Dentistry

Dentists treat tooth decay, gum disease, tooth infections, cracked or chipped teeth, tooth sensitivity, malocclusion, oral ulcers, and perform preventive care including cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants.

Most adults should visit the dentist every six months for a routine checkup and professional cleaning. Individuals with gum disease, a history of cavities, or other oral health conditions may need more frequent visits as recommended by their dentist.

A dentist provides general oral health care including fillings, extractions, and cleanings. An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses specifically on diagnosing and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws using braces, aligners, and other corrective devices.

Modern root canal treatment is performed under local anesthesia and is generally no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. The procedure removes infected pulp tissue from inside the tooth, relieving the pain caused by the infection itself.

Seek urgent dental care for severe toothache, a knocked-out or broken tooth, swelling in the face or gums, bleeding that does not stop, or signs of a dental abscess such as fever combined with facial swelling and throbbing pain.