A Dentist Office Is A Special Place

A dentist office has never been considered a place where anyone goes for fun and games. Yet unlike in years past, it is hardly the house of horrors today that it was for many people of generations past.

Advances in dentistry over the past several decades has made a visit to the dentist office easier, faster and far less painful. Whether it is for a routine cleaning or checkup, various tests or examinations or even more advanced procedures, dentists today are more equipped than ever to make anyone comfortable in their chair.

One of the major advancements in the field that has helped make the various aspects of a visit to the dentist office less invasive and more comfortable is the specialization of many basic areas of care.

While dentists themselves are responsible for the overall care of each individual patient and are responsible for creating a plan of action while also carrying it out, they now work as part of a team of experts. This facilitates each of these individuals being able to focus on creating the most effective, comfortable and minimally invasive courses of action for dealing with each specific patient.

Most patients typically see more of a hygienist during a typical visit than anyone else. Hygienists are dental assistants charged with the basic tasks of teeth cleaning, including scraping, scaling, flossing and brushing of the teeth. They may also administer fluoride or other treatments as well as take x-rays and discuss a plan of daily hygiene with the individual.

When it comes time for the doctor to work on a patient’s teeth, a dental assistant typically accompanies him or her. This assistant helps ensure an individual’s comfort by taking care of the more minute tasks that are paramount to both efficiency and comfort. This can include preparing and sterilizing all instruments, holding devices that accompany the task being completed and attending to patients’ needs.

If more advanced work is required that includes the creation and installation of an artificial prostheses or other device, it is often an instance where a patient may become intimidated and unwilling to proceed out of fear or discomfort.

In today’s dentistry, a patient is referred to a dental technician by his or her dentist, and that technician specializes solely in the development and installation of such artificial devices. Because of that, the technician is able to work closely with the patient to create a course of action that both accomplishes the needed results while also ensuring that the process is as simple and painless as possible.

A dentist office still isn’t necessarily a place where one might go to enjoy some rest and relaxation, but it certainly isn’t a place to dread visiting anymore - even for those who have for many years.