Who is a dentist?
A dentist is a healthcare specialist with expertise in detecting, treating, and preventing oral diseases and conditions. Dentists ensure the health of the gums, teeth, and oral tissues. A dental professional can help detect conditions originating in the mouth, including some types of cancers. They train in clinical procedures such as exams, fillings, implants, crowns, extractions, and corrective surgeries. They might practice general dentistry or one of the specialties.
What are the educational qualifications of a dentist?
Aspiring dentists must take a dental admissions test after completing an undergraduate program to earn a Bachelor of Science degree. After successfully passing this examination, they can apply to dental schools to pursue a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) degree. They can obtain a dental license and get certified by taking the National Board Dental Examination. Dentists who opt for specialization must complete a postgraduate residency of one to six years.
Types of dental specialties
The American Dental Association recognizes the following twelve dental specializations that dentists may choose during their postgraduate residency. They can also choose to specialize in addition to or in place of general dentistry.
- Dental anesthesiology: A dentist with this specialization learns about advanced sedation and general anesthesia care methods to help patients undergo dental and oral surgery. They offer anesthesia services in other dentists' offices, surgery centers, hospitals, and educational institutions.
- Endodontics: An endodontist learns to help patients maintain oral health by retaining their natural teeth. Root canals, pulp surgery, teeth repairs, root surgery, and managing traumatic tooth injuries come under their purview.
- Dental public health: With this specialty, a dental professional can be involved in developing public health programs and policies such as health care reform. They can help change dental care at the community, state, and national levels.
- Oral and maxillofacial pathology: This specialty involves studying and researching the causes, processes, and effects of diseases that originate in the mouth or the jaw. These professionals train in diagnosing these diseases through microscopic, clinical, radiographic, and biochemical examinations alongside patient management.
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery: It is one of the most challenging dental specialties. In this specialty, practitioners undergo training to diagnose and surgically address conditions such as cleft lip and palate, facial injuries, cancers, and dental implants. Cosmetic surgery is also encompassed within this field.
- Oral and maxillofacial radiology: An oral radiologist gains education and experience in biology, radiation physics, safety, and hygiene. They acquire skills in tasks such as conducting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and interpreting the results obtained through these techniques.
- Oral medicine: In this specialty, practitioners learn to perform minor excisions, diagnostic biopsies, therapeutic injections, and other simple surgical procedures. The focus is on managing diseases and conditions with systemic and topical medications.
- Orofacial pain: This progressive discipline is a relatively new branch focusing on pain symptoms or dysfunction of the head and neck region. Pain disorders of the jaw, neck, mouth, face, and head are covered here. Temporomandibular muscle and joint disorders (TMJ), jaw movement problems, headaches, sleep disorders, and neuropathic pain are other conditions under this category.
- Periodontics: Dentists specializing in periodontics can treat the gums, tissues, and bones supporting the teeth. They also learn to place and repair dental implants.
- Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics: Correcting irregular dental development with braces, treating or preventing problems caused by missing teeth, and other such abnormalities fall under orthodontics.
- Pediatric dentistry: As the term suggests, this concerns treating children for oral diseases and conditions. Professionals in this field deal with common issues like cavities, dental caries, preventive measures, and basic oral hygiene.
- Prosthodontics: Here, the dentist masters the techniques of replacing natural teeth with bridges, implants, or dentures. They also tackle temporomandibular disorders.
Common misconceptions about dental health
There is a plethora of information on the internet regarding good dental hygiene. However, have you ever thought about whether it is all accurate, reliable, and research-backed? Unfortunately, not. Most of it needs to be more precise. New advancements in healthcare occur every day, and occasionally, the messages are misunderstood. Some myths about dentistry do more harm than good. Some of these are:
- Sugar causes cavities: Although sugar does contribute to the development of cavities, it is not the root of the issue. Instead, it is the bacteria that consume the sugar. Starches draw germs, which then flourish on and around the teeth. These microorganisms create an acidic substance that encourages tooth decay. Hence, rinsing and washing your teeth after meals helps prevent plaque and acid accumulation.
- Gum bleeding is common: Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing happens because of inflammation. Too much plaque accumulation, the onset of gingivitis, gum disease, or other factors can cause the gums to swell and start bleeding. It could be a better sign and more usual. You should schedule a checkup with your dentist immediately.
- You can achieve clean teeth with hard brushing: Vigorous brushing is counterproductive. The more aggressively you brush, the greater the damage that tooth enamel and gum tissue sustain. It could eventually result in additional issues, including gum recession. A soft-bristled brush and gentle brushing twice daily for two minutes can help.
- Flossing is not that important: Maintaining good dental health requires regular flossing. Plaque deposits trigger tooth decay, and regular flossing eliminates around 80%.
- Charcoal toothpaste is always a better option: Even though charcoal toothpaste is promoted for teeth whitening, it provides minimal protection. Moreover, it harms the teeth due to its ability to absorb substances that maintain their strength and health.
- There is no need for an examination if you have no oral health issues: An exam is the best approach to identify trouble before it develops. The longer the problems go unnoticed or ignored, the more difficult it becomes to fix them once detected. Semi-annual dental exams are the best way for adults and children to preserve optimal oral health. So, scheduling regular dental checks is still essential, even if everything seems alright.
What to expect at a dentist appointment?
Establishing a rapport with a dentist you feel at ease is crucial. Once you've located a qualified dentist near you, the next step is to schedule a checkup—preferably before any dental issues emerge.
