Who is a dentist?
Dentists are healthcare professionals who diagnose, treat, and prevent conditions of the teeth, gums, and other mouth parts. Apart from managing oral health problems, they also conduct regular dental checkups that allow them to evaluate oral health and detect problems early. That way, they can help their patients avoid complicated treatment procedures. Dentists also counsel about good dental hygiene practices and their impact on overall well-being.
What kind of education and training do dentists receive?
Before working in the medical field, dentists undergo extensive education and medical training. Much like any other medical program, they first obtain a 4-year bachelor's degree in a related field, such as biology, health, math, or chemistry. Then, they take the required exams to enter an accredited dental school where they earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) degree. During the first two years of their 4-year program, they study biomedical sciences, followed by clinical practice for the next two years. They acquire their dental license to practice after clearing the required written and practical exams.
Dentists may also choose to do a one—to three-year postgraduate residency to specialize in a specific area of dental medicine.
What are the various specialties in dentistry?
Dental specialists undergo two to three years of further training after clearing dental school to focus on specific issues. These specialized areas include:
- Prosthodontics: This field helps in creating natural dental restorations like crowns, bridges, and dentures
- Periodontics: This specialty deals with diagnosing and treating gum disease and related conditions
- Orthodontics: This specialty involves realigning bites and straightening teeth with braces, aligners, and other appliances.
- Endodontics: Specialists in endodontics can perform root canal therapy, especially in complex cases referred by dentists.
- Implant dentistry: This field deals with placing dental implants as a long-term teeth replacement.
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery: This complex specialty can help treat jaw and orofacial issues, including wisdom teeth removal.
- Oral and maxillofacial radiology: This specialty focuses on dental imaging interpretation.
- Pediatric dentistry (pedodontics): Specialists in pedodontics can treat dental issues in children and adolescents.
- Cosmetic dentistry: Enhancing smiles with whitening, veneers, and gum contouring treatments fall under the purview of cosmetic dentistry.
- Orofacial pain management: This field helps diagnose, treat, and prevent pain in teeth, jaws, head, and face.
- Oral medicine: This field allows patients with chronic medical conditions relating to the mouth.
- Forensic dentistry: Identifying human remains through dental records and tooth examinations for legal purposes is the domain of forensic dentistry.
- Reconstructive dentistry: This specialty helps rehabilitate patients with extensive cavities or gum disease, often requiring multiple appointments.
- Dental anesthesiology: Offering advanced pain management for dental and oral surgeries falls under the scope of dental anesthesiology.
- Public health dentistry: This specialty is concerned with designing community-focused oral health programs.
When should you consult a dentist?
You can visit a dentist near you for two main reasons: preventative care and maintenance or treatment of dental problems. Dentists recommend a preventive dental checkup once every six months. However, they may ask you to visit more often if you fall into a high-risk category, including children, pregnant women, people with diabetes, smokers, and drinkers.
During these routine checkups, your dentist will check for any signs of dental problems, clean plaque buildup on the teeth, and give tips for improving oral hygiene. If you have undergone dental procedures such as root canals or fillings, your dentist will examine them to ensure everything is well-maintained.
Secondly, you must immediately consult your dentist whenever you experience any concerning dental symptoms. Some of the common dental problems include toothache, swollen or bleeding gums, dry mouth, loose teeth, mouth sores, teeth sensitivity, tooth discoloration, broken or chipped teeth, constant jaw pain, headaches, bad breath, missing teeth, receding gums, teeth grinding, and snoring and gasping during sleep. Delayed diagnosis and treatment of these issues can lead to further complications.
What are some of the most common dental procedures?
Depending on the severity and type of your dental problem, the dentist may recommend any of the following procedures. Learning about the treatment beforehand helps you make better decisions regarding your oral health and thus reduces anxiety:
- Teeth cleaning: Involves removing food debris, plaque, and tartar buildup on your teeth to prevent problems such as cavities and gum disease.
- Dental fissure sealants: Your dentist will apply a protective layer on the grooves or fissures of the chewing teeth to prevent tooth decay.
- Tooth extraction: This is the process of removing the whole tooth. Common reasons for this procedure are tooth decay or damage, gum disease, and overcrowding.
- Dental fillings: Manufacturers use different materials to make these, such as porcelain, metal, or resin. After removing the decayed tooth matter, the dentist fills the cleaned-out area with a filling material to restore the standard tooth shape and function.
- Dental crown: A tooth-shaped cap is fitted on the top of the treated tooth to protect it from additional damage and restore its normal form and function. You can choose caps of different materials such as metals, porcelain, resin, and ceramics.
- Root canal therapy: It is needed when bacteria infect the tooth's pulp due to an untreated cavity or cracked tooth. The dentist removes the infected pulp. They then fill the space with a filling material. They may also fit a dental crown to protect your tooth.
- Dental bridges: Involves fitting false teeth in the gaps created due to missing teeth.
- Dentures: These are removable artificial teeth that fit onto the gums to replace missing teeth. Different types of dentures include full, partial, and temporary dentures.
How does a dentist check your teeth for cavities?
During your dental checkup, the dentist conducts a thorough examination for cavities. They may also take X-rays to reveal hidden cavities and underlying issues below the gum line. These X-rays are safe, quick, and painless. The dental hygienist places a protective shield over your body and inserts an X-ray film holder into your mouth, having you gently bite down while remaining still for a few moments while capturing the image.
Your dentist inspects all your teeth and assesses the health of your gums to ensure their strength. They also evaluate your bite, which is how your upper and lower teeth come together. They will refer you to an orthodontist if any potential bite problems are detected. An orthodontist is a specialist in teeth alignment who uses braces or orthodontia to correct misaligned teeth.
