Author: jayaw049

On my eighth day, the first patient I observed had a root canal treatment. Dr. Siegel explained to me that it’s the removal of the center of the tooth, which is known as the pulp. A root canal treatment is used to save a tooth that is decayed or infected.

Another procedure that I observed was a patient getting her teeth filled in. Dr. Siegel and the dental hygienist or assistant used a needle with an injection to numb the top and bottom corners of the gums and mouth. Then, they used a filling that they put into the gaps of the patient’s mouth. Dr. Siegel used a small drill to shave off the excess filling and make sure the patient’s jaw aligned properly.

This experience has been enlightening and I’m so grateful to have shadowed Dr. Siegel in these past two weeks!!

My seventh day began with a teeth whitening on a patient. Dr. Siegel used a gel on the gums as a gingival barrier, meaning it protects the gums from the chemicals during the whitening process. Then, Dr. Siegel applied a gel composed of 15% hydrogen peroxide, which breaks down stain compounds through oxidation. She then used a high-powered light to speed up the whitening process.

Next, I observed 2 regular teeth cleanings that involved picking, brushing, and the use of fluoride.

I learned a lot today and I’m sad that tomorrow is my last day:)

In my first observation, Dr. Siegel started by cleaning the patient’s teeth and gums. Then, she cleansed the teeth with a solution that rinses the first layer of the teeth. Dr. Siegel used a small drill to shave off the excess parts of the teeth to ensure that the bite of the patient felt comfortable and lined up.

Later in the day, the dental hygienists worked on cleaning the Autoclave (a machine that sanitizes equipment and tools). They drained it using distilled water and got rid of bacteria using a solution called Autoclean Autoclave.

I can’t wait for tomorrow!!

On my fifth day shadowing Dr. Siegel, I started by observing the molding of biting or mouth guards. These prevent the grinding of teeth, especially during the nighttime. I spoke to the hygienists about the kinds of jobs they do to help the dentists in procedures. Their main job is to hand the dentist the tools needed within a procedure. They also are responsible for cleaning and sanitizing all tools. Today, there weren’t many patients due to the approaching holiday weekend, so the majority of the day was sanitizing equipment and preparing tools for future dental procedures. Though the day wasn’t busy, I still learned a lot!!

On my fourth day at Dr. Siegel’s office, I started off by observing a patient that had a chipped tooth and needed a dental crown added on. Dr. Siegel shaved down the crown until it fit the patient’s tooth perfectly and until the patient could bite down with her jaw comfortably. Dr. Siegel explained to me that dental crowns are the longest procedure to complete since it takes at least one hour to put on a singular crown.

Another patient that I saw on my fourth day came in with complaints of bleeding gums. Dr. Siegel started by deep cleaning the gums and teeth. When she did this, she noticed that the gums were red under the teeth and white and black farther down. So, she numbed the patient’s mouth and continued cleaning the gums. Then, she rinsed the gums with a solution called chlorhexidine which reduces the amount of bacteria. The patient was instructed to rinse out her mouth twice a day with chlorhexidine in hopes that the bleeding in her gums would terminate. Above is the X-ray of the patient’s mouth. Dr. Siegel diagnosed this case of bleeding gums as Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG).

My fourth day was very insightful!!!

On my third day in Dr. Siegel’s office, I got to learn about an appliance or machine called the Autoclave. An Autoclave is a pressure vessel that uses steam and heat to kill bacteria and viruses on tools and instruments. It sanitizes specifically dental equipment after it’s used. This machine plays an important role in the health of patients, especially during a pandemic. Above is an image of the Autoclave.

Throughout the rest of the day, I observed a patient that got teeth whitening and I also observed regular checkups.

Overall, today was a great experience!

On my second day, the first thing I got to do was observe a technique called Dental Splinting. A dental splint is an appliance, usually a metal strip, that is placed on several teeth to increase stability, create structure, and reduce the possibility that the weak teeth will shift. This was performed on a patient with a loose lower splint who needed a new splint implemented. Above is the X-ray of the patient’s lower splint that had been damaged.

I then observed regular check-ups and cleanings on 3 patients. Dr. Siegel then showed me how she does X-rays on her patients and explained each dental instrument and how they’re helpful in procedures – it was very insightful!

I look forward to tomorrow!!

 

My first day shadowing Dr. Siegel started off with a tour around the office. She pointed out the different tools and equipment included in procedures and check-ups. Above are some of the tools Dr. Siegel was taking out to prepare for her patients that day.

As patients started coming in, I was able to observe different procedures. One included the implementation of a dental cap or crown. This is a cover for a tooth that is damaged or is lacking its normal shape/size. During this procedure, a 3D scan of the patient’s mouth appeared on the screen, which helped the dentists create the perfect size cap or crown for the tooth. Below is the X-ray of the patient’s tooth in need of the dental cap/crown.

Overall, I had a great time on my first day and now, I can’t wait for my shadowing during these next two weeks!!