Who is a dentist?
Dentists are doctors who help care for oral health, including the teeth and gums. They treat oral conditions like cavities, America's most prevalent chronic childhood disease. Besides treating oral conditions, dentists can detect the onset of illnesses in other body parts. Since the human body is an interconnected and interdependent system, diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) symptoms are often first visible in the mouth.
Dentists also educate patients about preventing tooth decay and maintaining oral health. They remove decay and plaque buildup from teeth, remove or repair damaged teeth, review diagnostics and X-rays, and apply fillings or sealants. Emergency dentists near you can also manage oral trauma and perform surgical procedures on the soft tissues and bones of the mouth and teeth. Dentists work with and lead a team of dental hygienists, lab technicians, and dental assistants.
What kind of education and training do dentists receive?
To become a dentist, students must graduate in science or earn an equivalent degree. They must clear a stringent examination to get admission to a good dental school. During the first two years of dental school, they learn subjects such as immunology, pathology, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. The following two years focus on clinical practice—diagnosing and treating oral diseases. Upon graduation from dental school, students receive a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) degree or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.
After finishing dental school, some dentists opt to specialize in a particular area of dental health. These specializations include oral and maxillofacial pathology/radiology/surgery, endodontics, dental public health, periodontics, prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry or orthodontics, and dentofacial orthopedics. Depending on the type of oral issue you are facing, you will need the services of an endodontist, prosthodontist, orthodontist, or an emergency dentist near you.
To practice, dentists must clear national and state-level licensing exams and keep updated with the latest research and developments in the field to maintain their certification.
Why should you see a dentist?
Adults and children without proper dental care may encounter oral decay and diseases, leading to lifelong pain and complications. However, patients often think they need to visit a dentist only when they have an issue with their teeth or gums. But, one must see a dentist every six months for preventive care. During these visits, dentists check for issues such as dental decay, gum problems, mouth cancer, or signs of illnesses in other parts of the body.
Other reasons to visit a dentist include plaque or tartar buildup, pain or swelling in the face, mouth, gums, jaws, or neck, bleeding gums, and issues with chewing or swallowing.
Based on the condition and patient, a general dentist may also refer the patient to another specialist, like a pediatric dentist, who specializes in caring for kids' oral health from infancy to their teenage years. Their expertise ensures children's teeth, gums, and mouths are well cared for at every stage of childhood.
What should you expect during a visit to the dentist?
When you first visit, a dentist will check your mouth for signs of disease or cavities. They will clean and floss the teeth, check if the gums are healthy, and if there are any cavities. Dentists use scrapers, mirrors, and special toothbrushes to remove plaque and other decay from the teeth. They may take X-ray scans to check for holes or problems beneath the gums. They will also check the alignment between the upper and lower teeth, called the bite.
If the bite is improper, they will refer you to an orthodontist. The dentist may prescribe fluoride drops or tablets or apply fluoride gel to the teeth. Fluoride is a powerful ally in cavity prevention and tooth strengthening.
During the dental procedure, the dentist will give an anesthetic, remove the decayed portion of the tooth, and then use dental fillings to restore and strengthen the affected area, ensuring its solidity and overall health.
How to prepare for a dental appointment?
Are you going to a dentist for your toothache? Are you due for a preventative dental checkup? In any case, you must follow specific preparation tips to make the most of your consultation. Get started with these four quick recommendations:
- Gather essential documents: If you have dental health coverage, remember to carry your insurance card to avail of the benefits. Additionally, bring along a payment method that the dental office accepts. If it's your first appointment, you will also need a photo ID, personal and emergency contact information, and a referral letter, if applicable, to complete the paperwork.
- Bring health information: Write a summary of your dental symptoms, including when they started, what triggered them, what worsens them, and how you have been managing them. Additionally, carry your medical records, including details of your health conditions, allergies, past dental procedures, and recent dental x-rays.
- Practice oral hygiene: Before your appointment, brush and floss your teeth, scrape your tongue, and rinse your mouth thoroughly to eliminate stuck food particles and bad breath. Presenting with a clean mouth in your dentist's chair is respectful behavior. It also significantly reduces the dental cleaning time and helps your dentist make an accurate diagnosis.
- Be mindful of your food choices: Eat a balanced meal a few hours before your dental appointment. However, stay clear of strong-smelling foods such as garlic, onion, fish, and eggs. Similarly, skip foods that stick between teeth, like popcorn, toffee, chips, and dried fruit. Avoid coffee, energy drinks, alcohol, and citrus juices on the day of the appointment.
What is the difference between a general dentist and an endodontist, and which one should you visit?
Both general dentists and endodontists provide dental care but specialize in different areas. While a dentist performs multiple procedures, such as cleaning teeth, filling cavities, and placing sealants, an endodontist focuses solely on performing root canals to treat tooth pain.
Knowing the key differences between the two professions can help you decide who to see for your oral care needs. Seeing the right professional can ensure you receive the proper treatment and recover quickly.
After completing four years of dental school, doctors who wish to become endodontists must pursue two to three years of advanced specialty programs in endodontics. Here, they specialize in studying dental pulp diseases and their treatments.
Dentists and endodontists often work together to ensure you receive the best care possible for your oral health problems. Their goal is to keep your mouth pain-free. If your dentist thinks you need specialized attention, they refer you to an endodontist.
