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Who is a dentist?

Dentistry is a field of medicine focusing on preventing and treating oral disorders. These include conditions that affect the mouth's soft tissues, teeth, and supporting structures. Dentists are medical specialists who assist with oral and dental health. They also diagnose and treat jaw deformities, tooth alignment issues, and congenital disabilities of the oral cavity, such as cleft palate. Regularly visiting a dentist assists in maintaining good dental health. It can benefit your overall health.

Education and training of a dentist

Dental schools typically require applicants to obtain a bachelor's degree before admission. After two to three years of undergraduate education, some institutions may accept candidates who wish to enroll in a dental program and receive bachelor's degrees concurrently. Although no set pre-dental major is necessary, studying biology, physics, and chemistry might offer some preparation for dental school.

Students concentrate on health and dental science curriculum and laboratory work during the first two years of dentistry school. Possible course topics include oral pathology, periodontics, dental anesthetic, orthodontics, radiography, and pharmacology. The last two years are devoted to clinical practice, wherein they examine and treat patients under dental professors' supervision. 

After four years of education, students graduate with a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM), a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), or a degree recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation. Many states require a degree from an accredited program to be eligible for state licensure. 

What are a dentist’s responsibilities?

One of the essential duties of a dentist involves advocating for excellent oral hygiene. It lessens the chance of issues in your mouth or other body regions. Dentists can also identify and handle mouth, teeth, and gum issues. They use contemporary technology and apparatus for dental operations, including X-ray machines, lasers, drills, scalpels, brushes, and other medical tools. They also wear safety gear like safety glasses, gloves, and masks to prevent spreading diseases or germs.

Standard dental procedures include:

• Filling cavities
• Removing dental decay or accumulation
• Removing or repairing broken teeth
• Reviewing diagnostics and X-rays
• Injecting a sedative
• Placing sealants or fillings
• Monitoring the development of the jawbone and teeth

Subspecialties in dentistry

Below are a few of the several disciplines and subspecialties, in addition to general practice, that constitute dentistry: 

• Oral and maxillofacial pathology: It is a specialized field of dentistry focused on managing diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. It involves research and diagnosis of conditions using clinical, radiographic, biochemical, microscopic, or other examinations.
• Endodontics: It is a dental specialty concerned with the innermost part of teeth, called the pulp. It involves diagnosing and treating conditions like infections and inflammation in the pulp. The most common procedure endodontists perform is root canal therapy. This specialty aims to retain natural teeth and alleviate pain through procedures that remove damaged pulp and seal the tooth's interior.
• Pediatric dentistry: This subspecialty provides oral care for children and adolescents. It encompasses preventive measures, early intervention, and treatment of dental issues unique to young patients. Pediatric dentists create a comfortable environment, educate young patients about oral hygiene, and address dental needs from infancy through adolescence.
• Periodontics: It is a dental specialty dedicated to diagnosing, preventing, and treating diseases affecting the supporting structures of teeth. Periodontists address issues like gum disease, aiming to maintain oral health and avoid tooth loss through various therapies and surgical procedures.
• Prosthodontics: This subspecialization focuses on replacing and restoring damaged or missing teeth and oral structures. Prosthodontists design and provide various prosthetic solutions, including dentures, bridges, and dental implants, to enhance aesthetics and function. They aim to improve patients' appearance, oral health, and quality of life.
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery: It is a specialized field that combines dentistry and medicine and deals with surgical procedures. Surgeons in this field perform various treatments, including corrective jaw surgery, facial trauma repair, and surgical management of oral diseases and conditions.
• Public health dentistry: It is all about promoting oral health at the community level. Public health dentists work to enhance overall oral well-being through programs, policies, and initiatives that address the dental health needs of diverse populations.
• Oral and maxillofacial radiology: This specialty uses imaging techniques, such as CT scans and MRIs, to diagnose and manage oral-facial diseases and conditions.

What conditions do dentists treat?

Dentists treat various conditions, including:

• Cavities (tooth decay): Tooth cavities, also known as tooth decay or dental caries, occur when plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) develops on the surface of your tooth and combines with the sugars and starches in your food. To prevent tooth decay, one must brush twice daily, floss daily, avoid high-sugar foods and drinks, and get regular dental checkups.
• Tooth erosion: Tooth erosion, or the loss of tooth structure, occurs when dietary acids cause your enamel to wear away. Its initial symptoms include tooth sensitivity, discoloration, and rounded teeth. If you consume a high-sugar diet, you might be at a high risk of tooth erosion. People with dry mouths are also more prone to tooth erosion due to insufficient saliva to rinse the dietary acids. While tooth erosion can cause irreversible damage, you can prevent it by following a balanced diet and seeking treatment for dry mouth or acid reflux. In severe cases, dentists can treat the condition with tooth bonding or suggest using crowns or veneers to prevent further tooth damage.
• Impacted tooth: An impacted tooth occurs due to a lack of space. It refers to a tooth that has failed to erupt and might move up against another tooth, causing bad breath, jaw and gum pain, and difficulty opening the mouth easily. Based on the severity of the affected tooth, dentists might use eruption aids, remove the tooth, block it, or perform tooth extraction surgery.
• Mouth sores: Mouth sores are ailments that can appear on your oral soft tissues, including your lips, gums, tongue, and the insides of your cheeks. Common mouth sores include canker sores, thrush, and cold sores. Depending on the cause, the sores might appear differently. Typically, they are a different color (white, red, purple, etc.) than the surrounding tissue. Home remedies like gargling with salt water and spreading a paste of water and baking soda on the affected areas can treat most mild sores.

When should you visit a dentist?

