Insight Flashcards
What do you know about: Caries, Oral Cancer, Gingivitis, Periodontitis and Enamel Erosion?
CARIES
- Most common dental problem
- Breakdown of hard tissues by acid released by bacteria accumulating on teeth
Causes
- Develop as an affect of acids released by bacteria, which dissolves the enamel, dentin and cementum (hard tissues)
- Dental plaque = bacteria, food or mucin constantly accumulates on surface of teeth (usually brushed away when teeth are cleaned regularly)
- Not brushed regularly = no. of bacteria accumulates
- Excess intake of simple carbohydrates = bacteria produce more of eroding acid
Symptoms:
- Toothache
- Increased sensitivity (sharp pains when eating cold, hot or sweet foods)
- Black and brown staining on teeth
- Visible holes in teeth
Treatment:
- Depends on severity of the decay
- Benign caries = filling or crown
- Spreads to the root = root canal or extraction
- Using products with fluoride e.g mouthwash & toothpaste regularly + low diet in sugars can prevent caries in most cases
ORAL CANCER
Causes:
- Mutation in the DNA of a cell in the mouth results in an uncontrolled cell division.
- Tobacco smoke, excessive alcohol intake and poor diet increase risk because they contain numerous CARCINOGENIC substances
- Also develop through metastasis (process when a primary tumour develops in one part of the body and spreads through the lymphatic system)
Symptoms:
- Mouth ulcers that live on for weeks
- Lumps
-Numbness in the mouth
-Loose teeth
-Pain/difficulty swallowing
-Unexplained bleeding
-Weight loss
-Problems with speech
Treatment:
-Surgery to remove the cancerous tissues + radio/chemotherapy
GUM DISEASE:GINGIVITUS & PERIDONTITIS
Causes:
-Gingivitis (early&reversible stage of gum disease) occurs when bacteria in the plaque build-up near the gums and start irritating the gums.
-Immune system creates an inflammatory state = red, swollen gums that can easily bleed during brushing
-Most people have gingivitis at some point in their life.
-Left untreated= periodontitis (advanced stage of gum disease)
- Periodontitis is when after prolonged inflammation the inner layer of the fum and bone gets pulled away from the teeth
-small spaces begin infected, the tissue and bone holding teeth in place get broken down and teeth get loose/may fall out
-Lifestyle choices e.g smoking excess alcohol & illnesses that interfere with immune system can irritate gums/more difficult to heal
Symptoms:
-Red, swollen gums
-Bleeding from the gums
-Bad breath
-Development of gum abscesses (pus under gums and teeth)
Treatment:
-Good oral hygiene = reverse effects in early-stage gingivitis
-Accumulated& tartar cleaned by dentist/hygienist
- More severe cases = antibiotic, inflammatory medication or surgery
ENAMEL EROSION
Cause:
-Enamel is the hard outer coating which prevents sensitive parts of the teeth from painful temperatures and substances
-Acids can erode enamel
-Soft drinks contain phosphoric and citric acids, which erode enamel, and contain sugars, which makes the bacteria in the plaque thrive & release additional enamel-eroding acids.
-Acid reflux disease, Bulimia & alcoholism result in frequent vomiting. tfore can contribute to enamel erosion
Symptoms:
-Heightened sensitivity and pain experienced when eating sweet and sour foods
-Cracks and chips of teeth
-Discolouration
Treatment:
-Enamel has no living cells, so when it wears away it can not heal itself.
-Minor symptoms = may require no treatment
- Damage more significant = fillings, crowns or veneers may be required to protect the teeth
-Fluoride dental products (fluoride strengthen enamel) to prevent.
What do you know about bridges, crowns, fillings, endonotics, scale and polish, veneers, implants and dentures
CROWNS:
- Caps placed on top of damaged/decayed teeth
- protects tooth from further damage and restores shape of teeth
- Tooth has to be reshaped to fit the crown
- Most commonly made out of metal (chromium/nickel chromium) or gold (most durable)
- Porcelain or PFM for more natural look
-Dental crowns on the NHS are generally provided when there is a clinical need for the restoration of a tooth, and the use of a crown is considered the most appropriate treatmen
DENTAL BRIDGES:
- Fill a gap when teeth are missing
- Usually made of crowns on either side of the gap
- less invasive and cheaper to set up
- Available on NHS
-bridges are used to replace missing teeth by bridging the gap between natural teeth or implants.
