What Does a Dentist Do?
A dentist is a medical professional who is trained to diagnose, treat, and manage the oral health of his or her patients. The field of dentistry is unique in that it focuses not only on the teeth and the supporting structures but also on the relationship between oral diseases or conditions and systemic disease. Because of this, dental practitioners must be knowledgeable about general physiology and pharmacology in addition to specialized knowledge about the mouth, the head, and the neck.
Diagnosing Oral Health Conditions
Dentists conduct thorough examinations of their patients’ teeth, gums, and mouths using various tools and techniques such as X-rays, visual inspections, and patient histories. This allows them to identify problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections. Dentists also educate their patients on preventive dental care, providing guidance on proper brushing and flossing habits to help their patients avoid future oral health issues.
Treatment Planning
After assessing their patients’ oral health, dentists develop individualized treatment plans to address each patient’s specific needs and goals. This may include restorative procedures such as fillings, crowns, and bridges as well as corrective surgery like gum surgery or tooth extraction.
Depending on the area of specialty, dentists also perform cosmetic services such as veneers and implants to enhance their patients’ smiles. Additionally, some dentists specialize in forensic dentistry, where they examine crime scenes for evidence such as teeth and bones to identify victims.