Dental cement is what your dentist uses to help secure a dental restoration such as a crown, inlay, or a fixed bridge to your teeth. The purpose of dental cement is to make sure that your dental restorations stay fixed in your mouth.

Qualities of ideal dental cement 

• The cement should not dissolve in the presence of saliva.
• Dental cement should not be toxic.
• The cement should help prevent the formation of decay in the restoration area.
• If you are going for tooth-colored restorations, the cement should not affect the color of the final restoration.
• Once the restoration is cemented, it should not be displaced by chewing.
• The cement should be resistant to sensitivity. It should allow you to enjoy hot and cold foods and beverages.
• Moreover, the cement should be able to bond to hard tooth surfaces.
• It should have a long storage life without losing effectiveness

Types of Dental Cements

There are many types of conventional dental cement mostly consisting of powder and liquid. When mixed together, they form a chemical reaction which causes the cement to set. Here are some of the type of dental cement:

Glass ionomer: It consists of a silicate glass powder and a liquid solution of polyacrylic acid. It can chemically bond to enamel and dentin and also contains fluoride ions to further protect the tooth structure.

Polycarboxylate: A dental professional may use it as a final or intermediate cement.

Resin-based cement: This type of dental cement includes resin-modified glass ionomer cement. These are specifically designed for tooth-colored restorations and can be set through a simpler procedure.

If you require further information on this topic, our experts at Greatwood Dental Assisting Program can help you with it. Visit our office or give us a call at (281) 728-6012.

Responsibilities of Dentist vs Oral Surgeon

No matter if its dentist vs. dental surgeon, both take care of the oral health of their patients. Dentists monitor the dental health of their patients and carry out the routine check-ups. They respond to dental cases such as cavities or toothache. They may also educate their patients on how to improve their mental health. On the other hand, oral surgeons treat patients who have deformities or other similar dental issues. They carry out surgery on patients to resolve their specific dental issues.

Dentist

Treating the patients’ teeth is the specialization of dentists. However, they may also treat other mouth-related issues such as gum disease. Dentists usually work in a dental clinic or office, and you can find them easily during the daytime hours with occasional weekend or evening shifts. They have to work hours while standing and bending. To carry out the practice, they must have a Doctor of Dentistry degree, which must be licensed.

Some of the job responsibilities of a dentist include:

• Talking to patients regarding their dental health
• Treating patients with cavities
• Ordering dentures for their patients

Dental Surgeon

For a dental surgeon, it is necessary to have a Doctor of Dental surgery degree, along with the license of their specialty. They need to complete a residency as a part of their training. Since they perform surgeries form minor to major, their work can include standing for very long hours.

These are some of the job responsibilities of a dental surgeon such as:

• Reviewing the dental records of patients
• Determining the type of surgery
• Tooth extraction
• Prescribing medicines

Related Careers

If you are thinking of becoming a dentist, you can also give yourself a chance to become an orthodontist because they provide treatments to patients who need braces.

If you have any questions please feel free to call Greatwood Dental Assisting Program at (281) 728-6012. We will be more than happy to help you!