Dentists and their functions in the medical field
Dentists are medical practitioners whose duties include counseling patients on oral health, providing preventative and restorative care, and treating disorders of the teeth, gums, and mouth.
They are responsible for the following:
- Identifying oral illnesses
- Making treatment plans for patients' oral health maintenance or restoration
- Interpreting diagnostic tests like X-rays
- Ensuring that anesthesia is administered safely during procedures
- Recording the health and development of teeth and jaws
- Executing surgical procedures on the oral cavity's soft tissues, bones, and teeth
- Providing care for mouth injuries and other oral emergencies
Education and training received by a dentist
Aspiring dental students must hold bachelor's degrees in science or a related field to enroll in dental school. Their acceptance into accredited dental programs depends on their performance in the competitive entrance examinations.
During the initial two years of dental school, students must finish biomedical science courses such as anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, immunology, and pathology. The second and third years prepare students for clinical practice, which involves identifying and treating oral disorders. After graduation, students receive a D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or D.M.D. (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree. To attain a practice license, they must then clear a national written exam and a state or regional clinical licensure exam.
Many dentists continue training for certification in one of twelve recognized dental specialties. As a license condition throughout their careers, they must fulfill continuing education requirements. These requirements ensure that dentists stay current with recent medical advances and can provide effective treatment.
Specialties in dentistry
While general dentistry is what most dentists practice, others pursue further education to work in one of the twelve specialties. The different types of dentists are:
- Orthodontists and dentofacial orthopedics use braces and other dental tools to reposition or straighten teeth.
- Periodontists are surgeons who manage and treat conditions in and around the gums.
- Pediatric dentists treat oral conditions in children and patients with special needs.
- Endodontists specialize in dental pulp and tooth nerves. They are experts in procedures like root canals.
- Prosthodontists assist patients with missing or broken teeth using bridges, crowns, and dentures.
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform procedures to treat issues related to the oral and maxillofacial regions (oral cavity, face, jaw, neck). They also beautify these regions by performing esthetic procedures.
- Oral and maxillofacial pathologists are experts in the nature, diagnosis, and management of diseases affecting oral and maxillofacial regions.
- Oral and maxillofacial radiologists use and interpret diagnostic and imaging tests essential to diagnosing and tracking conditions affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions.
- Dental public health specialists are predominantly involved in research and community outreach to promote oral health.
- Orofacial pain specialists diagnose, manage, and treat pain disorders related to the teeth, mouth, face, and neck.
- Oral medicine specialists are experts in managing oral conditions using drugs and medication.
- Dentist anesthesiologists manage patients' pain, anxiety, and overall health during surgical and diagnostic procedures.
What common oral conditions do dentists treat?
Dentists can treat various oral health issues depending on their specialty. Some commonly diagnosed dental problems include:
- Tooth decay: Cavity formation can lead to tooth decay, which results from plaque eating away at the hard surface of the teeth (enamel) and causing holes in the teeth.
- Gingivitis: This oral condition is a mild gum disease caused by poor dental hygiene. It causes plaque (a sticky material made from bacteria, mucus, and food debris) to build up on the teeth. Gingivitis results in inflammation and infection of the gums, bone, and periodontal ligaments.
- Oral cancer: A dentist can help prevent mouth and throat cancers by screening patients during regular checkups. People who drink alcohol excessively, smoke, or have a history of sun exposure are at high risk of oral cancers.
- Malocclusion (misaligned jaw): In a standard jaw, the upper teeth sit over the lower teeth, i.e., the points of molars fit the opposite molar grooves. Malocclusion causes an underbite, overbite, or even crowding of the teeth. Treatment of a malocclusion involves surgery, braces or aligners, or tooth removal if required.
What can you expect at your initial dentist consultation?
Knowing what to expect and being prepared for your first consultation with a dentist near you can help you make the most of your appointment and save on future medical costs.
Your first dental consultation will generally begin by recording your basic health information. This includes your medical history, previous surgeries, diagnostic tests, and medicines you are taking (including over-the-counter medications or supplements). Your personal and family medical history will help your dentist understand whether you are at risk of specific dental issues. Ensure you prepare a list of questions and discuss your doubts about a routine exam or procedure with your dental specialist.
