Who is a dentist?
A dentist diagnoses and treats oral health issues. Your mouth forms an integral part of your body that needs much-needed care and attention. Proper oral health care can help reduce the risk of developing other severe health conditions.
Dentists are doctors who undergo extensive training in oral care. After obtaining an undergraduate degree, a dentist must complete four years of training in an accredited dental school. Typically, in the U.S., a dentist can obtain two different degrees: a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD).
A dentist has multiple responsibilities, mainly focused on promoting good oral hygiene. They diagnose and treat teeth, gums, and mouth problems. Depending on the need and situation, a dentist can perform multiple dental procedures using medical tools.
On a typical day at work, a dentist may do the following:
- Treat cavities
- Remove plaque buildup
- Repair damaged teeth
- Teach people about oral hygiene
What are the common types of specializations in dentistry?
A dentist operates primarily in three specific areas - preventive, restorative, and emergency dental care. You may need treatment in either of these categories based on your dental condition.
Dentists provide a variety of treatment choices, and hence, there are multiple dental specialties, as given below:
- Orthodontics: This specialty focuses on the realignment or straightening of your teeth for better oral health or function. Recommending braces or aligners is a part of this specialty.
- Periodontics: This specialty focuses on gum health and diagnosing issues related to gum problems and the tissues around your teeth.
- Pedodontics: The focus here is protecting children's teeth. Periodontists specialize in treating oral health concerns in children and adolescents.
- Endodontics: Endodontists treat infections and diseases inside the tooth pulp, which contains blood vessels, tissues, and nerves. A standard yet effective oral treatment they perform is root canal treatment.
- Prosthodontics: This specialty focuses on dental restorations, including crowns, bridges, and dentures.
Other specialties include oral and maxillofacial surgery, public health dentistry, dental anaesthesiology, oral medicine, orofacial pain management, and cosmetic dentistry.
What are the common reasons for visiting a dentist?
Ideally, you should visit a dentist near you every six months for regular checkups. Sometimes, you may experience discomfort in your neck or the side of your head. This could also indicate an existing oral issue requiring a dentist's attention.
The common reasons for booking an appointment with a dentist can fall under any of the following three main categories:
- Preventive measures: This includes general visits to detect gum problems or signs of tooth decay. Timely checkups can help prevent dental conditions that may arise in the future. A dentist may also clean your teeth or remove any plaque buildup as a preventive measure.
- For pain or discomfort: You must visit a dentist if you experience sudden pain or discomfort in your teeth, mouth, gums, or jaws. Bleeding gums or discomfort while chewing food may also indicate a dental condition.
- General maintenance and health: If you have recently had a dental procedure, you must visit a dentist for regular care and checkups. You should also see your dentist regularly if you are pregnant or smoke frequently.
Treatments and procedures offered by dentists
Dentists offer a variety of services, including diagnostic and treatment procedures. Visiting a dentist for regular screening is advisable to help prevent future dental problems. They may clean and polish your teeth during the appointment to help remove plaque and tartar buildup.
If they notice a cavity in your teeth, they may suggest undergoing cavity filling, extraction, or root canal based on the extent of the tooth decay. They can also place crowns over broken teeth or offer implants to replace missing teeth.
Besides the above, a dental specialist can provide cosmetic treatments to enhance your smile and improve your appearance via orthotic devices such as braces, aligners, retainers, etc. Dentists play an important role in restoring everyday functioning for older people as they craft dentures to replace missing or lost teeth. Sealant application, veneer placement, and fluoride treatments are some other procedures that a dentist can perform.
Causes of dental problems
The oral cavity is home to various bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Some are considered 'healthy' and harmless in small quantities. The leading cause of all dental problems is usually acid-producing bacteria, traditionally wrought on by a sugar-rich diet. Sugar in food helps this bacteria weaken the tooth enamel, ultimately leading to decay. Additionally, plaque buildup around teeth can cause gum inflammation, leading to gingivitis. When the bacteria between the teeth and gums thrive in plaque, the inflammation becomes severe, leading to the formation of pus, and this stage is known as periodontitis.
Poor oral hygiene can also cause dental problems. Inadequate brushing, flossing, and smoking can lead to gingivitis and cavities. Moreover, medications that restrict saliva production in the mouth, hormonal changes, and family history or genetics are other causes of dental issues. People with diabetes, infections such as AIDS or HIV, and acid reflux may be more vulnerable to oral health problems. Consuming excessive sugary snacks and beverages can also cause your teeth and gums to deteriorate faster.
Preparing for your dentist appointment
A well-prepared visit to the dentist ensures a seamless experience, whether it's a routine checkup or a complex procedure. Taking proactive steps can help minimize stress, provide effective treatment, and make your visit more comfortable.
- Arrive early and plan for comfort: Reaching the clinic 10–15 minutes beforehand allows for necessary paperwork and a stress-free check-in. Consider bringing comfort items like noise-canceling headphones or a stress ball to enhance relaxation for lengthy procedures.
- Gather medical and dental records: Carrying relevant health information, including a list of medications, allergies, and recent dental X-rays, enables your dentist to provide optimal care. If switching dentists, request a record transfer to ensure continuity in treatment.