FILLINGS:
-Treat small holes in teeth that area a result of decay
- Decaysed tissues removed first, the place filling
-Filling made up of amalgam (mixture of metals e.g mercury,silver,zinc,tin,copper)
- Together provide support and solid protection against bacteria
- Common NHS dental treatment
-84% of British adults have at least one filling
- average number of teeth with fillings is 7.2% per person
ROOT CANAL/ENDODONTICS :
- Tooth root anchors the tooth to the bone of the jaw, keeping it still in position
- If dental pulp (soft, central tissue) gets infected and damaged, bacteria can spread further to the root canal
- Involves removing bacteria from the root canal, filling it and sealing the damaged tooth with a filling.
Usually performed under local anaesthetic to relieve pain
- Only alternative may be extraction
-Endodontics branch of dentistry that deals with the treatment and study of the dental pulp and focuses on the diseases and diagnosis affecting the dental pulp
-Untreated bacterial infection in the root canal can cause irreversible damage to the dental pulp and surrounding structures
-linking oral infections to certain systemic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes
SCALE AND POLISH :
-Removal of tartar (hard calcified deposit = decay )that builds up on the surface of teeth
-NHS usually peformed by the hygenist
DENTAL VENNERS:
-new fronts of teeth placed when teeth are discoloured and not aesthetically please (NOT FOR DAMAGE)
- Usually made of porcelain
-Gives a clean, fresh, white look to teeth
- Cosmetic procedure = private in UK
DENTAL IMPLANTS :
-False teeth made to replace gaps in oral cavity
- Fixed in jaw bone with titanium screws
- Not removable
-May be only option when mouth has shrunk to the point where it can’t support dentures
- Implants customised to best fir patient’s oral cavity and take time to prepare
- tfore cost of single implant quite high, so not available on NHS most of the time
DENTURES:- Purpose to replace missing teeth
-Come in full sets or part sets
-Removable
- Mad eout of acrylic, metal or nylon
- approx. 16% of UK wears dentures
- 1 million + people aged 16-44 wear dentures
What are the Typical Responsibilities of a Dentist?
EDUCATING PATIENTS
-Constantly promote good oral health practices and healthy lifestyle choices
-Aim to prevent dental disease that happen due to neglect
EDUCATING DENTISTS AND DENTAL STUDENTS
-Some dentists work as university lecturers, lead workshops at dental schools and conferences
-Educate future generations of dentist
LIFE LONG LEARNING
-Dentistry is constantly evolving
-Required to having to stay abreast on latest dental advancements, learning new procedures or how to use new dental equipment and devices.
- Becoming a better dentist = taking part in dental conferences or carrying out dental research
HANDS-ON-WORK
-A lot of day-to-day tasks are hands on
-Performing surgical procedures, applying crowns, veneers, dentures and other dental appliances
DIAGNOSING
-Each dental checkup involves observing health of various parts of the mouth and looking for red flags
- e.g performing screenings for oral cancer, interpreting x-rays e.g (Link to work experience)
MAKING COST-EFFICIENT DECISIONS:
-Treatment plans and options need to be balancing patients’ clinical needs and their financial ability
RUNNING A BUSINESS
-Running private practice may require dentists to keep eye on financial aspects of the practice, marketing, hiring and development of the business
WORKING IN A TEAM
-Dentists never work in isolation
-Requires collaboration with other members of the dental team and liaising with GPs or hopsitals
What Are The Most Important Qualities and Skills That A Dentist Should Have?
Introduction:
Dentistry is a multidimensional field and so
Quality/Skill #1: Vital to be Tactful and considerate with your vocabulary
Explanation: Wide range of patients who will have varying ability with their english or communication
Dentists responsibility to be able to adapt their communication skills in a way for the patient to fully understand what’s happening, the treatment plans available and the pros and cons to each treatment option.
They have to be able to translate dental jargon into simpler terms for the patient to understand
I was made aware of how crucial this skill is during my work experience at an emergency dental clinic, where I was observing the dentist talk to a patient who spoke little to no english
Dentist adjusted the way he communicated by slowing down his speech, using appropriate hand actions and facial expressions and remained patient until the patient comprehended the situation
After the patient left, then asked the dentist if there was a translator that could’ve been used or a translating system so in future situations, if a patient doesn’t have strong english, they could use the translator service in order to communicate their concerns efficiently
Situation inspired me to do volunteer work at a caritas centre, where I help out in pre entry english lessons for refugees.
