Dr. Deepika Verma: Dental Professional

Dentistry is one of the industries that demand its professionals to walk hand in hand with ever changing technology and procedures. In order to achieve the utmost in patient satisfaction, a dentist must continually update their skill sets. Dr. Deepika Verma is a dentist who keeps at par with new advancements and incorporates them into her practice. She is committed to using the latest technology and materials to complement her artistic talent and achieve outstanding results.

Dr. Deepika Verma graduated from Rajiv Gandhi University in 2001 with a bachelor of dental surgery. She completed her one year general practice residency at Maulana Azad Medical College and Hospital. In order to pursue advanced dental training, she enrolled into one of the world renowned dental institutions—Boston University. She received her doctorate of dental medicine in 2009 from Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine.

Dr. Deepika Verma maintains her education in the disciplines of general and cosmetic dentistry through continuing education courses and her association with the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Iowa Academy of General Dentistry, and Iowa Dental Association.

Dr. Deepika Verma worked in a private practice before accepting a position at Community Health Centers of Southern Iowa. Located in Leon, Iowa, she serves as the dental director for this organization. The mission of the organization is to “make high quality health care accessible to everyone in our region.”

Dental Services Keep Smiles Healthy

Dentists offer a wide range of services in order to best address the needs of patients. Here are some of the services that dentists often perform:

• Composite (White) Fillings: These resin fillings are an alternative to metal fillings. Composite resin fillings are strong, durable, and provide a natural-looking restoration option.
• Crowns: Dental crowns go over the surface of the tooth. As such, they increase the tooth’s strength and its durability, as well as the stability that it achieves in the mouth. Teeth can crack due to grinding, an improper bite, old fillings, tooth decay, and the aging process. As such, crowns are often used to protect teeth from damage created by these and other factors. Additionally, a crown can cover a discolored tooth or a tooth that has undergone a root canal.
• Bridges: When teeth are missing, a bridge is inserted to fill the space and keep the rest of the teeth from moving into the gap that is left. The two teeth on either side of the gap, called the abutment teeth, are fitted with crowns that are joined with a pontic, or a false tooth.
• Veneers: Porcelain veneers have become very popular because they are thin and are applied to the front of the teeth. These veneers cover chipped, misaligned, crowded, crooked, or worn down teeth.
• Cosmetic Bonding: This procedure entails the application of resin, which is the color of the teeth, through the use of adhesives and a high-intensity curing light. This particular treatment is for cosmetic purposes, as it can enhance the appearance of teeth that are discolored or chipped. Additionally, cosmetic bonding can fill gaps between the teeth, change their shape, and alter their color. Finally, bonding has the ability to protect any root surfaces that are exposed.
• Teeth Whitening: Many individuals use at-home whitening kits to improve their smiles. However, this is not always the best option, as the procedure provided by a dentist entails the creation of a customized mouth tray. When the mouth tray is created using a mold of the patient’s teeth, the patient can take the tray home and use it with the recommended bleaching gel.
• Root canals: A root canal is performed to save a natural tooth after decay or trauma has damaged it. During the procedure, the nerve and the pulp that are within the tooth are removed. If a root canal is not performed, the tooth can become infected and, eventually, become abscessed. As such, root canals prevent bone damage, swelling, pain, and tension in the muscles of the jaw.
• Extraction: Extraction entails removing a tooth. This particular procedure is conducted for a long list of reasons, such as tooth decay that has created enough damage to leave the tooth non-restorable. After a tooth is extracted, a blood clot develops in the socket and stops any bleeding that may occur during the first hour or so after the extraction takes place. The socket takes approximately one week to completely heal and, over time, soft gum tissue will grow over the gap. Within six or more months the final closure of the wound with bony remodeling will occur.

Dr. Deepika Verma Explains Common Dental Procedures

• Periodontal Treatment: This procedure pertains to pinpointing and treating inflammatory conditions that affect the tissues surrounding the teeth, which are called the periodontium. During periodontal treatment, the teeth are cleaned, or debrided, below the gum line to remove any plaque that has accumulated. This is the standard approach to alleviating periodontitis and preventing its further development.

Ultimately, the success of periodontal treatment, in a long-term sense, depends upon the dental hygiene practices in which a patient engages at home. Research has indicated a connection between oral bacteria and a host of diseases. Periodontal disease, in particular, is associated with heart disease, low birth weight, type 2 diabetes, premature birth, respiratory disease, stroke, and increased inflammation in the body.

• Dentures: These prosthetics are usually required by patients as they age. Some individuals, though, need dentures due to periodontal disease or injuries. These prosthetics come in two different varieties: conventional and immediate. Conventional dentures are inserted into the mouth following the removal of original teeth, about eight to 12 weeks after their extraction. Immediate dentures, on the other hand, are inserted immediately following tooth extraction.

Patients may receive complete dentures or they may need partial dentures. Complete dentures are totally removable and rest on the gums using a plastic base. Partial dentures are created by connecting replacement teeth and plastic bases with a metal framework to fill in the space where teeth are missing.

These are just some of the many services and procedures that qualified dentists can offer. Some have chosen to specialize in a certain area of their practice while others have opted to provide general dentistry to their patients. All of these professionals, though, play an essential role in the healthcare provided within their communities.

Dr. Deepika Verma understands that positive oral health is something that contributes greatly to a person’s overall wellbeing. As such, it is of integral importance that individuals make their dental health a priority. Dr. Deepika Verma, a dental professional, encourages individuals to visit their dentists to ensure that they are receiving the services necessary to keep their smiles healthy.