You should schedule a dental appointment twice a year for checkups and cleanings. However, there are some circumstances where a trip to a dentist near you may be necessary, such as: 

• You have chronic medical problems: If you have certain chronic medical illnesses, like diabetes, heart disease, or eating disorders, you may be more prone to dental conditions, including tooth decay and gum disease. The same applies if you utilize specific prescription medications or undergo medical procedures, such as radiation or hormone replacement therapy. Given your medical history, your dentist can suggest the best strategies to maintain the health of your teeth.
• There is pain or swelling: Toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold foods or drinks, numb teeth, or swelling in the mouth, neck, or face can be bothersome. However, they might also indicate severe underlying medical conditions, such as an infection, a broken tooth, dental decay, or gum disease. Without dental care, the symptoms are likely to get worse.
• Swollen, bleeding, or sensitive gums: These are warning signs of gumline plaque accumulation, which can cause cavities and gum disease. They might even indicate an underlying medical condition like diabetes or some cancers. With a deep cleaning, a dentist near you accepting new patients can enhance the health of your gums and assist in determining the root cause of your disease.
• Mouth dryness: This could indicate a medical problem or a drug's side effect. In any case, dry mouth means you aren't producing enough saliva, which can result in tooth decay. Your dentist may advise using a particular toothpaste or mouthwash, taking prescription drugs, or using other methods to replenish the moisture in your mouth.
• Persistent bad breath: Bad breath can make one feel self-conscious and uneasy in social situations, but it can also be a sign of more severe conditions, including an infection, acid reflux, chronic bronchitis, or other medical conditions. Your dentist can help you discover the reason for your bad breath and take action to treat it.
• Jaw pops, locks, or aches: If you hear your jaw snap, experience pain when opening or closing your mouth (including when you chew), or have your jaw locked open or closed, it is a clear indication that something is amiss with your jaw. It could signify a cyst, tumor, or temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ). A visit to the dentist can help you find a solution and treat the symptoms. 
• Issues with your smile: Your dentist can assist if you are embarrassed to smile because of missing, chipped, crooked, or discolored teeth. They can offer numerous alternatives to give you a beautiful smile, including veneers, braces, and whitening procedures.

Daily habits for a healthy smile

A bright, healthy smile enhances confidence and leaves a lasting impression. Following these dentist-recommended habits will help you maintain strong, cavity-free teeth.

• Combat morning breath

Bacteria thrive overnight in the mouth’s warm, moist environment, causing plaque accumulation and bad breath. Brushing first thing in the morning removes this plaque and refreshes your breath.

• Use gentle pressure

Brushing too hard can destroy enamel and irritate the gums. Think of polishing an eggshell—gentle strokes effectively clean teeth without causing harm. Children and teens who have softer enamel should be particularly mindful of this.

• Avoid overbrushing

Brushing excessively—more than twice daily for over four minutes—can wear down the enamel, expose dentin, and cause tooth sensitivity. Dentists advise maintaining a balanced routine to protect enamel while ensuring cleanliness.

• Limit soda consumption

Regular and diet sodas contain acids that erode enamel, causing stains, cavities, and tooth weakening. Reducing soda intake helps preserve tooth structure and keeps smiles bright.

• Floss daily

Flossing eliminates food particles and debris from between teeth, avoiding tartar growth. While brushing tackles surface plaque, only flossing can clean hard-to-reach areas. Since tartar requires professional removal, flossing helps avoid intensive dental cleanings.

• Order doesn't matter—Just do it!

The American Dental Association (ADA) states there is no difference between flossing before and after brushing. What matters is making it a daily habit.

Finding a dentist near you accepting new patients in Fort Lee, New Jersey

Finding a reliable dentist can be a burdensome task. You must locate a trusted dental practice and shortlist a reputed dentist. And the most crucial factor is finding a clinic that offers top-notch dental care near your home or place of work. With Zocdoc, locating a professional who fulfills all these criteria is easy. 

Visit the Zocdoc website and describe your symptoms, or pick "dentist" under specialty, input "Fort Lee, New Jersey" as your location, and choose a time slot. You can select your insurance provider to view dentists who accept your plan. You can also narrow your search options by language ability, years of experience, weekend availability, and gender. 

You can identify which dentists accept your health insurance with the help of Zocdoc's insurance detector. Adding your insurance information to your Zocdoc account makes it quick and easy to find in-network providers. However, since many doctors' offices check your insurance details in person on your appointment, ensure you carry your insurance card. That said, if you do not have insurance coverage, you can still book appointments on Zocdoc. To do so, select "I'm paying for myself" in the drop-down menu, acknowledging you are ready for out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. We will instantly match you with several dentists who accept patients without a health plan. You can follow the same steps if you have insurance but do not want to share it with providers listed on Zocdoc. Do you have any more insurance-related questions? Feel free to go through our patient help center page. 

Further, Zocdoc highlights details about every doctor's qualifications, client testimonials, and other significant considerations on their dedicated profiles. This information can help you make an informed decision. Once you've selected the dentist who best fits your unique needs, you can book an in-person or online appointment.

It is now easier to locate a dentist near you accepting new patients. Bookings on Z cdoc are safe, simple, and 100% free!

Dental facts and figures for New Jersey 

According to America's Health Rankings, as of September 2024, New Jersey has about 75.2 dentists for every 100,000 people, which is higher than the national average of around 65.8 dentists for every 100,000. 

Additionally, close to 68.3% of adults in New Jersey reported seeing a dentist or visiting a dental clinic between 2020 and 2022, compared to about 66.0% nationally. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30.2 adults aged 65 and over lost six or more teeth because of gum disease or tooth decay in New Jersey (2020).

Sources

WebMD

Britannica

CareCredit

America's Health Rankings[1]

America's Health Rankings[2]

America's Health Rankings[3]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

American Dental Education Association[1]

American Dental Education Association[2]

American Dental Education Association[3]

American Dental Education Association[4]

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.