Who is a dentist? What are their duties?
A dentist is the medical professional responsible for oral healthcare. They treat conditions related to all parts of the mouth, such as the jaws, teeth, and gums. Dentistry involves identifying, treating, diagnosing, and preventing disfigurement and diseases in the oral cavity.
A dentist is responsible for maintaining a patient’s dental hygiene and recording medical history. They check the interiors of the patient’s mouth, use imaging techniques, offer treatment and medication, and perform surgeries if required.
The duties of a dentist include the following:
- Evaluating and examining oral health conditions in the teeth, gums, and jaws
- Conducting routine clean-ups of the mouth
- Filling cavities or performing root canal treatments
- Fixing prosthetic replacement teeth
- Performing other treatments like fixing crowns, dentures, and oral appliances
- Offering advice on good dental care (proper brushing techniques, flossing, dentures, etc.)
What are the training requirements for becoming a dentist?
Becoming a dentist involves an education career that can take eight years or more. It commences with the completion of a four-year undergraduate degree in science. Then, to enroll for four years in a Commission of Dental Accreditation (CoDA) recognized dental school, one must qualify through the Dental Admission Test (DAT). After completing dental school, the degree is either a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) or a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery). Both degrees are equivalent.
After dental school, dentists must clear the two-part Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) and a clinical examination to become eligible for licensure. Residency after dental school is optional. The duration of a dental residency program varies depending on the specialty chosen. Dental residency programs typically take 2-3 years, with only the oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program lasting 4-6 years.
What are the various subspecialties of dentistry?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes twelve dental specialties. Each of them requires advanced training through a dedicated residency program. A few of the specialties in the field are:
- Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics — treat disfigurement in teeth, jawlines, and gums.
- Pediatric dentistry — deals with diagnosing and treating dental conditions in children and adolescents. Typically, many treatments include a diagnosis of tooth decay.
- Periodontics — is a specialty that focuses on periodontal tissues. These tissues support and surround the teeth. Any care, prevention, and treatment related to these tissues come under this field of study.
- Prosthodontics — uses artificial substitutes or prostheses to maintain oral function for comfort, health, and appearance. These doctors are concerned with restoring and replacing missing teeth with artificial ones.
- Oral and maxillofacial pathology — is the study of the nature, identification, and treatment of diseases that affect the oral and maxillofacial regions.
- Endodontics — involves the treatment of the pulp chamber, pulp canal, and adjacent structures that form the inside of the tooth.
- Cosmetic dentistry — involves improving the teeth’ appearance. Some common treatments include whitening, applying veneers, and dental bonding.
- Oral microbiology — is the study of more than 600 species of oral bacteria affecting teeth, gums, and mouth. Most oral diseases have a bacterial origin.
- Orofacial pain — is one of the most common types of pain patients report. It emerges from dental conditions like toothaches, pulpitis, etc.
What conditions do dentists treat?
Dentists treat several other medical concerns besides common conditions like toothache and cavities. Some of these are:
- Halitosis: If you do not brush and floss regularly, plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) forms on your teeth and causes bad breath (also known as halitosis). Your tongue can trap bacteria, which may be another reason for bad breath. Eating spicy food like garlic and onion or chewing tobacco products can also cause halitosis.
- Mouth sores: Mouth sores are lesions in your oral soft tissues. They are painful and can form on the mouth's lips, gums, tongue, and insides. They can cause bleeding, tingling, and burning sensations. Mouth sores also make it difficult to chew and swallow your food. Thrush, cold sores, and canker sores are common mouth sores. If your mouth sore does not go away in 10-14 days, consult a dentist near you accepting new patients.
- Gum disease: Healthy gums feel firm when touched. Periodontal (or gum) disease causes swelling and infection of the gums and jawbones. Its symptoms include bad breath, soreness, swollen gums, and bleeding. If left untreated, it causes the tissue around your teeth to break down and can result in tooth loss.
- Tooth erosion: The tough outer layer of your teeth is called enamel. When acids from your food wear away the enamel, it causes tooth erosion. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a high-sugar diet, and binge drinking can also lead to erosion. This can make your teeth discolored, sensitive, and jagged. Further, when the protective covering of your teeth wears away, you become more prone to cavities or tooth decay.
Why do you need regular dental checkups?
You should see the dentist every six months to ensure proper oral hygiene and prevent oral diseases. If you need to check your teeth regularly, look for a dentist near you who accepts new patients and schedules a session.
Here is what your dentist will do during a checkup:
- Scrap off any plaque and tartar around the gums and floss between each tooth
- Polish your teeth to prevent the buildup of plaque
- Inspect your soft palate, teeth, gums, and throat for any abnormalities
- Identify signs of any medical conditions you might not have noticed
- Take X-rays to check if there are any problems with the bones supporting your teeth
- Check the grooves of your teeth for any signs of teeth-grinding
- Feel your jaw bones to ensure they are aligned correctly
- Enquire about your diet, medications, and smoking and drinking habits
- Gently feel behind your neck and jaws to look for symptoms of oral cancer
- Recommend ways to take proper care of your oral hygiene
- If required, suggest surgical or nonsurgical treatments for dental problems
Which foods are bad for your teeth?
