Dentists diagnose, evaluate, prevent and/or treat disorders, diseases, and/or conditions of the oral cavity - teeth and tissues. They also give advice and administering care to help prevent future problems. The dentists provide instruction on flossing, brushing, diet, the use of fluorides, as well as other aspects of dental care. These doctors remove tooth decay, examine X rays, fill cavities, straighten teeth, place protective plastic sealants on children's teeth, and repair fractured teeth. They also perform corrective surgery on gums and supporting bones to treat gum diseases. Dentists extract teeth and make measurements and models for dentures in order to replace missing teeth. They also write prescriptions for antibiotics and other medications as well as administer anesthetics. Dentists use a variety of equipment, which include x-ray machines, mouth mirrors, drills, forceps, probes, brushes, and scalpels, to name just a few. They wear gloves, masks, and safety glasses to protect themselves and their patients from infectious diseases. Most dentists are general practitioners they handle a number of dental services. Other dentists practice in any of nine specialty areas. They may be orthodontists; pediatric dentists; oral and maxillofacial surgeons; prosthodontists; endodontists; periodontists; public health dentists; oral pathologists; as well as oral and maxillofacial radiologists.
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