What is a dentist?
A doctor specializing in dentistry who diagnoses and treats ailments that impact the teeth, gums, and oral structures is known as a dentist. Dentists can perform a variety of oral health treatments, including dental fillings, crowns, and bridges. Consistent dental checkups, cleanings, and proper oral health maintenance are crucial in minimizing the chances of developing severe medical conditions.
While some Americans enjoy excellent oral health and keep their natural teeth throughout their lives, this is not true for all. Cavities remain the most prevalent chronic disease affecting children. Millions of Americans do not see a dentist regularly and go to a dentist only when they get a toothache or some other oral discomfort. A dentist can diagnose and treat conditions that range from routine to highly complex. Regular checkups and good dental hygiene can prevent most oral diseases that can also impact general well-being.
Education and training of dentists
Like doctors, dentists undergo extensive medical training. In the United States, an aspiring dentist must complete an undergraduate degree and four years of focused training in an accredited dental school. They gain a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.
After completing their prerequisite education to become general dental practitioners, some dentists may choose to specialize in one specific area by pursuing a postgraduate residency of one to three years, depending on the specialty. Some dental subspecialties are:
- Endodontists - focus on root canal therapy, which involves treating infected teeth by removing the nerves and blood supply to relieve pain.
- Periodontists - specialize in the treatment of the bones and gums that provide support to the teeth.
- Orthodontists - help correct deformed teeth and straighten them with appliances such as braces.
- Pediatric dentists - offer dental care for children and special-needs patients.
- Oral pathologists - deal with conditions such as ulcers, bumps in the mouth, and oral diseases such as cancer.
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons - can do surgical procedures on the mouth, teeth, gums, jaws, neck, and head, such as removing damaged teeth or repairing a cleft lip and palate.
- Dental anesthesiologists - administer anesthetics or sedatives to reduce or eliminate pain during and after a dental procedure.
- Oral and maxillofacial radiologists - specialize in diagnosing diseases in the head and neck through imaging technologies.
- Dental public health specialists - help prevent dental diseases and promote good dental health at the community level.
What does a dentist do?
A dentist's primary responsibilities include diagnosing oral diseases and devising treatment plans for maintaining or restoring their patients' oral health. They perform a variety of tasks and procedures, such as:
- Applying sealants or whitening agents on teeth
- Examining X-rays of teeth, gums, jaw, and nearby areas to diagnose problems
- Removing tooth decay and filling up the cavities
- Repairing or removing any teeth that are damaged
- Administering anesthetics to prevent patients from experiencing pain during procedures
- Performing surgical procedures on the affected parts of the mouth, such as the teeth, bone, or soft tissues of the oral cavity
- Prescribing antibiotics or other medications
- Taking dental measurements and making models for dentures or other prosthetics
- Teaching patients about dental care habits such as flossing, suitable diet, and fluoride, among others.
- Managing oral trauma and other emergencies
Dentists use various tools and equipment for such procedures, including mouth mirrors, brushes, forceps, scalpels, and drills. They also use X-ray machines, lasers, digital scanners, and other technologies to detect problems. A dentist's care areas are not limited to the patient's teeth and gums but also the muscles and nervous system of the head, neck, jaw, tongue, and salivary glands.
During a comprehensive exam, they examine and check for any abnormalities in the mouth, such as ulcers, swellings, lumps, or discoloration. If needed, they prescribe diagnostic tests for chronic or infectious diseases and salivary gland function and perform procedures such as biopsies and screening for oral cancer.
Dentists can detect early warning signs in the mouth for a condition elsewhere in the body that may warrant referring patients to other specialists or physicians.
Why should you visit a dentist?
It is crucial for your overall well-being to proactively visit a dentist near you who is accepting new patients. They can offer the following:
Preventative care: Firstly, a dentist will conduct thorough examinations of your mouth to detect signs of dental decay, gum problems, or mouth cancer. This regular assessment aids in the prevention of more severe dental issues. Furthermore, a dental hygienist will perform teeth cleanings to eliminate tartar or plaque buildup, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Your dentist and hygienist will also guide you on maintaining excellent dental hygiene at home.
Addressing discomfort or pain: A visit to the dentist is essential for addressing discomfort or pain in your mouth, teeth, gums, or jaws. Pain or swelling in your neck, face, or mouth could indicate an underlying problem requiring attention. Similarly, if you experience gum bleeding or difficulties swallowing or chewing, scheduling a dental checkup is necessary to pinpoint the root cause.
Maintenance and overall health: Maintenance of your oral health holds significant importance. Ensuring the proper functionality of dental procedures you might have undergone is essential.
What dental conditions do dentists commonly diagnose and treat?
Some common problems treated by dentists include:
- Tooth decay: Bacteria deposit a plaque film on tooth surfaces, leading to tooth decay. They also utilize glucose from meals to produce acids that affect the soft dentin beneath the enamel. Tooth decay can result in gaps or cavities in the teeth.
- Gingivitis: During its initial phases, plaque accumulation and common bacteria result in an infection, causing gingivitis, a mild gum disease.
- Bad breath: Several factors, such as mouth dryness, medication side effects, mouth infections, and acid reflux-induced cancer, can cause bad breath. Diet can also play a role in the development of bad breath.
- Sensitive teeth: Tooth sensitivity, also known as dentin hypersensitivity, can be caused by tooth decay. Factors like root infections, gum recession, periodontal disease, worn-down crowns, or enamel erosion can contribute to this condition.
- Chipped or cracked teeth: Trauma, chewing on hard foods, oral piercings, and nighttime teeth grinding are common causes of cracked or fractured teeth. The severity of the injury determines the level of pain experienced.
- Receding gums: Gum recession can lead to dental issues and potentially tooth loss, becoming a more significant concern over time.