Some foods and drinks can contribute to plaque accumulation, potentially leading to cavities and tooth decay over time. While complete avoidance isn't necessary, consuming these items in moderation can help prevent enamel erosion.
Some common foods considered bad for your teeth include the following:
Sweet, sticky, and sour candies: All these items contain added sugars, nourishing harmful oral bacteria leading to enamel deterioration. Sour candies may contain acids that pose a more significant challenge to dental health. Sticky candies linger in teeth if not effectively brushed away, contributing to cavity development and tooth decay.
- Sugary cereal and baked goods: Starting the day with products high in sugar may not be the optimal choice. Instead of eating ready-to-eat breakfasts and cereals, consider switching to a low-sugar option, such as oatmeal accompanied by fruit.
- Sodas and sweet beverages: All carbonated drinks, including diet sodas, contain sugar, which allows plaque to produce more acid in the mouth. This leads to tooth enamel erosion. Sodas also tend to dry the mouth, leading to lesser saliva production and worsening the decay process.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol frequently can dry out the mouth and lessen the production of saliva, which is required to wash away food particles and prevent them from sticking to your teeth.
- Refined foods and white bread: When we chew bread, the saliva in our mouth breaks down the starches into sugar, which can cause cavities. Additionally, starchy foods also tend to stick between teeth. Less refined carbs, like whole grains, are a better choice.
- Citrus fruit juices like lemon, grapefruit, and orange juice have plenty of vitamin C and generally considered healthy. However, they are highly acidic, which can lead to tooth enamel erosion. Experts advise rinsing your mouth with water after consuming acidic juices to prevent cavities.
What should you expect during a dental visit?
A visit to the dentist doesn’t have to be intimidating. Dentists and hygienists strive to make your experience as comfortable as possible, offering amenities like movies or TV during your appointment and options for pain relief or sedation during procedures. Whether it’s a routine checkup or your first visit, it’s a step toward improved oral health and a brighter smile.
To ease any anxiety, plan to take enough time off from work or school. When booking, ask how long the cleaning and exam will take, especially if it’s been a while since your last visit. Scheduling an end-of-day appointment allows you to head home afterward. If you have dental insurance, confirm if your dentist is in-network to save costs and clarify any expenses. Arrive early to complete paperwork, and bring your ID and insurance card for check-in.
During a typical visit, a hygienist will clean your teeth, removing plaque and tartar using specialized tools. Let them know if you feel discomfort so they can pause as needed. After cleaning your teeth, the dentist will polish them with a spinning tool and flavored paste, followed by a rinse. The dentist may take X-rays in order to detect hidden issues. They will examine your teeth/gums with a periodontal probe, checking for any problems. After the exam, they’ll discuss their findings and suggest next steps.
If it’s been long since your last visit, expect a more intensive cleaning and possibly additional procedures. The dentist may take X-rays to provide a detailed view of your teeth, gums, and bone structure. While removing built-up tartar might be uncomfortable, it’s vital for oral health. Don’t be discouraged if the dentist finds issues—they will guide you in addressing them effectively.
How do you find a dentist near you in Carrollton, Texas?
Like in the case of a toothache, when the pain feels unbearable, and no home remedy seems to work, your best bet is to consult a dentist. Several other conditions may also require you to visit a dentist immediately. How do you find an experienced and reliable dentist in Carrollton, Texas? Use Zocdoc!
Zocdoc helps you find top-rated dentists in your vicinity who are accepting new patients. All you need to do is log on to the website and type in your symptoms, condition, and location. You can filter your search by insurance policy, doctor’s gender, and available appointment dates. You can also view a detailed profile of each dentist listed and learn about their educational qualifications, certifications, licenses, and practice location.
You can book an appointment to consult the dentist in person or via video consultation. You can also access verified reviews from previous patients to ensure you choose a dentist who meets all your requirements.
Our online patient support center helps you locate dentists who accept your insurance. With Zocdoc, you can connect your medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your account, although you can use only one plan per appointment.
You can add secondary insurance details in the appointment notes if you have multiple insurance plans. Additionally, if your provider utilizes Zocdoc’s Intake forms, you can conveniently enter secondary insurance information.
Booking appointments with Zocdoc is simple, secure, and free!
Statistics on dentistry in Carrollton, Texas
The United Health Foundation emphasized the need to consult a dentist, as reports revealed that one in four adults in the US has unattended cavities. It also reports that more than half of adults over 30 are at risk of gum diseases. Females were less likely to make a dental visit than males.
Per the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), in 2020, there were approximately 14,445 active dentists in Texas, one dentist for every 2,055 state residents. Of the total dentist population, roughly 6.5% were pediatric dentists, nearly 6.3% practiced orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, 3.2% were oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and almost 77.5% were general dentists.
According to another report by DSHS, in 2018, almost 11% of adults in the state had six or more missing teeth, with nearly 4% being edentulous (having no teeth). Roughly 61% of Texans visited a dentist for an annual checkup that year. In 2017, almost 18% of children in the state had one or more oral health problems.
Sources
America's Health Rankings
Ladders
Complete University Guide
Shemmassian
Texas Department of State Health Services
Cleveland Clinic[1]
Cleveland Clinic[2]
Verywell Health
Mayo Clinic
123Dentist
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
WebMD[3]
Healthine[1]
Healthine[2]
