Objectives of a Dentist

Dentists are medical professionals who focus on maintaining the health of the structures of the mouth, such as teeth, gums and the jaw. They accomplish this through objectives that focus on a patient's specific needs, and through procedures that address all levels of oral hygiene and dental restoration.

Prevention

• Dentists rely on preventive dental procedures to stop decay or disease from becoming a threat to a person's teeth and gums. Bacteria is the normal cause of most oral disorders, so keeping the teeth and gums clean and healthy is important. Procedures that fall under the preventive objective include dental sealants, fluoride treatments, regular dental visits, teeth cleaning and the the use of toothpaste and mouthwash at home, based on information from NetWellness.

Diagnosis

• There are numerous conditions that can affect the different structures of the mouth. To properly treat an oral disease that compromises a person's ability to properly eat or speak, a dentist relies on diagnostic tools that expose the internal and external state of the affected area. Diagnostic tools include oral examinations, X-rays, photographs to aid in treatment planning and an intra-oral camera that transmits images to a screen, allowing the dentist to see the complete current state of a patient's dental health, according to Smile Care.

Treatment

• When a person's dental health requires medical intervention to correct a disease or decay, dentists have a number of treatments to rely on for the best results. Common conditions, such as tooth decay, misaligned teeth, gum disease and missing teeth, can usually be addressed with treatments specific to the patient's needs. Dental treatments include extractions, braces, dentures, fillings and periodontal surgery for gum disease, indicates A Consumer Guide to Dentistry.