Taught me how to adapt my own communication skills and be cautious on what vocabulary I use.
This skill is vital as one of the 4 pillars of dental ethics is justice, where you have to treat all patients fairly and equally and so this includes having effective communication that ensures patients, regardless of their language background, understands their diagnosis, treatment options and the importance of preventive care.
Also GDC guideline of being able to communicate effectively with patients
Quality/Skill #2:Diligent and be able to allocate time effectively
Explanation: Dentists usually have to see a lot of patients in a day and provide each patient optimal care.
Therefore they have to
What Challenges Will You Likely Face As A Dentist?
Introduction:
When I was gaining further insight into the realities of life as a dentist during my work experience at an emergency dental clinic, I was made aware of the challenges that dentist and the dental team face daily.
Point 1:
Challenge: The ability to handle pressure and effectively manage time in a fast paced work environment.
Explanation:
Contributes to stress, carrying out procedures in a timely manner
During my work experience, I’ve witnessed high volumes of patients entering the clinic, waiting for their appointment and getting treated. The dentist had the responsibility to ensure each and every patient received optimal care, was relieved from pain and understood their diagnosis and treatment options. Dentist usually didn’t have their break/lunches due to the amount of appointments, unexpected complicated cases and extra responsibilities they had. I also witnessed how the dentist saw patients simutensouly in order to not only alleviate the waiting times but to also get the patient out of their pain as soon as possible, highlighting how every second counts in dentistry.
Reflection: How the dentist addressed this challenge drew my attention to how vital and critical it is to allocate your time effectively and appropriately whilst also remaining diligent with your work and not letting the demanding pressures impact your quality of care .
Point 2:
Challenge: High risk of ergonomic disorders (physical issues caused by repetitive movements/poor posture)
Explanation: As a dentist, you are required to have high levels of concentration and be in static,awkward positions with little movement of hands and eyes for prolonged periods of times. Handling with hard and vibrating instruments may cause numbness and tingling sensation in the hand. Greater risk of musculoskeletal disorders and developing problems in upper extension. 83% of dental professionals affected. t 85% of dental students suffered from MSDs due to poor posture, causing both fatigue and injuries. BDJ BRISTOL dentists to retire early and affect 29% of early retires.
Reflection: Made me aware on how crucial it is to take care of your health by implementing ergonomic procedures e.g correct posture management, ergo break. Witnessed this during work experience where periodically the dentist and dental nurse would take 15-30 seconds to do a neck/shoulder stretch
Conclusion:
Although rewarding dentistry is not an easy job, however, despite the challenging nature, I feel ready to work on skills such as time management, implementing proper self-care and delegating tasks appropriately , which will help me tackle them and excel.
What Was The Greatest Advancement In Dentistry In The Last 10/20/100 Years?
Introduction:
Truly captivated by the world of dentistry and how it continually evolves to meet new challenges
Recent Example:
Example: Digital impressions, computer models and 3D printing
Justification: Using inta-oral scanners, create 3D model of oral cavity
CAD (computer-aided design) and CAM (Computer-aided manufacturing) software, dental prosthesis made more precisely
Removes time-consuming and laborious work that dental labs would’ve done manually
During my crown treatment, my dentist used this technique to take digital impressions, which significantly reduced extra wait time and enabled me to get a crown as soon as possible, which had a positive impact on me and my confidence as the treatment was done efficiently.
Older Example:
Example: Use of local anaesthetic
Justification: Over the past century, the use of local anaesthetic stands as a monumental leap in dentistry
Allows the area to be numb so the patient isn’t in pain
Cruel to have the patient in pain, goes against ethical pillar of non maleficence and GDC guideline of not putting patients in risk of harm.
LA led to dentists practicing and inventing new treatment e.g root canal treatment that would’ve been at risk of extraction due to irreparable damage and infection
Also improves their oral health, enables preservation of natural teeth
Allows dentist to work more effectively as patients isn’t withering or moving bc of pain
Makes patient more comfortable and less scared
Witnessed the positive effect of LA during my work experience , provided relief for excruciating pain that the patients were in, more relaxed in the dental chair and less anxious for complicated procedures e.g wisdom teeth removal where the dentist may have to make an incision on the gum to extract it
Conclusion:
These examples high-light the ever-changing scope of dentistry and its significant influence on patient care
Would You Like To Specialise As A Dentist? If So, Which Speciality Appeals To You The Most?