The dentist will closely examine the X-rays to identify cavities or other dental issues. They will answer any questions you have about your teeth. If necessary, your dentist might recommend fluoride drops or tablets for daily use at home.
Essential tips for optimal dental health
Having a brilliant smile requires more than just regular brushing. Here are some tips to help you so that your dental health remains in top condition:
- Brush twice daily: Use fluoride-rich toothpaste and a gentle, soft-bristled brush. Brush for two minutes, covering all areas to remove plaque and prevent cavities.
- Floss every day: Flossing reaches the spots your brush can't, removing food particles and plaque from between teeth and under the gumline. Aim to floss at least once a day.
- Replace your toothbrush: Change your toothbrush every three to four months. A worn brush won't clean effectively.
- Rinse with mouthwash: An antibacterial mouthwash can kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Use it after brushing and flossing for added protection against plaque and gum disease.
- Eat a balanced diet: Eat nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and dairy to strengthen your teeth/gums. Avoid excessive sugary snacks and acidic drinks.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water helps rinse away food particles and bacteria. It also promotes saliva production to protect your teeth.
- Quit smoking: Tobacco harms your gums and teeth, causing stains and disease. Quitting smoking could enhance your oral health and prevent bad breath.
- Use a mouthguard for sports: Wearing a mouthguard during sports activities is a simple way to prevent damage and protect your teeth.
Additionally, it is always wise to consult with a dentist for personalized advice. Go for dental checkups every six months to ensure professional cleanings and exams that catch problems early and maintain oral health.
What should one expect during a dental checkup?
During your dental checkup, you'll typically be seen by a dentist, a dental hygienist, or both. The practitioners will assess your oral health, clean your teeth, and advise on preventing future problems.
Here's a breakdown of what usually happens at a session:
- Oral examination: Your dentist or hygienist will assess your teeth and gums. They'll use a bright overhead light and small instruments, like a dental mirror and probe, to search for signs of decay, gum disease, or other oral health issues. They may also examine your bite and screen for oral cancer.
- Professional cleaning: The practitioner will remove plaque and tartar buildup using a scaler, a handheld tool that gently scrapes off hardened deposits. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, can result in cavities and gum disease if not removed regularly. During this process, the dentist may use a small suction device to clear your mouth of water and debris.
- Polishing: Post cleaning, the dentist will polish your teeth with a high-powered brush and a gritty toothpaste-like polish that helps eliminate surface stains. This process can also smooth the tooth surface, making it more difficult for plaque to accumulate.
- Flossing: To remove any remaining debris, your hygienist will floss between your teeth. They will also check for gum sensitivity or bleeding areas. They may also offer tips on improving your at-home brushing and flossing techniques.
- Fluoride treatment: Depending on individual oral health needs, your dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment. Fluoride makes the tooth enamel stronger and helps prevent cavities. It is used as a gel, foam, or varnish and is often flavored. After the application, the dentist usually asks that you not eat or drink anything for half an hour so that the fluoride is fully absorbed.
Regular checkups are essential for maintaining optimum oral health. Most adults benefit from seeing their dentist every six months. Sometimes, your dentist may recommend a different schedule based on your needs. Regular visits help detect issues early and keep your smile healthy.
Where can you find the best dentist near you in Canton, OH?
Dental problems are common and result from many factors, such as poor oral hygiene, lifestyle and diet choices, aging, and genetics. It is possible to maintain good oral health by going for regular dental checkups. So, if you are looking for a qualified dentist to help you, you have landed on the right platform!
Zocdoc allows you to search for any medical specialist across U.S. states who accepts your insurance. In the search bar, fill in the required details: specialty (dentist), location (Canton, OH), availability, and insurance details. When you click the find button, Zocdoc will match you with the ideal providers.
Uploading a photo of your medical insurance card on Zocdoc can streamline selecting your insurance plan, although optional. If you prefer not to upload an image, you can manually add your insurance details by selecting your plan from the provided list. If you encounter any trouble, visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
You can use Zocdoc filters to narrow your search results and save time. You can specify your dental condition, appointment time, travel distance, and the expert's language. Although dental consultations are best in person, you can check for providers offering video visits in case of emergencies.
When your search results are per your preferences, you can go through individual expert profiles to learn more about them. You can get relevant details about their education and training, hospital affiliations, practice names, board certifications, and professional memberships. Reading verified reviews and ratings by past patients can also help you make an informed decision.
Once you have chosen the dentist you desire, you can immediately book your virtual or in-person appointment via Zocdoc. With Zocdoc, you can schedule appointments with a dentist before, during, or after regular office hours, depending on their availability. If the dentist's schedule allows, you can also book visits on weekends and holidays.
Booking appointments with a dentist near you on Zocdoc is easy, secure, and 100% free!
Vital statistics on dental health, dental visits, and dental practitioners in Ohio
Based on an America's Health Rankings report for 2022, around 64.4% of adults reported going to a dentist or a dental clinic in the preceding year, of which approximately 67.0% were females and 61.6% were males. There was not much difference in the numbers when comparing different age groups visiting a dental clinic—around 60.8% were aged 18-44, 66.7% were aged 45-64, and 67.9% were aged 65+.
According to the May 2023 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were around 3560 general dentists in Ohio. Projections Central estimates the number will rise to about 3,740 between 2020 and 2030.
Sources
WebMD
Cleveland Clinic[1]
Cleveland Clinic[2]
American Dental Association
Isaacson Gentle Dentistry
America’s Health Rankings
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Projections Central
Nemours KidsHealth
Healthline[1]
Healthline[2]
MouthHealthy
