Tell Me About Your Teeth: An Adventure in the Dentist’s Chair

A dentist chair can make you feel as if you are in a sci fi movie. There are gleaming tools, a chair that looks like a throne shaped more like an armchair, and lingering antiseptic smells in the office. This is enough to get anyone’s pulse racing. Now let’s look at the details and see what lies behind.

Let’s first talk about these instruments. Don’t these instruments look scary? This shiny hook? This thing is called an “explorer” and it isn’t as terrifying as it appears. It’s like a little detective combing your teeth to find clues regarding your dental health. There’s also the Mr. Thirsty device, which some dentists call this to make you feel like you are drowning while you clean your teeth.

Have you ever wondered why your dentist uses what feel like ancient tools to scrape away at your teeth? The little devils, tartar and plaque, cling stubbornly to teeth after you brush and floss. Scraping these stubborn deposits can help prevent cavities and gum disease.

We’ll talk now about the different fillings. Do you remember the time that you consumed too many sweets? Yes, even the most seasoned of people can get cavities. It may seem like getting a filling is a horrible thing to do, but it’s actually a good way to repair a pothole in the road and prevent it from becoming a large crater. To fill those annoying holes, your dentist will use materials like composite resin and amalgam.

You’ve probably heard people say that their wisdom tooth is being removed. Unchecked, wisdom teeth can cause severe pain. If not treated, these molars can become painful and cause other problems. You can’t fit another book onto a full shelf.

Most dental procedures have a bad reputation, but root canals are no exception. In truth, root canals are misunderstood superheroes. If decay has penetrated your pulp, the nerve-rich core of your teeth, it is time to have a root canal. It is a procedure that cleans and seals off the affected area so that you don’t lose your tooth.

We must not forget braces, those metal devices that teens fear but then thank their lucky stars they endured! Braces use gentle pressure to correct crooked smiles over time. The brackets are adjusted by the orthodontist.

Dentistry is not just about solving problems. Prevention plays an important role as well! Early detection of problems is key to preventing bigger issues (or pains) from developing. And who wouldn’t want to go home with clean, shiny teeth?

For those who want to have pearly-whites that are worthy of Hollywood, dentists offer cosmetic treatments. Dentists offer teeth whitening to remove stains from coffee and wine, while veneers can be used for discolored or damaged teeth.

Have you thought of the importance of oral health beyond having beautiful chompers. Dental hygiene is linked with heart disease, diabetes and other serious health conditions. Take care of the mouth and you will benefit from it in all areas!

Dentists care deeply for helping others maintain a healthy smile throughout life. The dentists undergo years of intense training, learning anatomy and advanced surgical methods. They are there for us when we most need them (even if it’s only twice annually).

Remember this the next time you are reclining on that futuristic seat under bright lights, and listening carefully for any mentions of “cavity”: each poke, prod and polish helps to keep those pearly teeth shining brightly long-term.

P.S. Do not forget to floss! It is a necessary maintenance like regularly changing your oil keeps the engine running smoothly.