What Does a Dentist Do?

You probably know that dentists fix teeth, but that barely scratches the surface when it comes to what their job actually entails. Modern dentists are part detective, part engineer, part artist, part health protector, all rolled into one.

Whether you only pop in for your routine check-ups or you’re mid way through your transformation, your dentist is quietly doing a lot behind the scenes to keep you healthy, confident and pain-free with any treatment you may have. 

Dentists don’t just treat teeth, they protect your whole mouth

A dentist has your best interests at heart when it comes to your teeth, gums, the muscles, nerves, bones and joints in your mouth, as well as your tongue. Dentists aren’t just tooth doctors, they’re oral-health specialists.

Your dentist’s job is to look after them all, spotting problems early and keeping things running smoothly.

A dentist checks and treats:

• Teeth
• Gums
• Jaw bones
• Bite and alignment
• Oral soft tissues
• Early signs of disease (like gum disease or tooth decay)
• The jaw joint (TMJ)
• The aesthetics of your smile

The roles and responsibilities of a dentist

Routine check-ups – the most important appointment you’ll ever forget

A standard check-up might seem quick and simple, but a lot is happening in that chair. Most dental problems don’t hurt until they’re serious, so check-ups are where your dentist catches things early, saving you money, stress and toothache later.

Your dentist will:

• Check every tooth for decay, cracks or wear
• Look for signs of gum disease
• Check your bite and jaw joint
• Assess existing fillings, crowns or dental work
• Look for early warning signs of oral cancer
• Check how well you clean your teeth
• Take X-rays if needed
• Create a personalised plan to keep you healthy

Hygienist-style cleaning – polishing your smile

Good oral hygiene isn’t just about fresh breath, it’s the foundation for healthy gums, strong teeth, and a longer-lasting smile. And, while dedicated hygienists do most professional cleaning, dentists also:

• Remove plaque and tartar
• Polish teeth
• Treat gum inflammation
• Give personalised brushing and flossing advice
• Recommend the right oral hygiene products for you

Preventative dental care – stopping problems before they start

Dentists love prevention, it keeps your mouth healthy and your visits as simple as possible and after all, the best dental treatment is the one you never need. That’s why dentists focus heavily on prevention, so part of their services includes:

• Fluoride treatments
• Bite guards for grinding
• Advice on diet and habits
• Early orthodontic assessment
• Managing dry mouth
• Stopping enamel erosion

Fixing the problems – from tiny fillings to full smile rescues

When something does need treatment, your dentist is there to put things right with precision and care. A dentist’s goal isn’t just to fix it,  it’s to restore comfort, function and confidence.

Common dental treatments include:

• Fillings
• Dental implants
• Rebuilding worn teeth
• Gum disease treatments
• Emergency care for pain or infections

Cosmetic dentistry – making smiles look amazing

Dentistry isn’t only about health, it’s about aesthetics too. At Smile Stories, this is kind of our thing because we specialise in creating confidence-boosting, camera-ready smiles using the latest techniques and tech. Many dentists have advanced training in cosmetic procedures that enhance or completely transform your smile.

These include:

• Teeth whitening
• Composite bonding
• Invisalign and clear aligners
• Veneers
• Smile makeovers

Orthodontic care – straightening things out

Although orthodontists specialise in complex cases, many dentists now offer modern solutions like clear aligners to 

They help with:

• Crowding
• Gaps
• Crossbites
• Overbites
• Underbites
• Relapse after childhood braces

Oral surgery – the tricky bits

When cases become more complex, dentists can refer to oral surgeons,  but they handle a surprising amount themselves. Dentists are trained to perform minor surgical procedures including:

• Simple and complex extractions
• Wisdom tooth removal (in many cases)
• Surgical cleanings
• Biopsies
• Treatment of infections

Dental emergencies – for when life throws you a curveball

Have you cracked a tooth, accidentally knocked one out or got a sudden toothache?

Dentists deal with dental emergencies every day.

They can:

• Relieve severe pain
• Drain infections
• Treat broken teeth
• Provide temporary or permanent repairs
• Advise on urgent aftercare

Monitoring your general health

At the end of the day, your mouth doesn’t lie, and dentists are trained to recognise early symptoms that might need attention long before you notice anything yourself. Your mouth says a lot about your overall wellbeing, so dentists can spot signs of:

• Diabetes
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Anaemia
• Hormonal changes
• Immune issues
• Oral cancer
• Acid reflux

Providing personalised dental advice

As well as all the thorough treatments that dentists provide, they’re also there to provide you with advice on how to keep your mouth in the best condition possible. This could include:

• The best brushing routine for you
• What type of floss or flosser you should use
• How your diet impacts your mouth
• Whether whitening is suitable for you
• How to reduce sensitivity
• How to protect your enamel
• Which treatments you actually need
• How to maintain results after cosmetic work

At Smile Stories… our dentists do all this with a little extra

Because we’re fully private, our dentists can offer services above and beyond what you could expect elsewhere. 

• Longer, more relaxed appointments
• A personalised, relaxing experience
• Modern tech that makes dentistry kinder and easier
• A full range of general and cosmetic treatments
• Flexible booking
• A friendly, judgement-free environment
• Smile transformation expertise

We simply give you the kind of care we’d want for ourselves, and smiles we’re proud to put our name behind.

So, dentists do much more than fix teeth, they protect your health, prevent problems, solve emergencies, straighten smiles, transform confidence and help you keep your mouth in top shape for life.

And if you want a dentist who has time, choice, comfort and cosmetic skill on their side… well, that’s exactly what we do at Smile Stories. Get in touch with us today if you’d like to get registered, and for a free smile assessment.