Your dentist will conduct a comprehensive health history assessment during your initial visit. On subsequent visits, you must update them on any changes in your health status. Routine dental checkups, ideally every six months, contribute to cleaner and longer-lasting teeth and the prevention of potential painful issues.
Tooth cleaning
A thorough cleaning is a standard part of most dental checkups, performed by either your dentist or a dental hygienist. Using specialized instruments, the hygienist removes accumulated plaque and tartar below the gum line, mitigating risks of gum disease, cavities, bad breath, and other oral problems.
X-rays
Depending on factors like age, disease risks, and symptoms, your dentist might recommend X-rays. X-rays can reveal issues that may go unnoticed, such as jawbone damage, impacted teeth, abscesses, cysts, tumors, and decay between teeth. Modern dental offices use low-radiation machines, offering exposure no more than what you would get from a day in the sun or a weekend of watching TV. Wearing a lead apron during X-rays is standard for precautionary measures. If you are an expectant mother, inform your dentist, as X-rays should be taken only in emergencies.
For a comprehensive view of your upper and lower jaw in a single image, your dentist might suggest a Panoramic X-ray or Panorex. This film aids in understanding your bite and the relationship between different teeth and your arch.
In-depth examination
During checkups, your dentist will assess your teeth, gums, and your general dental health to identify any signs of disease or potential issues. The objective is to maintain optimal oral health and address problems early to prevent them from becoming more serious.
How to improve your oral hygiene
Maintaining oral hygiene enhances your smile and safeguards your teeth and gums. Here's how to achieve that:
- Brush your teeth daily at least twice with fluoridated toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Medium or firm bristles might damage your gums and enamel, so choose soft bristles. Brushing at a 45-degree angle in the direction of your gums will effectively remove plaque and bacteria from the gum line. Make sure to cover all tooth surfaces, including the backs and sides.
- Remember to scrape your tongue, which can harbor bacteria like a sponge. You can use your toothbrush for this or purchase a tongue scraper from the oral health section for a more thorough cleaning.
- Incorporate everyday flossing to clean the spaces between your teeth that brushing alone can't reach. Wrap roughly 18 inches of dental floss around each of your middle fingers. With your thumbs and forefingers, guide the floss between two teeth, wrapping it snugly around one tooth in a C shape. Use around ten up-and-down strokes to clean, then repeat the process on the adjacent and remaining teeth. If dexterity is an issue, consider interproximal brushes or dental picks to help with interdental cleaning. Although water flossers help remove larger food particles, they are less effective against biofilm, so be sure to include traditional floss in your routine if you use a water flosser.
- Schedule regular appointments with a dentist near you for routine exams and cleanings, which are essential for optimum oral health. Most people benefit from six-month exams, but if you have a history of cavities, gum disease, or other oral problems, you may need to schedule more frequent sessions.
- To prevent hazardous microorganisms, use antibacterial mouthwash daily. It removes food particles and trash while also reducing plaque development. Use an alcohol-free solution to avoid dry mouth and stay hydrated.
- Avoid smoking and tobacco products, which are major sources of gum disease and oral cancer. If you're trying to quit smoking, ask your healthcare provider for guidance on effective treatment options.
Finding the best dentist near you in Frisco, Texas
Good dental care and regular dental checkups enhance your overall health. A qualified dentist who knows your dental history can identify oral health issues early. Therefore, finding a skilled dental professional in Frisco that meets your requirements is essential. Head to Zocdoc.com to find a trusted practitioner without any hassle. After your free sign-up, you can access an extensive database of doctors and healthcare professionals nationwide.
You can enter the symptom, condition, or specialization you seek in our home page's search bar. You can also choose the location, date, and insurance carrier based on your preference. A list of profiles will appear as you hit enter.
Confirm that you'll be paying out of pocket if you don't want to share your insurance details when booking on Zocdoc. Some providers may still need insurance details to finalize the booking. However, if you're paying independently or don't have insurance, you can also search for a provider on Zocdoc who fits your preferences. For any additional insurance questions, visit the Zocdoc patient help center.
You can then click on individual profiles for comprehensive information about their experience, board certification, educational qualifications, gender, languages they speak, and areas of expertise. Zocdoc also provides verified patient reviews and ratings on the provider's profile, which may help you make an informed decision while shortlisting.
Zocdoc lets you book a virtual appointment with the best dentist near you before scheduling an in-person session. The easy booking process allows you to pick slots based on their availability and your schedule. All bookings through Zocdoc are simple, 100% free, and secure!
Data on gum diseases and dental care in Frisco, Texas
Gum or periodontal disease affects the hard and soft structures supporting teeth. It can even result in tooth loss and impact one's ability to chew or consume certain foods. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 42% of all adults aged 30 and older showed signs of gum disease across America as per a 2009-2014 survey. Around 8% of adults had severe gum disease.
Statistics collated by the Texas Oral Health Coalition for 2022 show that the number of adults aged 18-64 who visited the dentist last year was 57.5%, compared to 66.3% nationally. Meanwhile, figures from the Texas Department of State Health Services for 2020 indicate that the ratio of general dentists to 100,000 is 34.6. This ratio is at 35.6 for Denton and 57.6 for Collin, meaning that the people in this region, including Frisco, have a better chance of finding a good dentist.
Sources
American Dental Education Association
WebMD[1]
University of Rochester Medical Center
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Texas Department of State Health Services
209 NYC Dental
WebMD[2]
Colgate
Cleveland Clinic
