Final answer:
A dentist typically prefers patients with fewer and less severe cavities as it implies good oral hygiene, resulting in less complex and painful treatments such as fillings. Dentists aim to preserve dental health and aesthetics with treatments that cause minimal discomfort.
Step-by-step explanation:
A dentist usually prefers a patient with fewer cavities and less severe cavities. This is because it indicates a patient has maintained good oral hygiene, which typically results in less need for fillings and tooth extractions, ultimately leading to less pain and suffering due to tooth decay. Utilizing x-ray images for assessment, a dentist can determine the extent of tooth decay and plan treatments accordingly, as fillings are less complicated and less painful in earlier stages of caries development. Dentists appreciate the simplicity and effectiveness of treating such cases, as well as the satisfaction of preserving the patient's dental health and aesthetics.
For instance, there's an account of a dentist working with a patient named Trina, who had mostly perfect teeth except for a small area of decay that needed a gold filling. The procedure caused some discomfort, and in the narrative, it's evident that dealing with severe issues can be distressing for both patient and dentist. Another scenario describes a dentist considering more advanced treatments, such as a crown or bridge, to maintain the appearance and function of the teeth, highlighting the overall goal of preserving dental integrity.