Who are dentists, and what do they do?
A dentist is an expert who can diagnose and treat conditions or diseases of the mouth, teeth, and gums. They conduct regular screenings and check-ups to keep your mouth and teeth healthy. They guide you on oral well-being, hygiene, and the appropriate diet to stay on track with dental health goals. Dentists are vital in promoting oral health in the community and are a combination of scientists, doctors, and clinicians.
Besides conducting check-ups, dentists fill cavities, remove decay, repair or extract teeth, place sealants, and prescribe medications. They also administer anesthesia to minimize pain during dental procedures. They interpret diagnostic tests and x-rays and manage dental trauma or emergencies. Dental practitioners use various equipment such as drills, x-ray machines, forceps, scalpels, and mouth mirrors during treatment procedures.
Dentists are medical doctors who receive extensive medical training. They possess either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine/Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree. Some practitioners choose to pursue additional training in one of the dental specialties.
Common dental specialties
Most dentists are general practitioners and can address a variety of dental issues. On the other hand, some dentists choose to enhance their skills and expertise in a particular area. Some of the dental specialties are as follows:
- Endodontics – Known as endodontists, these specialists have expertise in complicated root canal therapy. They can remove the nerves and blood supply from injured or infected teeth.
- Dental public health – These specialists promote good dental health and prevent dental diseases in public communities.
- Dental anesthesiology – They provide advanced pain management services for oral or dental surgery patients.
- Oral and maxillofacial pathology – This branch of dentistry involves studying the causes and effects of oral disease and diagnosing complicated cases.
- Oral and maxillofacial radiology – In this specialty, the practitioner trains in diagnosing diseases in the head and neck using imaging technologies.
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery – An oral surgeon specializes in treating defects, diseases, and injuries to the jaw, mouth, and face. They perform various procedures, including wisdom teeth removal.
- Pedodontics – This branch of dentistry focuses on treating children, teens, and adolescents and is also known as pediatric dentistry.
- Periodontics – A periodontist can diagnose and treat gum disorders and other conditions affecting the tissues around the teeth.
- Orthodontics – In this specialty, the practitioner gets training in realigning the bite and straightening the teeth for optimal health and function. They use braces, aligners, retainers, and other custom-made appliances to achieve desired results.
- Prosthodontics – Creating natural-looking dental restorations such as bridges, crowns, and dentures.
- Cosmetic dentistry – A cosmetic dentist trains to enhance the appearance of your smile with restorative and preventive treatments. Teeth whitening, gum contouring, and porcelain veneering are all part of this branch of dentistry.
- Forensic dentistry – In this specialization, dentists examine the teeth and interpret dental records for legal purposes. They may work with law enforcement agencies to identify crime victims.
Some dentists may go into research while others might teach part-time, with duties that may include supervising students in dental school clinics.
When should you visit a dentist?
Here are the top reasons to visit a dentist near you. You should also consider consulting a dentist if you experience any oral or dental problems beyond those listed below.
- Trouble eating: Difficulty chewing or swallowing is among the first signs of oral or dental issues. The dentist will assess your symptoms, detect the problem, and provide effective treatment to cure the ailment holistically.
- Pain: Severe facial, jaw, or neck muscle pain can be signs of an oral health disorder. Some possible issues are cavities, broken teeth, nerve damage, and teeth grinding. Dentists can help identify the root cause of the pain and prescribe medications to cure the condition effectively.
- Dry mouth: A moist oral cavity, lubricated by saliva, indicates a healthy mouth. If your mouth feels dry, it can harm your oral well-being and lead to diseases. Dentists help to diagnose the cause of mouth dryness and provide effective treatment to relubricate your mouth with natural saliva.
- Avoid smiling: A smile is a natural way to express human emotion. If you avoid smiling for fear of embarrassment due to plaque accumulation or misaligned or discolored teeth, then a dentist near you can help. They can conduct cosmetic dental procedures to remove plaque, clean the teeth, and whiten them. They can even suggest proper treatment to rearrange your teeth to give you a bright and confident smile.
- Gum problems: Gum problems can differ but often show similar or overlapping symptoms. Conditions like receding, sensitive, or bleeding gums can be severe if left untreated. If your gums are puffy, painful, or swollen, they might also indicate a problem. A regular dental check-up can help you know about your condition and receive proper treatment.
- Loose teeth: If your teeth feel loose or do not fit together properly when you bite, see a dentist. Increasing gaps between the teeth also deserve attention.
- Sores and bumps: Most sores and spots heal without medications in a few days or weeks. However, some sores, lumps, or lesions need proper treatment. Candidiasis, a common fungal infection, often develops as white sores on the tongue, roof of your mouth, inner cheek, or tonsils. Dentists' expert diagnosis helps identify and treat such sores, bumps, and infections.
What are tooth cavities?
Cavities are small areas of tooth decay that damage the hard surface of your teeth, creating tiny holes. If left unchecked and untreated, cavities can lead to severe pain, infection, and, in extreme cases, even tooth loss. The most common culprits behind cavities include bacteria, frequent snacking between meals, ingesting sugary drinks, and poor oral hygiene.
Tooth decay is one of the most critical health issues worldwide, affecting children, teenagers, and older adults. But cavities don’t discriminate - anyone with teeth, even babies, can develop them. Some of the best ways to protect your teeth include regular dental check-ups, brushing, and flossing.
