Dentists’ check other areas not only their patients’ teeth and gums but also the muscles of the head, neck and jaw, the tongue, salivary glands, the nervous system of the head and neck and other areas. During a comprehensive exam, dentists examine the teeth, gums, also look for lumps, swellings, discolorations, ulcerations—any abnormality. When appropriate, they perform procedures such as biopsies, diagnostic tests for chronic or infectious diseases, salivary gland function, and screening tests for oral cancer. Dentists can spot early warning signs in the mouth that may indicate disease elsewhere in the body. Dentists’ training also enables them to recognize situations that warrant referring patients for care by dental specialists or physicians.

The team approach to dentistry promotes continuity of care that is comprehensive, convenient, cost effective and efficient. Members of the team include dental assistants, lab technicians and dental hygienists. Leading the team is the dentist, a doctor specializing in oral health who has earned either a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree, which are essentially the same.
The Dentist’s Role
Dentists are doctors who specialize in oral health. Their responsibilities include:
? Diagnosing oral diseases.
? Promoting oral health and disease prevention.
? Creating treatment plans to maintain or restore the oral health of their patients.
? Interpreting x-rays and diagnostic tests.
? Ensuring the safe administration of anesthetics.
? Monitoring growth and development of the teeth and jaws.
? Performing surgical procedures on the teeth, bone and soft tissues of the oral cavity.
? Managing oral trauma and emergency situations.
Dentists’ oversight of the clinical team is critical to ensuring safe and effective oral care. Even seemingly routine procedures such as tooth extractions, preparing and placing fillings or administering anesthetics carry potential risks of complications such as infection, temporary or even permanent nerve damage, prolonged bleeding, hematomas and pain.

Why Oral Health Matters-
According to the ADA, about 100 million Americans did not see a dentist in 2007, even though regular dental examinations and good oral hygiene can prevent most dental disease. Too many people believe that they need to see a dentist only if they are in pain or think something is wrong, BUT THEY ARE MISSING THE BIGGER PICTURE! A dental visit means being examined by a doctor of oral health capable of diagnosing and treating conditions that can range from routine to extremely complex. Numerous recent SCIENTIFIC STUDIES INDICATE ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN ORAL HEALTH AND A VARIETY OF GENERAL HEALTH CONDITIONS-including DIABETES & HEART DISEASE In response, the World Health Organization has integrated oral health into its chronic disease prevention efforts “as the risks to health are linked.”

The American Dental Association recommends that dental visits begin no later than a child’s first birthday to establish a “dental home.” Dentists can provide guidance to children and parents, deliver preventive oral health services, and diagnose and treat dental disease in its earliest stages. This ongoing dental care will help both children and adults maintain optimal oral health throughout their lifetimes.
As doctors of oral health, dentists must be able to diagnose and treat a range of conditions and know how to deal with complications—SOME OF WHICH CAN BE POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING!

What if I’m pregnant and need a dental x-ray?
A radiograph may be needed for dental treatment or a dental emergency that can’t wait until after the baby is born. Untreated dental infections can pose a risk to the fetus, and dental treatment may be necessary to maintain the health of the mother and child. Radiation from dental X-rays is extremely low. However, every precaution is taken to minimize radiation exposure. A leaded apron minimizes exposure to the abdomen and should be used when any dental radiograph is taken. A leaded thyroid collar can protect the thyroid from radiation, and should be used whenever possible. The use of a leaded thyroid collar is strongly recommended for women of childbearing age, pregnant women and children. Dental radiographs are not contraindicated if one is trying to become pregnant or is breast feeding.

How do dental X-rays work?
When X-rays pass through your mouth during a dental exam, more X-rays are absorbed by the denser parts (such as teeth and bone) than by soft tissues (such as cheeks and gums) before striking the film. This creates an image called a radiograph. Teeth appear lighter because fewer X-rays penetrate to reach the film. Tooth decay, infections and signs of gum disease, including changes in the bone and ligaments holding teeth in place, appear darker because of more X-ray penetration. Dental restorations (fillings, crowns) may appear lighter or darker, depending on the type of material used for the restoration. The interpretation of these radiographs allows the dentist to safely and accurately detect hidden abnormalities