After that, you will be asked to sit in a dental chair, and a dental hygienist will place a plastic cover or paper on your chest. Your dentist will then assess your mouth and ask about your symptoms. Describe to your dentist where you've been experiencing pain and other symptoms.
A routine dental checkup involves examining teeth for cavities, decay, or gaps between teeth. Your dentist may also try to identify other oral issues, such as those within the supporting bone structures, gum disease, or tartar buildup. They may order tests like X-rays to further understand and diagnose your condition.
If your dentist thinks you need a cleanup, they may perform a dental cleaning, which involves removing plaque buildup. In case of deep cavities, you may require a filling. A root canal treatment may be necessary for infection in the roots of a tooth. In case your dentist plans a procedure, ask them about every step involved so that you can mentally prepare for your next visit. Preparing beforehand may also ease your dental anxiety.
Depending on your condition, a general dentist may refer you to a specialist, such as an endodontist or orthodontist.
What are the common surgical procedures for dental and oral problems?
Dental surgeries are often necessary to treat periodontal disease and to fix broken or missing teeth resulting from an accident. These surgeries can help restore your oral health, improve your dental function, and enhance the appearance of your smile.
One such surgery is flap surgery, which involves lifting the gum tissue to eliminate tartar and bacteria under the gums. The tissue is then stitched back around your teeth. Bone grafting is another procedure that replaces damaged bone surrounding the root of your tooth with a graft made from your own, synthetic, or donated bone.
In receding gums, the doctor will perform a soft tissue graft. It involves attaching the donor tissue to missing areas of your gums or removing a small piece of tissue from your mouth to replace them. Tooth extraction may be required if a root canal or any other surgical intervention is insufficient to save your tooth. Similarly, if there is not enough space in your jaw, wisdom teeth may cause pain, inflammation, or other issues and thus may also need to be extracted.
Dental implants commonly replace missing teeth lost due to an accident or disease. In this procedure, the implant is surgically placed into the jawbone, and the bones grow around it. After this process, an artificial tooth known as a crown is customized to match your other teeth and attached to the implant. If you replace more than one tooth, the doctor may use a bridge to hold the artificial teeth in place. A bridge consists of two abutment crowns on either side of the gap, keeping the artificial teeth in between.
Why is having good oral health important?
Our mouth is teeming with germs, most of which are harmless. However, some bacteria can spread diseases throughout the body, as the mouth leads to the respiratory and digestive systems.
Usually, the body's natural defenses control bacterial growth. Good dental hygiene practices, including frequent brushing and flossing, aid the body's ability to regulate germs. Bacteria accumulation might result in oral illnesses, including gum disease and tooth decay, without proper dental hygiene. Studies show that oral bacteria and inflammation brought on by a severe type of gum disease (periodontitis) can cause several non-oral illnesses to deteriorate.
Some drugs, like decongestants, antihistamines, opioids, diuretics, and antidepressants, can decrease saliva flow. Saliva washes away food, a hotspot for bacterial growth, and neutralizes the effect of any acid released by existing bacteria. In doing so, it assists in protecting us from microorganisms that proliferate and cause diseases.
Tips for a healthy mouth and strong teeth
Here are some practices and habits you can adopt to keep your mouth healthy and your teeth strong:
- Brush your teeth using fluoride toothpaste and drink fluoridated water.
- To remove dental plaque, brush your teeth twice and floss once daily.
- Refrain from consuming tobacco products, and quit smoking.
- Limit your alcohol intake.
- Work to keep diabetes under control if you have it. Controlled blood sugar reduces the chance of developing other problems, like gum disease. Treating gum disease can also lead to blood sugar reduction.
- If you have a dry mouth, drink enough water and chew sugarless gum.
Additionally, the food you eat also significantly affects your dental health. Some foods and drinks that are not good for the teeth include:
- Sour candies: Sour candies contain many different acids, which are particularly tough on the teeth. Since they have a chewy texture, they stick to the teeth for a longer time and can, hence, cause decay. A healthy substitute for sour candies can be a square of chocolate.