Introduction:
Although I have some Ideas in mind, I am aware that it may change in the future throughout dental school and other experiences. However I am excited to explore the different specialities in more detail to make a well-informed decision.
Speciality 1/General Practice:
Name: Restorative dentistry
Why: Broad-ranging nature of restorative dentistry appeals to me . Extensive knowledge of periodontics, endodontics and prosthodontics at once to repair oral health
E.g does everything involving reparations/replacement of a tooth, incl fillings, crowns and bridges
Positive experience, experienced first hand how transformative and life altering it is to have a tooth replacement
use my expertise and specialist knowledge and equipment to be able to provide the patient the highest level of advanced care that they deserve
How am I suited: Keen eye for detail and precision, which is crucial in procedures involving repairs, replacements and overall aesthetics
Enjoy crocheting, hobby that encompasses these qualities. e.g size/tension of stitches, creating intricate patterns and following patterns
Speciality 2/General Practice:
Name: Special care dentistry
Why: Patients with disabilities can’t maintain optimal oral health/ often neglected due to caraniofacial abnormalities or overlooked due to other complex medical needs
Regular dentists aren’t trained to deal with certain type of patients and patients may be agitated to let a dentist go near them
Oral health crucial in maintaining general health
Lots of dental practices don’t include those who may have physical disabilities
Saw it during work experience where an elderly woman had to drive an hour to this dental practice as it was the only one that had a ramp
Use best technology, equipment and behaviour modification techniques that a general practice might not have to cater to the patients complex emotional and physical needs
Be able to provide optimal patient care to members of society who are often neglected and denied from practices
JUSTICE
How am I suited: Empathy and understanding, volunteer at 7 cups
Recently signed up to volunteer at bright futures UK where I
Collaborative team working essential , work well in a team setting e.g volunteering at my mosques girls local youth club
Conclusion:
My exploration and interest in different dental specialities highlights the wide range of different paths dentistry has to offer.
While I am drawn to restorative dentistry for its intricate nature and special care dentistry for providing optimal and specialised dental care to those with disbalities, complex medical needs and emotional who are often at a disadvantage and neglected when it comes to receiving regular and accessible dental care , I’m open to explore further as I continue on my dental journey
Aim to make a choice that aligns with my skills, passion, and opportunity to contribute positively to patients’ oral health
What Are The Responsibilities Of Each Of The Members Of The Dental Team?
Dentist:
Responsibilities:
Leaders of dental team and hold ultimate responsibility for the patients’ health and success of the practice
They perform surgical procedures and diagnose dental issues for patients
Oversee other members of the dental team, ensuring good coordination for patient care
Able to specialise in various different fields in dentistry
Dental hygienist:
Responsibilities:
Work alongside dentists and perform routine dental procedures
Focus on the area of periodontics inc;. Scaling, polishing, fluoride application and applying dental sealants to prevent tooth decay and keeping track on progression of gum disease
Why I prefer to become a dentist:
Although dental hygienist is essential to the practice, I am drawn to the broader responsibilities and challenges of a being dentist
I am motivated and driven to diagnose treat a wide range of oral health issues
Dental nurse:
Responsibilities:
Very crucial role in successes of patient care and practice operations
Assist not only dentists but other members of the MDT by preparing dental instruments, equipments and looking after patient records
Provide reassurance to the patient and caters for the non-clinical and individual needs patient may have (e.g creating a more comfortable environment)
Why I prefer to become a dentist:
Although dental nurse are a vital member to the dental team, I am more attracted to the leadership role and ability to perform intricate procedures of dentistry
Value the comprehensive responsibility of patient care and practice success
Dental therapist:
Responsibilities:
Perform clinical tasks that are less complex than those of a dentist
E.g scale, polish and tooth whitening, take dental x-rays and impressions, remove sutures, perform extractions and apply crowns
Why I prefer to become a dentist:
Independence and autonomy that a dentist wit-holds
Intrigued of the ability to make independent clinical decisions (aligns w patient) and pursue various specialised fields
Dental technician:
Responsibilities:
Work in laboratory
Create dental appliances for patients e.g dentures, crowns, bridges, braces etc.
Make use of specialised equipment, CAD and CAM software
Work with materials like gold, metal or porcelian to craft appliance that best suits patient’s needs
Why I prefer to become a dentist:
Although indispensable role, I appreciate 1-to-1/face-to-face parent interaction and building long term relationship with them
More of what I like and the best match for me