Signs and symptoms
Cavities don’t always cause immediate discomfort. In the early stages, you may not even notice them. But as they grow, they can lead to:
- Persistent toothache or pain
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Sharp pain while eating or drinking
- Visible holes or pits in your teeth
- Brown, black, or white spots on your tooth’s surface
- Pain when biting down
Since cavities can develop silently, regular dental visits are essential even if your teeth feel fine. If you experience tooth pain, don’t wait to see a dentist near you as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Reasons you should never ignore cavities
Cavities and tooth decay are so common that many people don’t take them seriously. Some even assume that cavities in baby teeth don’t matter since they’ll eventually fall out. But the truth is, untreated cavities can lead to serious and lasting complications - even in children who haven’t developed their permanent teeth yet.
Potential complications of cavities
Ignoring cavities can lead to:
- Persistent pain
- Abscesses (painful infections filled with pus)
- Swelling or pus around the tooth
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Difficulty chewing
- Teeth shifting due to tooth loss
When decay becomes severe
If left untreated, cavities can cause:
- Intense pain that interferes with daily life
- Difficulty eating, leading to weight loss or poor nutrition
- Tooth loss, which may impact appearance and self-confidence
- In rare cases, serious or even life-threatening infections from a tooth abscess
Importance of oral health
We often neglect the importance of oral health in our overall well-being. The lack of adequate dental and oral care can cause various health complications. The mouth is the entryway to the respiratory and digestive tracts. Failure to brush or floss properly causes bacteria to remain in the mouth and then move to other body parts to cause illness. They pose a greater risk to individuals with a compromised immune system caused by ailments such as HIV, diabetes, or AIDS.
Other diseases caused by mouth bacteria include clogged arteries, endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, pregnancy complications or low birth weight, and pneumonia. Similarly, certain diseases or conditions can harm your oral health. While osteoporosis can cause bone loss and tooth loss, diabetes puts you at risk of gum disease. Maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding tobacco use, good oral hygiene, and regular dental check-ups can promote oral and overall well-being.
Tips to maintain your oral health
Maintaining oral hygiene is crucial to ensure overall health and well-being. Moreover, good oral health allows you to speak confidently, taste, chew, and swallow foods without issues. It can also help prevent various dental conditions. Hence, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research suggests the following measures to maintain good oral hygiene:
- Brushing daily: You must brush your teeth at least twice daily, once in the morning and once before bed. To clean your teeth, use a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste, using small, circular motions. Brushing with too much pressure can damage the gums. Moreover, it would help if you replaced your toothbrush at least once every 3-4 months.
- Clean your tongue: Use a tongue cleaner or brush your tongue softly with a toothbrush. This helps prevent bad breath and plaque buildup.
- Clean between your teeth: Flossing is important for cleaning between your teeth. You can use a water flosser, floss threader, or a floss holder. You must floss at least once a day to remove the residual food particles. Your dentist may also recommend a special toothbrush or a wooden or plastic pick for the same.
- Eat a healthy diet: Limit your intake of sugary food and drinks, as they can speed up plaque buildup. Eating healthy can also improve your overall health and help prevent dental issues. Some dentists also recommend drinking fluoridated water to help protect your teeth. You should also avoid eating tobacco products or smoking to reduce the chances of gum disease and oral cancer.
- Routine dental check-ups: It is advised to visit a dentist at regular intervals for professional cleaning and dental screenings. Dentists can catch early signs of dental problems and prescribe the appropriate treatments. They can also help you practice preventive measures if you have a high risk of gum disease, tooth decay, or other oral health problems. Expecting mothers can also benefit from routine dental check-ups. Dentists can help them maintain good oral hygiene to prevent gingivitis from hormonal changes.
Find the best dentist near you in Colorado Springs, CO
You can ensure good oral health by caring for your mouth and teeth. Healthy habits such as brushing, flossing, and cleaning the tongue can help you achieve this. Promptly seek dental care if you experience pain, swelling, or bleeding in the mouth or oral cavity. Receiving professional dental care at the right time can help with complications such as teeth loss and surgeries.
For a hassle-free experience in finding a qualified dentist, create a free account on Zocdoc. Look for a dentist based on any symptoms you are experiencing. You could also use convenient filters such as location, gender, and language to find possible matches. Our insurance detector makes it easy to find an in-network dentist near you accepting new patients. When booking an appointment on Zocdoc, you will be asked to provide your insurance information or acknowledge that you are paying out-of-pocket. Some providers require insurance information to book appointments. If you do not have insurance or prefer not to use it, you can find another dentist on Zocdoc who accommodates out-of-pocket payments. Check out Zocdoc’s insurance FAQs to learn more. Visit Zocdoc's patient help center for more details on how Zocdoc manages insurance data.
Once you specify the criteria, the advanced algorithm will comb an extensive database of healthcare professionals to provide a personalized list of doctors based on your criteria. Click on each profile to learn more about each professional, including their board certifications, experience, and educational qualifications. To make an informed decision, check the use-verified patient reviews and ratings that are updated regularly.
You can also schedule a virtual appointment before setting up an in-person consultation. You might also find dentists who treat children and offer after-hour and weekend appointments. All bookings made on Zocdoc are simple, secure, and completely free!
Oral healthcare statistics for Colorado
Dentists make up a significant portion of the healthcare workforce in the United States. According to the 2023 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, there were approximately 121,640 general dentists nationwide, of which around 3,000 worked in Colorado. This low figure persists despite improvements in critical oral health measures since 2015.
Data from the Colorado Health Institute indicated that in 2019, about 73.6% of the state's residents visited a dental provider (dental hygienist or dentist), up from approximately 68.3% in 2015. The increase in people visiting a dental provider is likely due to higher dental insurance coverage for the same period. While around 70.6% of Coloradans had dental insurance in 2015, this figure rose to about 75% in 2019.
Sources
WebMD
Cleveland Clinic
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics[1]
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics[2]
Mayo Clinic[1]
Colorado Health Institute
American Dental Association
Aetna
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
Mayo Clinic[2]
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