Diseases of Teeth

1. Dental caries is caused by microorganisms and is characterized by demineralization of the mineral part of enamel and dentine.

2. When the disease approaches the pulp it may cause bacterial invasion and death of the pulp.

3. The best way of managing caries is by prevention.

4. It can be done by modifying diet, careful use of fluorine, removing plaque, and replace the carious tissue.

5. Pulpitis can be caused by caries, trauma, clinical exposure from fillings, restorations by crowns and bridges.

6. Acute pulpitis can be of two types: reversible (when the vitality of the pulp during treatment can be maintained) and irreversible (when the pulp is damaged).

7. Pulpitis is characterized by acute pain initiated by hot and cold stimuli for a short period of time.

8. Chronic pulpitis requires pulp extirpation or extraction of the tooth.

9. In acute apical periodontitis the affected tooth is very sensitive to touch.

10. There may be caries in the tooth crown.

11. Trauma may cause fracture of the tooth crown.

Some facts from history of dentistry

1. Dentistry was established as separate branch of medicine about 5000 years ago.

2. People in Mexico and Peru used narcotic substances in the treatment of dental diseases.

3. In China doctors used thin needles for acupuncture.

4. These needles were also used to relieve dental pain.

5. "Silver paste" ( amalgam) for fillings was also developed in this country.

6. People who lived in Italy during the seventh century BC, made attempts to make dental prostheses (false teeth).

7. The Romans used the special powder for cleaning their teeth.

8. Their physicians used a form of anesthetic to give some relief to patients during surgical treatment.

9. They made false teeth and removable dentures from ivory.

10. The first dental extraction under anesthetic was performed in the 19^th century.

At the Stomatological Polyclinic

1. Dental aid is provided at stomatological polyclinics.

2. As a rule a stomatological polyclinic has all modern conveniences.

3. There are many dental surgeries, a laboratory, an X-ray room and other rooms here.

4. Specialists perform all kinds of dental work: the treatment of diseases of the dental pulp, extractions, correcting the bite, the treatment of gum diseases, fit of dentures to replace missing teeth, all kinds of restorative work.

5. Before the treatment of a disease it is necessary to make a diagnosis, determine its aetiology, pathogenesis and symptoms.

6. A number of different procedures are used to establish a diagnosis: history taking, physical examination, laboratory and instrumental studies and others.

7. Dental treatment is sometimes a very painful procedure.

8. Dentists try to do something about this.

9. They use new methods of dental treatment and new anodynes and people forget about their fears.