- Bread: When you eat bread, the saliva breaks down the starches into sugar, making the bread a gummy paste-like substance in the mouth. It sticks to the crevices between the teeth, increasing the risk of cavities. Less-refined varieties like whole wheat are always a healthier option than bread as these have less added sugar.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol makes the mouth dry, and a dry mouth lacks saliva. Saliva is vital for keeping the teeth healthy. It prevents food from sticking to the teeth and washes away leftover particles. It also helps repair early signs of gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral infections. To keep your mouth hydrated, drink enough water and use oral hydration solutions and fluoride rinses.
- Carbonated drinks: Studies suggest that drinking large quantities of carbonated drinks can cause as much teeth damage as using methamphetamine and crack cocaine. Carbonated drinks promote plaque and acid production, damaging tooth enamel and also dry out the mouth, resulting in less saliva production. On top of that, dark-colored sodas can even discolor or stain your teeth. Also, if you think brushing your teeth immediately after drinking a soda can reduce the damage, you are wrong. Instead, this could hasten the decay.
- Ice: While water is excellent for oral health, ice may not be. The American Dental Association highlights the risks of chewing on hard substances like ice. These include enamel damage and dental emergencies like cracked, chipped, or broken teeth or loose crowns. So, going for chilled water or drinks without ice is best.
- Citrus: Lemons, oranges, and grapefruits are excellent fruits and juices because of their rich vitamin C content. However, their acid content can damage the enamel, increasing the chances of decay and making mouth sores worse. Therefore, it is wise to consume these fruits in moderation at mealtime and rinse with water afterward.
These practices and habits can help prevent and manage mild oral discomfort. However, we must consult a dentist to restore good oral health and hygiene in acute conditions. Annual dental visits are recommended, even for people who do not have natural teeth or wear dentures. See an expert's counsel when you witness a change in smell or taste or if a medication is causing dry mouth.
Find the best dentist near you in Fremont, California
Are you looking for a dentist who best suits your needs? This process could be a hassle since it is challenging to manually review endless doctor profiles to narrow down the best ones. That's where Zocdoc comes in to save you the trouble.
Zocdoc is a platform that provides access to the best dentists in your area. All you need to do is type your health concern or symptoms and preferred specialist, along with your location and zip code (for instance, Fremont). In response to your criteria, Zocdoc will instantly list the top dentists for you. Additionally, you can filter these results according to gender, hospital affiliation, availability, fluency in several languages, etc.
To make things even more convenient, Zocdoc can also help you locate dentists accepting new patients near you. Click on a dentist profile and check the "I'm a new patient" box to see whether your selected provider accepts new patients.
Each practitioner has a distinctive professional profile that contains details about their training, years of experience, licenses, and certifications. The profile also mentions the insurance plans they accept. If you can't find your insurance plan, you can upload a photo of your medical insurance card on Zocdoc. They will scan the image and display the plan that is most likely for you. Unfortunately, this feature is not available for vision or dental insurance cards. If you have difficulty uploading the image, contact Zocdoc's service team for help. You can also visit Zocdoc's patient help center for further insurance-related questions. Additionally, you may review verified ratings and reviews from previous patients to help you make the best choice.
You can book an in-person or virtual appointment once you decide on a dentist near you. The best part is that every booking made on Zocdoc is quick, safe, and free!
Statistics on dentists in California
According to America's Health Rankings, almost 64.6% of Californian adults visited a dentist or dental clinic in 2021. For the same year, corresponding figures across the United States were approximately 66.7%. Regarding dental visits per state, California ranks 31st in the country.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, California had the most dentists, approximately 14,770. Notably, California ranks fourth in the United States, with nearly 77.5 dental care providers (general dentists and advanced practice dental therapists) for every 100,000 residents.
Sources
Healthline[1]
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America's Health Rankings
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Maine Dental Association
Learn.org
Mayo Clinic[1]
Webster Dental
MedlinePlus
Mayo Clinic[2]
Mayo Clinic[3]
Mayo Clinic[4]
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
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MouthHealthy
