baby’ teeth, place preformed crowns on baby teeth and do treatments using all the materials a dentist would use. As long as an adult tooth does not need treatment to the nerve of the tooth, a dental therapist can fill or restore any part of the tooth that needs treatment. They do not do restorations, such as crowns, to adult teeth.

What is the dental hygienist's role in the practice?

Dental hygienists are mainly concerned with ‘preventive’ dental health and treating gum disease – showing you correct home care and helping you to keep your teeth and gums healthy. This includes professionally cleaning your teeth by removing plaque and tartar (usually called a ‘scale and polish’ or a prophylaxis). However, perhaps their most important role is showing you the best way to keep your teeth free of plaque. Plaque is a sticky coating that forms constantly on your teeth. Hygienists also give advice about diet and about preventing tooth decay. The hygienist will work with your dental team to give you the care that is tailored to your needs.

What are dental hygienists and dental therapists?

Dental hygienists and dental therapists are specially trained to work with the dentist to give care to patients and can help with your treatment plan. Many are qualified as both hygienist and therapist. They play an important part in dental health care.

What does it cost to remove wisdom teeth?

The cost of having wisdom teeth removed will vary according to the difficulty of the procedure and whether it is being carried out in a dental practice or hospital. It is always recommended that you get a written estimate before starting treatment.

What should I expect after a wisdom tooth is taken out?

The amount of discomfort will depend on how easy it was to remove the tooth. There is usually some swelling and discomfort for a few days afterwards, and it is important to follow any advice you get about mouthwashes and so on, to help with the healing. Normal painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen will usually deal with any pain. It is best to stay fairly quiet and relaxed and avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for 24 hours afterwards to make sure there are no bleeding problems. There may be some stitches to help the gum heal over. Your dentist will probably want to see you again about a week later to check how your mouth is healing, and to remove any stitches.

Are wisdom teeth difficult to take out?

It all depends on the position and the shape of the roots. Your dentist will tell you how easy or difficult each tooth will be to remove after looking at the x-rays. Upper wisdom teeth are often easier to remove than lower ones, which are more likely to be impacted. Your dentist will say whether the tooth should be taken out at the dental practice, or whether you should be referred to a specialist oral surgeon at a hospital. Very occasionally there is a possibility of some numbness of the lip after the removal of a lower tooth. Your dentist will tell you if it is possible in your case. Either a local anaesthetic - like you would have for a filling - or sedation will probably be recommended. A general anaesthetic - where you would be asleep - can also be used, but this will only be given in a hospital.

What are the main reasons for taking wisdom teeth out?

Far fewer wisdom teeth are now taken out than in the past. If the tooth is not causing problems, your dentist will not want to remove it. They will only remove wisdom teeth: When it is clear that they will not be able to come through into a useful position because there is not enough room, and they are also causing some pain or discomfort. If they have only partly come through and are decayed - these teeth will often decay as it will be difficult to clean them as thoroughly as your other teeth. If they are painful.

Are x-rays needed for wisdom teeth?

The dental team will usually take x-rays to see the position of the root, and to decide whether there is room for the tooth to come through into a useful position.

What can I do to help relieve the discomfort of wisdom teeth?

A mouthwash of medium-hot water with a teaspoonful of salt will help to reduce gum soreness and inflammation (check that it is not too hot before using it). Swish the salt water around the tooth, trying to get into the areas your toothbrush cannot reach. Do this several times a day. An antibacterial mouthwash containing chlorhexidine can also reduce the inflammation. Pain-relieving tablets such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can also be useful in the short term, but talk to your dental team if the pain continues. The tablets should always be swallowed and not placed on the area.

What problems should I be prepared for?

If part of the wisdom tooth has appeared through the gum and part of it is still covered, the gum may become sore and perhaps swollen. This is called ‘pericoronitis'. Bacteria and bits of food can collect under the gum edge, and it will be difficult to clean the area properly. This is a temporary problem that can be dealt with by using mouthwashes, special cleaning methods and possibly antibiotics. If the problem keeps coming back, it may be better to have the tooth removed.

FAQs Archive - Page 21 of 24 - 24 Hours Dental Hospital Antalya - Highly qualified dentist, VIP dental clinic

What is the dental therapist’s role in the practice?
As well as doing all the work that a dental
Learn More
What is the dental hygienist’s role in the practice?
Dental hygienists are mainly concerned with ‘preventive’ dental health and
Learn More
What are dental hygienists and dental therapists?
Dental hygienists and dental therapists are specially trained to work
Learn More
What does it cost to remove wisdom teeth?
The cost of having wisdom teeth removed will vary according
Learn More
What should I expect after a wisdom tooth is taken out?
The amount of discomfort will depend on how easy it
Learn More
Are wisdom teeth difficult to take out?
It all depends on the position and the shape of
Learn More
What are the main reasons for taking wisdom teeth out?
Far fewer wisdom teeth are now taken out than in
Learn More
Are x-rays needed for wisdom teeth?
The dental team will usually take x-rays to see the
Learn More
What can I do to help relieve the discomfort of wisdom teeth?
A mouthwash of medium-hot water with a teaspoonful of salt
Learn More
What problems should I be prepared for?
If part of the wisdom tooth has appeared through the
Learn More

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