In the past, a visit to the dentist was something to be dreaded for many people.
Modern dentistry has made the prospect of oral care less daunting, and the profession has gone beyond the traditional roles associated with this medical specialty.
The traditional symbols of the practice -- the examination chair, the x-ray machine, the needle with numbing medication and, of course, the drill -- have been upgraded and improved as dental professionals utilize state-of-the-art technologies and techniques to provide a complete range of oral hygiene and improvement options.
One of the major changes that contemporary dental practices have enacted is to become more personalized in their approach to patient concerns and needs.
Modern office layouts are designed to reflect a more compassionate and open atmosphere in order to make clients feel more at ease with the process.
Today's dentist not only deals with traditional oral care but also can help patients address matters that practitioners of the past may not have considered.
The dentist of the 21st century has made a large number technological advances in order to enhance the quality of the dental experience.
Many practices maintain a web-based presence that permits patients to make appointments, ask questions, and to research information considering some of the procedures that they may be facing.
Biographical information about staff members also helps to familiarize clients with those who may be providing services to them.
Reconstructive dentistry has become a significant part a modern practice.
Examples of these types of oral care include providing implants; replacing lost teeth, dental crowns, and bridges to support and repair damaged or worn existing teeth; and maxillofacial surgery to deal with issues involving the jaw and problems with the temporal mandibular joint.
A dentist today may have specialty training in a variety of disciplines in order to provide the best variety of treatment options for their patients.
Cosmetic dentistry has become the fastest-growing area of contemporary dental practices.
The number of individuals who are exploring teeth-whitening alternatives, veneers (to improve tooth appearance or protect existing teeth surfaces) and alternative options to traditional braces or other types of straightening methods is increasing dramatically.
For the modern-day dental practitioner, improving the smiles of clients has become as important as helping patients maintain good dental health and hygiene.
Preventive care has become a significant focus for dental professionals.
By helping patients keep track of their oral health, performing regular examinations, and using cutting-edge x-ray methods, dentists can often spot potential problems before they arise and save their clients the added expense and necessity for treatments later on.
One of the most important screenings that can be performed is an examination for oral cancer.
New, non-invasive tests provide practitioners with the tools to help with diagnosis and treatment.
Oral care today is light-years from those bygone times with practitioners doubled as barbers.
State-of-the-art techniques and tools have moved dental practices into the forefront of 21st-century medicine.