Dentists are healthcare professionals specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the mouth, teeth and gums. They work with a team of other dental specialists and medical doctors to provide comprehensive care for their patients. A number of people avoid visiting the dentist due to concerns about cost. However, neglecting routine visits can actually cost more in the long run.

This career requires a high level of medical knowledge, manual dexterity and interpersonal skills. It also demands a creative approach and mastery of aesthetics.

Prevention

During routine check-ups, your dentist thoroughly examines your teeth and gums to find problems in their earliest stages. This allows for timely intervention, preventing complications that require more extensive treatments.

Your dentist can also detect hidden problems like cysts, abscesses, and bone loss. In addition, they can check for signs of gum disease and oral cancer.

It’s important to know that poor dental health practices can lead to a number of serious medical conditions. For example, gum disease can cause systemic inflammation, and untreated tooth decay can contribute to heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer. Many patients are unaware that their oral health is linked to their overall health. Fortunately, most dental insurance plans cover preventive services. These include teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, and x-rays. These are all effective and inexpensive ways to ensure a healthy smile.

Diagnosis

Getting a good diagnosis is a key part of making informed decisions about your health. Medical professionals use a process called clinical diagnosis to identify diseases, conditions and injuries based on a patient’s symptoms and history as well as a physical exam.

Dentists examine patients’ teeth, mouth and jaw areas to diagnose and treat oral health problems. They may also refer patients to a specialist in orthodontics, periodontics or oral surgery.

General dentists offer routine checkups and basic care, like cleanings and fillings. They can also help you improve your oral hygiene habits to prevent problems.

A general dentist can also look for red flags, like a bad bite or clenching your jaw, that may indicate an underlying health issue, such as obstructive sleep apnea. They can also feel behind your jaw and neck for signs of lumps or cancer. They can also prescribe anti-anxiety medicines and sedatives for dental procedures. In addition, they can prescribe antibiotics to treat gum infections and pain relievers for toothaches.

Treatment

Dentists treat patients by performing procedures that promote good oral health, like filling or pulling teeth. They also help prevent or correct diseases that affect the mouth by educating patients on proper hygiene and dietary habits. They can use anesthetics (like lidocaine or novocaine), which numb the mouth so you won’t feel pain, or general anesthesia, which puts you to sleep during your procedure.

Denists also encourage preventive care by urging patients to brush and floss regularly and to visit the office for checkups and cleanings. Often, dentists are able to spot potential problems, like a cavity or gum disease, and treat them early on, saving patients pain, money and time in the long run.

In addition, many dentists provide benevolent care to patients who can’t afford regular dental care. This is a great way to contribute to the community and to the dental profession. It can also help dentists build their reputation and clientele.

Maintenance

The dentist can provide a patient with a maintenance program that includes regular visits to the dental office for professional cleanings and oral exams. During these visits, the dentist will review the patient’s medical history, take new imagery and x-rays, do an exam of the gums, teeth, tongue, and jaw, and perform a basic cleaning.

A clean and disinfected clinic is important to patient safety, the patient experience, and staff morale. It is recommended that the director of the dental program establish a preventive maintenance schedule for all equipment with the help of the manufacturer’s recommendations and assign duties to clinic staff.

Often, dental supply companies will offer maintenance and repair contracts to dental programs that will minimize costs and ensure prompt service. Having one or two members of the clinic staff trained in equipment repair can also be helpful. Most manufacturers of dental equipment offer repair courses for their staff and provide a toll-free telephone number for repairs and technical support.