Military Officer - February 2007 - (Page 42)

askthedoctor Open Wide Regular visits to the dentist are vital for good oral health — but some dentists provide more than regular checkups. Rear Adm. Joyce Johnson, D.O., reviews dental specialties. rchaeological records show humans have been drilling and ﬁlling teeth for 9,000 years. Dentists in the U.S. today receive specialized training: After earning a bachelor’s degree, all complete four years of dental school to become general dentists. Nine recognized dental specialties require from two to six years of residency after dental school. General dentists examine teeth, take X-rays, and administer anesthesia and ﬁll teeth. General dentists also install crowns — a gold or gold-and-porcelain “tooth” that is cemented on to what remains of a broken or ﬁlled tooth. Depending on his or her speciﬁc training, a general dentist also might perform root canals, extractions, and gum surgery. Pediodontists are essentially general dentists for children. They receive special training in pediatric dental disease and also are experienced in working with children to gain their conﬁdence and cooperation. Orthodontists specialize in straightening teeth — often with braces. Straight teeth are cosmetically attractive and also tend to be healthier and easier to keep clean than crooked teeth. Increasingly, orthodontists are treating adult patients. Periodontists treat gum disease. Plaque and tartar build up at the gum line and can harden into calculus, causing the gums to move away from the teeth. Periodontists remove this calculus and help shrink the pockets and replace the gum tissue. Endodontists perform root canal therapy: They open the tooth, remove the “nerve” FEBRUARY 2007 A Don’t Wait for a Toothache ■ Get an annual exam and have your teeth cleaned twice a year. If you need specialty dental care, your general dentist can make a referral. (soft pulp under the enamel), and ﬁll the space. They also can replace teeth that have been knocked out, if the teeth have been well-protected and are replaced quickly. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are best known for extracting teeth, but they also perform complicated facial surgeries such as removing cancer and repairing various deformities. They are among the specialists who surgically place dental implants. Prosthodontists restore missing teeth and provide dentures. They also place crowns, bridges, and implants. Oral pathologists focus on the study and treatment of oral disease, including microscopic assessment. Oral radiologists use radiologic techniques to diagnose dental disease. Public health dentists focus on community issues such as ﬂuoridated water and dental education programs. Some dentists have other types of special practices. Geriatric dentists limit their practices to the elderly. Some dentists see patients requiring “cosmetic dentistry” — a range of procedures to help the aesthetics of the teeth and mouth. Other dentists limit their practices to patients needing temporomandibular joint therapy. Forensic dentists use dental records to identify people, often after death. MO — Rear Adm. Joyce Johnson, USPHS-Ret., D.O., M.A., is vice president, Health Sciences, Battelle Memorial Institute, Arlington, Va. Find more health and wellness resources at www .moaa.org/wellness. For submission information, see page 18. PHOTO: STEVE BARRETT 42 MILITARY OFFICER http://www.moaa.org/wellness http://www.moaa.org/wellness

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Military Officer - February 2007 Contents From the Editor From the President Your Views MOAA Directory Rapid Fire Washington Scene Financial Forum Ask the Doctor Chapter Activities Cover Story: Building Stability Reaching Out, Reaching Up 5 Tax-Season Strategies A Capital Event MOAA Member Services Pages of History Information Exchange Advertising Index Member Books Sounding Taps MOAA Calendar Encore

Military Officer - February 2007

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