Who is a dentist?
A dentist is a healthcare provider dedicated to the highest health standards by preventing, diagnosing, and treating oral diseases and conditions. They hold the 'DDS' (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or 'DMD' ( Doctor of Dental Medicine or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry) as their prefixes.
Despite the difference in titles, both DDS and DMD degrees indicate that a dentist has graduated from an accredited dental school. Dentists with either degree receive the same level of training and are qualified to perform the same dental procedures.
Education and training of a dentist
Aspiring dentists must complete their undergraduate degree in a related field like biology, chemistry, or math. They must take a dental admissions test and enroll in a dental school for training in dentistry. After four years of dental school training in biomedical science studies and clinical practice, they must acquire a dental license by passing written and practical exams.
Some dentists may get certified by taking the National Board Dental Examination. Depending on the specialty, some may need to complete one to three years of postgraduate residency training.
What are the different types of dental specialists, and what specific treatments do they provide?
General dentists often practice family dentistry, offering various services such as sealants, teeth whitening, fillings, and dental implants. They are typically the first practitioners that come to mind when people think of a dental visit.
However, several dental specialists focus on specific areas of oral health:
- Endodontists: They are specialists in root canals.
- Oral surgeons: They are experts in extractions and complex mouth and teeth surgeries.
- Orthodontists: They focus on aligning the bite using braces, clear aligners, and other corrective appliances.
- Pediatric dentists (pedodontists): They specialize in treating children's oral health conditions.
- Periodontists: They concentrate on treating gum disease and conditions affecting the supporting tissues of the teeth.
- Prosthodontists: They are experts in creating dental prosthetics like crowns, bridges, and dentures.
There are also other unique dental specialties:
- Public health dentists: They help develop community programs, often aimed at increasing access to dental care.
- Forensic dentists: They work with the legal system to identify victims and analyze crime scene evidence, including bite marks.
What services does a dentist offer?
People visit dentists seeking various procedures. Standard services include teeth cleaning, root canals, dental implants, and detail bonding.
Teeth cleaning is the most common reason people visit a dentist. Dentists recommend undergoing cleaning sessions annually or bi-annually.
A root canal treats conditions where the tissues inside the tooth are infected and inflamed. The dentist deadens the nerve and removes the tissue to eliminate the pain.
Dental implants replace your teeth after severe decay or tooth loss. Your dentist shall attach a screw to the jaw to support and insert the implant into the missing tooth's bone socket. Soon, the bone and tissue will fuse to the implant and secure the replacement tooth inside the mouth. Over time, the dental implant will blend into the surrounding teeth.
Dental bonding repairs chipped, cracked, or decayed teeth. Your dentist will apply a moldable resin to the tooth, harden it with UV light, and trim, polish, and shape the material to blend into the tooth's surface.
Common dental problems
Some of the most common dental problems that dentists treat include the following:
- Sensitive teeth: A worn-out tooth enamel and exposed dentin can cause sensitive teeth. Your teeth may become sensitive to cold and hot drinks and foods. Receding gums, root infections, enamel erosion, gum disease, broken or cracked teeth, and worn-out fillings can also cause tooth sensitivity. The enamel layers may sometimes be naturally thin, resulting in sensitive teeth. Dentists conduct a thorough dental examination to diagnose the root cause of tooth sensitivity and suggest appropriate treatment. They may recommend fluoride treatment, gum graft, crown, root canal, or prescribe specific kinds of mouthwash or toothpaste.
- Gum disease: Gum or gingivitis can happen mainly because of inflammation and infection in the gums and bones supporting teeth. Common symptoms include swollen or red gums that bleed easily, sensitive teeth that cause chewing pain, and bad breath. Poor oral hygiene and teeth-brushing practices can lead to gum disease. Conditions such as diabetes, genetics, weak immune system, and using tobacco also increases the risk of gum disease. If not treated early, gingivitis can cause severe gum infection, resulting in tooth extraction. Untreated gum disease can also lead to inflammation reactions throughout the body. Gingivitis is painless and may not show symptoms in its initial stage. Regular dental checkups help diagnose and treat the issue in its early stages. A thorough dental cleaning can also prevent tooth extraction or bone damage. Brushing and flossing twice daily helps maintain good dental hygiene and healthy teeth.
- Tooth decay: Tooth decay, dental cavities, or caries are the most common dental conditions. It occurs because of plaque buildup on the tooth surface. Sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods cause the bacteria to produce acids that permanently damage the outer layer of the tooth or tooth enamel. These acids further damage the inner softer layer of the teeth, causing holes or cavities in the teeth. Its symptoms may include an unpleasant taste in the mouth, brown or black spots in the tooth, and bad breath. Untreated dental cavities can lead to severe gum infections that can spread throughout the body, resulting in serious health complications. Dentists will first assess the extent of tooth decay and then recommend appropriate treatments such as root canals, crowns, or dental fillings. Depending on the severity, they may recommend tooth extraction, dentures, or dental implants.
When should you see a dentist?
A dentist is the right healthcare provider if you are looking for preventive or routine dental care or are experiencing pain or discomfort in your teeth, mouth, jaws, or gums. You should also have a regular dental checkup if you are pregnant, actively consume tobacco, or deal with mouth cancer, ulcers, or herpes.
