A dental clinic is a facility that provides oral health care. It is different from a dental office, which encompasses the entire practice of dentistry. The difference is important because it helps you identify what areas of expertise you have. A dental clinic is usually affiliated with a university and serves as an educational site for dentists in training. It also offers low-cost treatment options.
Hygienists
Hygienists are members of the dental clinic staff who help patients with cleanings and other routine oral care. They have a variety of skills that are important for providing quality patient care, including problem-solving, teamwork and communication. Hygienists also need to have a thorough understanding of their patients’ health histories and any medications they may be taking.
Dental hygienists also perform routine oral health screenings. They check for things like cavities, gum inflammation and signs of oral cancer and report their findings to the dentist. In addition, they help educate patients on proper brushing and flossing techniques.
Dental hygienists also offer tooth cleaning services, which include scraping off hardened plaque and tartar from teeth. These substances can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning, and regular cleanings are an important part of oral hygiene. In addition, hygienists also provide instruction on how to clean between the teeth using ‘interdental’ brushes, floss or tape. They may also suggest dietary and lifestyle changes to help prevent further complications from developing.
Dental X-rays
X-rays give dentists the information they need to diagnose and treat oral health problems. They are crucial in identifying dental cavities, assessing the status of unerupted teeth and checking existing restorations like fillings and crowns. They can also help spot abscessed and impacted teeth, cysts and some types of tumors.
Dental X-rays are quick and safe, and they expose the patient to very little radiation. The dental team at Midtown Endodontist NYC uses digital X-rays to provide fast and accurate imaging. These X-rays help diagnose tooth decay, periodontal disease and evaluate the progress of gum tissue healing after root canal treatment.
Unlike traditional film X-rays, which require the use of radiation to create an image, digital X-rays capture an image and store it as a digital file on a computer. They can be displayed on a screen instantly, and Kenn Kakosian, DDS, PhD, examines them for any abnormalities to make an official diagnosis. Dental X-rays are an essential part of keeping your mouth healthy, and they should be taken at regular intervals, depending on your age and risk factors.
Routine checkups
A regular dental checkup allows dentists to identify any tooth decay, gum disease or other issues that may be developing before they become painful and difficult to treat. During a routine dental checkup, your dentist will take a brief history of your oral health, and perform a visual examination of your mouth using a mirror and explorer. X-rays will also be taken to help them see any issues that might be hard to detect with the naked eye, such as impacted teeth or abscesses.
A routine checkup will also include a professional cleaning to eliminate plaque and tartar buildup that brushing and flossing can’t effectively remove. In addition, a dental checkup will provide advice on your current oral hygiene practices and any changes that could improve them. Typically, dental clinics recommend that patients visit every six months. However, this frequency can vary based on your specific oral health needs. For example, people with a history of gum disease may require more frequent dental checksups to ensure that the condition is being properly managed.
Emergency care
Dental clinics offer general and specialty dentistry services at low cost or free to the public. They also focus on patient education to prevent oral diseases. These facilities also have dentists, hygienists, and assistants to perform treatments. They often provide emergency care for patients with severe toothaches or broken teeth.
These problems can be very painful and if left untreated, they may worsen. For example, a dental abscess can form in the gums or at the base of the tooth due to advanced tooth decay, failing root canal treatment, or injury to the tooth. This problem must be treated promptly to avoid infection and pain.
A typical dental clinic has a reception area where staff members wait for patients and access records. The clinic can also contain tools and equipment like dental chairs, lights, toothbrushes, swabs, suction machines, and X-ray machines. They can also contain storage areas and other spaces where office workers keep files and other items.