Clinic refers to a health institution where only consultation and out-patient treatment are conducted and practised. It can be a mono-clinic rendering a general type of service, or a specialist clinic meant for a particular area of medicine & dentistry or a polyclinic where more than one speciality is practised.

A dental clinic is a healthcare institution where dental health services are rendered with facilities for dental investigation, diagnosis and treatment of dental ailments on out-patients. No patient is admitted (in-patient) on the bed like in the hospital setting.

In our dear country, there are very few dental clinics, most available ones are clustered in the urban areas of the country. For many Nigerians, dental clinic is a nightmare and there are a number of reasons for that which are:

The new environment.

The scary instruments & equipment used by the dentists.

The uncomfortable sounds of the drilling machine or the noise from the suction tips very close to the ear.

The fearful idea of somebody doing treatments in the mouth.

The smell of medicines and disinfectants.

The metallic taste of instruments or taste of any dental materials can itself be irritating.

Misconception about the dental treatments options.

Fear of dental pain.

Cost of dental treatment.

Hmmmmmm, we can’t agree less with you. These aforementioned reasons are more than enough to delay dental visits/ treatments for many. But do you know what? If you really want to enjoy your oral health, you need to take a bold step and locate a nearby dental clinic and book an appointment to shame ignorance, fear and dental diseases.

However, if you are really scared of a dentist for other reasons known to only you, then, take time to understand our oral hygiene tips and develop confidence over time, take very good care of your teeth. But I can assure you that in spite of all your efforts, there can be some dental issues as a result of your lifestyle, diet habits etc.

So, visiting your dental clinic at least twice a year would help in recognising the budding dental problems before it escalate and lead to emergency. Early visits lead to early treatments of those issues, which will in turn be time saving, cost cutting towards a better general health.

Wait!  May be a better knowledge about how a dental clinic look like would help in shedding some dentistry-related fears and proceed with the necessary dental care.

Okay. Let’s make an attempt. Let’s have a look at the dental clinic.

A dental clinic is set up which constitutes several dental equipment, dental materials, instruments.

Dental Chair

The most integral part of a dental clinic is the dental chair. They are all imported with various sizes & colours. Most common dental treatments can be done while patients sit comfortably on it as it can move in many directions. They are designed for patient’s comfortable positioning and to provide good accessibility and visibility of the whole mouth for the dentist. It is connected with a source of light that can be focused over the mouth of the patient and a spittoon for spitting the water.

X-ray Equipment

X-ray machines are very crucial in establishing the diagnosis, they are used to take pictures / images called Radiographs of your teeth. The X-ray film or digital sensor is positioned adjacent to affected tooth/teeth while some parts of your chest and neck are covered with a protective lead jacket.

The x rays are passed from the x-ray source through the tooth and image is received over the film or sensor. The final image can be seeing on a film or on the computer system.

Ultrasonic Scaler

This is a machine used to clean your teeth. They operate with ultrasonic or sonic vibrations and remove deposits/ plaques and stains from teeth surfaces. Contrary to common misconception, they are harmless to the enamel and the procedure is simple and painless.

Light-Cure Equipment

This equipment is used on some filling materials that have same colour as the teeth. It provides the source of light that is needed to harden these filling materials. This light is harmless to the body but care should be taken to prevent it falling directly over the eyes.

Suction System

This unit is useful to suck the liquids from mouth during treatment procedures. The sound of the system can be uncomfortable, but is useful as it provides a dry environment for the surgeon to work in the mouth and is comfortable to the patient as well.

Drills

One of the most important equipment in a dental clinic is the dental drill. It is a tool to prepare defective teeth to receive fillings, caps or bridges. They run at high speed with a water spray. This is quite dreadful for patients, but the dentist will use it with minimal discomfort to the patient. So do not worry about drills and the associated sound. Avoid sudden movements when the surgeon is using the drill. It takes few minutes to complete the procedure if you are co-operative.

This was a brief description of few of the commonly used equipment in a dental clinic by the dentist. Be prepared and be co-operative with the dentist for quick and successful completion of the treatment procedure.

Enjoy healthy teeth, beautiful smile and long life.

Now you can search for the best dental clinic which matches the above requirements and book appointment ASAP