What should one expect during a visit to the dentist near you?
Plan enough time off work or school so you don't feel rushed during the visit. When scheduling your appointment, ask how long it typically takes and add extra time. If it's been a while since your last visit, you might need more time in the chair. An end-of-day appointment can be a good option so you can head home afterward.
Check if your provider is in-network to save money. You might have to pay a co-pay at the office, or you could be billed after your insurance pays. If you don't have insurance, ask ahead of time about the costs.
On the day of your appointment, arrive early to fill out any necessary paperwork. Carry your ID and insurance card for check-in.
During a routine visit, a dental hygienist will cover your chest with a protective cloth and may give you eye shields. They use tools to clean plaque and tartar from your teeth and gum line. Let the hygienist know if your jaw hurts or if you feel any pain. You can take breaks as needed.
After cleaning, you'll rinse your mouth, and the hygienist will polish your teeth with a spinning tool and buffing paste, which you might get to choose the flavor of. X-rays are usually done annually to spot any hidden issues.
Next, the dentist will check each tooth and use a periodontal probe to measure any gum pockets. They will discuss your dental health and any needed treatments.
If your mouth is sore after the visit, over-the-counter pain relievers can help. Call the dentist if you have questions, tooth pain, or if your jaw swells. You should inform your dentist right away if you have broken teeth or similar issues, as they qualify as emergencies.
How to maintain good dental health in babies?
Many wonder why oral hygiene is essential for babies since permanent teeth will eventually replace the milk teeth. However, the latter can impact a child's dental health in the long run and cause the following conditions, even after they are gone:
Crooked Teeth: Premature tooth loss due to untreated decay can disrupt the natural transition from baby to permanent teeth. Usually, when a permanent tooth is ready to emerge, it pushes on the baby tooth, causing it to loosen.
If a child loses their baby tooth to decay, the permanent tooth may not be in the correct position. Once the permanent tooth comes in, it may shift from its proper location, causing it to break through in an abnormal spot. This can crowd other permanent teeth and result in crooked teeth, which may require future orthodontic care.
Gum Disease: Gum disease is another concern. If a child develops gum disease from excessive cavities in their baby teeth, losing them won't eliminate the gum disease. If the child continues to have gum disease as permanent teeth emerge, it may lead to more dental issues.
Poor oral hygiene can result in health problems regardless of age. However, preventive dental care can address most of these issues. Parents should prioritize their children's dental hygiene as much as they do nutritious food and sufficient sleep.
The American Dental Association advises them to schedule their child's first dental visit when the first baby tooth appears. It's the best time for the first appointment for several reasons.
For example, in addition to checking the child's teeth and gums for health, the dentist can discuss the necessity of eating nutritious food for oral health. They can also guide parents on when and how to start a regular tooth brushing and flossing routine. Generally, dentists recommend beginning a twice-daily brushing routine by the child's second birthday, though some may suggest starting earlier.
A dentist can also advise how often a child should receive dental exams. Regular checkups help ensure the teeth, gums, and jaw are healthy and developing correctly. Regular visits allow for early detection and prompt treatment if dental, gum, or jaw issues arise.
Finding a qualified dentist near you in Arlington, MA
Visiting a dentist is critical to your and your family's oral health and overall well-being. They provide treatment and preventive care to people of all ages and walks of life. Depending on your disorders and diseases, your dentist may recommend screenings, healthcare regimens, or lifestyle adjustments. However, choosing a qualified, knowledgeable, and experienced dentist can be a hassle. With Zocdoc's open directory of the best medical and healthcare providers, you can find top-rated dentists in your vicinity accepting new patients within minutes.
To begin, log onto Zocdoc and enter your location, symptoms, or the specialist you seek to receive a list of suitable providers. You can find in-network professionals by including your insurance carrier in the search.
If you need help finding dentists who accept your insurance, our online patient help center is ready to assist. On Zocdoc, you can link your medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your account. Keep in mind that each appointment can only use one insurance plan.
If you have multiple insurance plans, don't worry. You can include your secondary insurance details in the appointment notes. Additionally, if your provider uses Zocdoc's Intake forms, you can enter your secondary insurance information for easy access.
We at Zocdoc take the patient-doctor connection very seriously. Every listed healthcare professional has a unique profile with information about their educational qualifications, board certifications, clinical interests, expertise, experience, and accreditations. Utilizing our provider profiles, user evaluations, and authenticated feedback, you can make an informed choice before selecting a dentist.
After selecting the most suitable dental specialist, you can promptly arrange an in-person or virtual appointment according to their schedule.
Booking appointments with dentists near you on Zocdoc is easy, secure, and free!
Dental statistics for Massachusetts
Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics there were around 2,710 dentists in Massachusetts in 2023. Further, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2020, among adults in Massachusetts over 65, approximately 12% had lost all their natural teeth, and 30% lost six or more to tooth decay or gum disease.
The Massachusetts Health Policy Commission synthesized data that revealed that, as of 2017, approximately 23% of U.S. residents did not have dental insurance. This included around 25% of Massachusetts adults with health insurance coverage for other medical needs. Out-of-pocket payments accounted for over 45% of dental care expenses nationwide, the highest percentage among all healthcare services. In 2019, around 16.6% of Massachusetts residents reported that cost prevented them from getting the necessary dental care.
The report also showed that of approximately 52,843 visits that people made to the Emergency Room (ER) due to an oral condition in 2019, the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission (HPC) identified 29,118 ER visits for Non-Traumatic Dental Conditions (NTDCs). This comprised a little over 55% of ER visits due to an oral problem, which decreased by about 12.5% from 2017.
Sources
Kneib Dentistry
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
Cleveland Clinic
Maine Dental Association
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics[1]
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics[2]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
North Country HealthCare
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