Most people believe they need a referral to see a specialist, but you can directly contact an endodontist in some circumstances. For instance, if you have a cracked tooth or a traumatic injury that knocked out your tooth, you can directly visit an endodontist for treatment. The endodontist may gather all the necessary information and refer you to a general dentist.
Endodontists are specialists with advanced training in performing root canal procedures. Due to their expertise and specialized knowledge, they may charge more than a general dentist for the same procedure. That said, endodontic treatment can produce great results, with higher success rates than getting root canal treatment by a general dentist.
How is your oral health connected to your overall health?
Bacteria in your mouth are critical factors that connect oral and general health. While most bacteria are harmless, some can lead to diseases since your mouth is the gateway to your digestive and respiratory systems. By practicing daily brushing and flossing for good oral hygiene, coupled with the body's natural defenses, bacteria are typically kept in check. However, neglecting proper oral care can result in an overgrowth of bacteria, leading to oral infections like tooth decay and gum disease.
Additionally, certain medications like decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, diuretics, and antidepressants can reduce saliva flow. Saliva plays a crucial role in safeguarding you against disease-causing microbes by washing away food particles and neutralizing acids produced by bacteria. Moreover, scientific studies indicate that oral bacteria and inflammation from severe gum disease (periodontitis) may contribute to the development of some disorders. Furthermore, conditions like diabetes and HIV/AIDS can weaken the body's immune system, making oral health problems more severe and more complex to manage.
Which health conditions are associated with oral health?
Oral health is closely connected to various diseases and conditions, such as:
- Endocarditis: It refers to an infection of the inner lines of the heart chambers or valves, known as the endocardium. It typically occurs when bacteria or germs from other body parts, including the mouth, enter the bloodstream and attach to specific areas in the heart.
- Pregnancy and birth complications: In some studies, periodontitis, a severe gum disease, is related to premature birth and low birth weight.
- Pneumonia: Some bacteria in the mouth can be aspirated into the lungs, potentially leading to pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
Apart from these, certain health disorders such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease might affect oral health. Understanding and addressing the relationship between oral health and these conditions is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. Routine dental checkups and proper oral hygiene are crucial in preventing potential complications associated with these diseases.
How to find a good dentist near you in Boca Raton, Florida?
Visiting a dentist is essential if you have had a dental procedure recently, are pregnant, or smoke or use tobacco in any other form. Dentists also treat any issues with the tongue, muscles of the head, neck, jaw, salivary glands, and nervous system of the neck and head. Some dentists also specialize in different diseases or patient groups. Hence, finding the right specialist is necessary, and Zocdoc can help you achieve this!
Enhancing patients' healthcare is a priority for Zocdoc, and dentistry is no exception. Zocdoc matches patients with the top dentists in Boca Raton, Florida. On Zocdoc, you may look for a dentist based on your symptoms, preferred area and date, and insurance policy. Depending on their specialty, you can filter dentists, such as an emergency dentist or endodontist. You can also check the numerous verified patient reviews on Zocdoc to find the best dentist in Boca Raton.
If you do not have dental coverage, you can select "I'm paying for myself" in the search bar. You will receive a list of dentists offering consultations to patients without a health plan. Do you have any more insurance-related queries? You can check Zocdoc's patient help center page.
You can filter results depending on the language spoken, gender, hospital affiliations, and whether or not the dentist treats children. Furthermore, on Zocdoc, each dentist has a unique profile with details about their education, training, experience, awards, specialty, affiliations, certifications, licenses, and other qualifications. You have the option to schedule either an in-person or online appointment. Depending on the dentist's availability, you can also fix an appointment after 5 pm or on weekends with a general or an emergency dentist near you.
Booking appointments on Zocdoc is free, easy, and secure!
Statistics on dentists, diabetes, and CVD in Florida
The National Library of Medicine (NLM) states that there were nearly 11,143 dentists in Florida in 2019, compared to roughly 10,913 in 2018. According to the HCSEF, there were approximately 13,955 dentists in the state in 2022-23. Palm Beach County has about 85.6 dentists per 100,000 residents, much higher than the state average of roughly 61.5 dentists.
Dentists can detect signs of early diabetes in patients. According to America's Health Rankings, 12.2% of the adult population in Florida was diagnosed with diabetes in 2022. This statistic is higher than the national average of 11.5%. The condition's incidence was slightly higher in men (12.6%) than in women (11.6%). Diabetes is more likely in those aged 65 and higher (23.9%) as compared to those aged 45 to 64 (15.7%) and those aged 18 to 44 (3.6%).
Further, dentists can also recognize early signs of CVD in patients. In Florida, 9.9% of the adult population was diagnosed with CVD in 2022, according to America's Health Rankings. This number is higher than the national average of 9.1%. The incidence of CVD is higher in men (11.5%) than women (8.4%) and also higher in those aged 65 and above (21.4%). The incidence is lower in those aged 45 to 64 (11.0%) and those 18 to 44 (1.4%).
Sources
WebMD
Nemours KidsHealth
Maine Dental Association
HCSEF
America’s Health Rankings[1]
America’s Health Rankings[2]
MayoClinic
American Academy of Pediatrics
Midtown Endodontist NYC
American Association of Endodontists
Smile Perfection
Dorsey Family Dental
