Dentists are doctors, scientists and clinicians who identify and treat oral health conditions. They also provide advice about preventive care, such as brushing and flossing.
Dentist near douglasville ga practitioners may work in private practice or in public health settings, including community health centers and hospitals. They also can serve as researchers or administrators at academic institutions.
Oral Hygiene
A patient’s oral health plays an important role in overall well-being. While the mouth is full of germs, healthy teeth and gums help patients eat and speak comfortably, breathe deeply and may even reduce their risk for other health conditions.
Dental hygienists often teach patients how to brush and floss correctly, as well as the importance of reducing sugary foods or drinks that can lead to tooth decay or cavities. They also help patients manage other oral health challenges, such as bruxism (teeth grinding) or periodontal disease.
Research supports the concept that personalized oral hygiene advice aligned with each patient’s circumstances can promote sustainable adherence.
Preventive Care
Preventive healthcare involves routine health services like screenings, checkups and patient counseling to prevent illnesses, disease or other conditions. These services are often covered 100% by your insurance provider and can help save money in the long run.
Screening tests can find health issues early, like cancerous growths or high blood pressure. And regular visits can keep you from developing serious diseases, like gum disease or diabetes.
At Think Whole Person Healthcare, we believe that preventing illness and disease is the key to a happy, healthy life. We encourage preventive care and support patients to live a fully vibrant life, whatever their age.
Restorative Care
When patients need specialized care to help them manage chronic conditions, they turn to restorative care. It’s a holistic approach to healthcare that incorporates various disciplines, including nursing, physical therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and more.
The goals of restorative care are often similar to those of rehabilitation medicine. Both aim to set treatment goals and promote independence.
However, rehabilitation medicine is typically more focused on short-term recovery and teaches clients to navigate daily tasks in their environment. Restorative care is more about providing encouragement and supporting long-term progress. It is also less intensive than rehabilitation.
Oral Surgery
Sometimes patients need surgical procedures to solve problems such as impacted teeth, jaw pain, or facial injuries. Oral surgeons are trained to repair these issues through procedures like dental implants and bone grafting.
They also treat cancers of the mouth, throat, and head. Typically, they use small incisions to numb the area and may give you sedation, so you sleep through the procedure.
Before oral surgery, talk to your dentist near douglasville ga about a treatment plan that suits you. They'll let you know how long it takes to recover, and what preparations you need. These can include avoiding certain foods or medications. Also, arrange for a ride after your appointment if you'll be using sedation.
Oral Pathology
Oral pathology is the study and identification of diseases affecting the mouth, jaws, cheeks, lips and face. From minor conditions like ulcers and swellings to more serious issues such as cancers and autoimmune diseases, oral pathology helps patients maintain their dental health.
Persistent sores, lumps and other abnormalities can be signs of serious conditions. This is why identifying and treating them as early as possible is so important. Our oral pathologists have the training and expertise to identify these conditions so they can be treated appropriately. This can include a biopsy, X-rays and other diagnostic tools. Their skillset also includes understanding the impact of medications and underlying health problems on these conditions.
Practice Management
Embracing technological advancements promotes efficiency, allowing dental teams to streamline operations and maintain comprehensive patient records. Appointment scheduling tools facilitate centralized communication among satellite offices and staff members, while automated reminders reduce miscommunication with patients and cut down on no-shows.
The implementation of clear office procedures, including documentation protocols and employee training, ensures consistent operation and prevents major SNAFUs that can disrupt a practice’s schedule. Additionally, educating staff on HIPAA compliance and security best practices helps protect against breaches that can jeopardize patient confidentiality and lead to legal issues.
Managing financial arrangements requires the expertise of a qualified practice manager, who takes on administrative duties that free up other team members to focus on patient care. Providing a range of payment options and plans also helps reduce patient anxiety over cost and improve financial performance.