- Organize insurance and payment details: Confirming that your dentist accepts your insurance plan helps avoid unexpected costs. Review your coverage to determine which services are included. If uninsured, inquire about payment plans in advance and keep your insurance card and ID ready.
- Confirm your appointment: Double-checking your appointment time prevents scheduling mishaps. Dentists typically send reminders via email or text, but if you don't receive one, calling the office helps verify your slot and allows any necessary adjustments. This keeps your visit on track and helps the clinic manage its schedule efficiently.
- Understand your treatment plan: Knowing what to expect alleviates anxiety and enables you to ask informed questions. Discuss the process, recovery time, and any dietary restrictions with your dentist beforehand if you're undergoing a procedure beyond a routine cleaning — such as a filling, crown, or extraction.
- Maintain oral hygiene before your visit: Brushing and flossing before your appointment ensures a fresh mouth, making it easier for the dentist to assess your oral health. However, avoid over-brushing or mouthwash, as these might mask potential issues.
How to keep your teeth healthy
A positive oral condition impacts your dental and overall health. Attaining optimal dental health requires following a routine regularly and consistently. You must take small daily steps to maintain your dental health and prevent dental issues. Taking preventive measures is more accessible and pocket-friendly before you visit any of the best dentists near you for a checkup.
A simple dental care routine can take you a long way and save you from serious dental issues in the long run. Here are some steps you can take to keep your teeth healthy:
- Brushing regularly: This is an elementary suggestion but the most effective one. It inhibits the growth of harmful germs and plaque. Removing plaque is essential because, when accumulated, it can harden and lead to severe issues like gum diseases. Brushing your teeth twice daily and using fluoride is recommended for the best results.
- Cleaning your tongue: Many people skip this part of dental care and must give it more importance. It is extremely crucial to clean your tongue right after you brush every day. An unclean tongue can become a breeding ground for bacteria, cause mouth odors, and lead to tooth decay and other oral issues.
- Flossing: This is often even viewed as inessential. However, it removes the food stuck between the teeth after meals and prevents cavities. It also helps stimulate gums and lower inflammation, making flossing at least once daily essential.
- Avoiding certain foods: To maintain healthy teeth, you must also avoid foods that can cause dental issues. Doctors recommend limiting your intake of acidic and sweet food items. Soda must also be avoided since it affects the enamel.
- Visiting a dentist: It is better to keep seeing dentists for regular checkups than only go when an emergency strikes. This will help you monitor your dental health and receive professional advice. The best dentist near you can point out any potential issues you may face and offer preventative solutions.
Finding the best dentists in Arlington, Texas
If something about your oral health bothers you or you want a regular checkup, it is time to book an appointment with an experienced and qualified dentist. If you seek a dentist in Arlington, Texas, you must try using Zocdoc.
Zocdoc is a search engine that helps you locate the best doctors in your city or state. When you type in a search query on Zocdoc, it scans through millions of pages to develop the best search results for dentists. You can filter these results through multiple categories and enter the specialty, your locality, preferred appointment slots, and even zip code details. Based on your health issues, you can search for the best dentist near you who can help you through an online consultation or in-person appointment.
The search results for dentists in Arlington, Texas, will show you detailed profiles of the dentists. These profiles include information on the respective dentists' expertise, training, years of practice, and certifications. If you are still undecided, don't worry! Zocdoc provides recent and verified reviews from patients who have visited the doctors.
While searching, you can input your insurance details by selecting your carrier (another term for your insurance company) and plan (the particular coverage associated with that carrier). Using the Zocdoc app or your phone, you can upload a photo of your medical insurance card. Please note that this feature is not available for dental or vision plans. Our system will scan your card and suggest your likely insurance plan. By providing this information, you'll get results showing which providers are in your network and which are out-of-network. Suppose you prefer not to share your insurance details with your provider when booking an appointment on Zocdoc. In that case, you will be prompted to either provide your insurance information or indicate that you will be paying out-of-pocket. Certain providers may require insurance information to schedule an appointment. However, if you do not have insurance or choose not to use it, you can effortlessly search for another provider on Zocdoc. If you still need help, please visit the Zocdoc patient help center.
Booking an appointment with a dentist on Zocdoc is easy, free, and secure!
Dentist statistics in Arlington, Texas
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas has the second-highest level of employment for dentists in the U.S. Texas has approximately 9,540 employed dentists as of May 2021. Out of these, about 3,520 dentists are in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area in Texas. Most dentists in the U.S. take up offices of dentists, outpatient care centers, offices of physicians, and general medical and surgical hospitals.
Tooth decay is preventable with regular health checkups. However, a 2018 Texas Department of State Health Services survey revealed that around 67% of Texas school children had tooth decay, while 45% had dental sealants. A dental sealant prevents decay on the biting surface of the back teeth, a common concern among children today. Moreover, about 17.5% of the children had untreated tooth decay.
Sources
Cleveland Clinic
WebMD
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Texas Department of State Health Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Mayo Clinic
Branford Dental Care
Oral Health Foundation
Top Notch Dentistry of Dallas