Mouth cancer is a severe, deadly illness affecting millions in the United States. Its primary risk factors are tobacco and alcohol consumption. The condition causes the development of cancerous cells in many parts of the mouth or oral cavity, such as lips, gums, tongue, the inner lining of the cheeks, the floor of the mouth under your tongue, or the roof of the mouth. Visiting a dentist near you routinely can help detect the disease in its early stages.
Mouth ulcers, small and painful lesions, are called canker sores. They develop in the mouth or at the base of gums and can make eating, drinking, and talking uncomfortable. When they appear in the mouth and not on the lips, they are also known as aphthae. They are not contagious.
According to John Hopkins Medicine, oral herpes affects more than 50% of the adult population in the United States. It is a common mouth infection caused by herpes virus type 1. Regular dental checkups are necessary.
How often should you go for a dental checkup?
Dental checkups include cleaning and examining the teeth, jaws, gums, and other dental structures, unlike dental treatments, which are planned specialized visits when necessary. Dental treatments involve treating specific teeth issues with treatments like root canals, teeth removals, and fillings. On the other hand, scheduled regular dental checkups allow your dentist to detect any oral diseases in their early stages and provide timely treatment.
Untreated dental issues could lead to worsening of your oral health. Dental issues may also impact your overall health and vice versa. No matter your age, seeing a dentist for a general oral examination is vital even if you do not have symptoms like toothache. Many oral conditions do not have symptoms, and dentists can only detect them through routine dental exams.
Furthermore, regular dental checkups foster strong relationships with your dental care team. This enables them to understand your health risks and develop appropriate treatment plans. In addition to treating your specific oral health issue, dentists also give proper advice regarding cosmetic procedures including teeth whitening and installing veneers.
There isn't a fixed number of dental checkups an individual should have each year. You could generally plan your dental checkup once every six months or every 12 months. However, it is essential to note that patients with a family history of oral disease or those who are at a higher risk of issues like diabetes and gum disease may need more frequent visits. Depending on your condition and other pre-existing conditions, you can discuss the frequency of your dental exams and cleanings with your dental care team.
What happens during a dental checkup?
During your first dental checkup, you will meet your dental care team, consisting of your dentist, a dental hygienist, or a dental technician. During a dental checkup, your dentist will record 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. Describe to your dentist where you've been experiencing pain and other symptoms. To check for oral conditions like cavities, gum disease, cancer, and tooth decay, your dentist will use tools like dental X-rays, intra-oral pictures, and oral cancer screenings.
Your dentist may also try to identify other oral issues, such as those within the supporting bone structures, gum disease, or tartar buildup. They will also discuss any changes you have noticed since your last checkup.
If your dentist thinks you need a cleanup, they may perform a dental cleaning, which involves removing any 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. Depending on your condition, a general dentist may refer you to a specialist, such as an endodontist or orthodontist.
Find the best dentist near you in Irvine, California
Besides harming your health, your teeth illness or condition may also affect your self-esteem. According to a 2016 study published by the American Dental Association, dental care utilization in the working-age adult (aged 19-64) US population has decreased from 2003 to 2014 by 1%. On the contrary, the usage of dental care for senior citizens (65+ years) and children (2-18 years) has slightly increased throughout the same time frame. Hence, looking for qualified dentists for appropriate dental care is essential, and Zocdoc is here to help you with your search!
Sign up on Zocdoc and enter your location in the search query. Once done, our comprehensive healthcare directory will access Irvine, California's top-rated and experienced dentist profiles. Each profile displays the doctor's educational qualifications, board certifications, clinical interests, specializations, practice history, certifications, and spoken languages. It also informs you about previous patient ratings and reviews. You may filter hundreds of dentist profiles based on your unique oral case requirement and preference. You may further filter based on your case requirement and gender preference.
Zocdoc also offers a unique filter option where you can look for dentists in your vicinity who accept your insurance plan. Add your insurance carrier's name in the search query to utilize the feature. Zocdoc's insurance detector shall help if you need clarification on your insurance plan. You can use Zocdoc's insurance card capture feature to submit your medical insurance information pre-appointment.
Our online patient support center can assist you in finding dentists who accept your insurance. Through Zocdoc, you can link your medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your account, though you can use only one plan per appointment. You can include secondary insurance information in the appointment notes for those with multiple insurance plans. If your healthcare provider uses Zocdoc's Intake forms, you can also enter your secondary insurance details directly within the form.
Once you select the best dentist to help you with your case, you must click on the 'book appointment' option, and Zocdoc will assist you in instantly booking an appointment for your first session. Zocdoc also allows you to book video appointments before in-person visits to better understand your dentist. Look for a purple video icon on your dentist's profile, or filter the video appointment selection.
With Zocdoc, you can book appointments before, during, or after office hours, depending on the dentist's availability. You can also book appointments on weekends and holidays if the dentist’s schedule permits.
Booking appointments with dentists near you through Zocdoc is entirely free, fast, and secure.
Statistics on oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer in California
According to data published by the American Cancer Society, by 2022, an estimated 5,370 new oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer cases may occur in California. California's estimated deaths by oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer will be around 1,070 in 2022.
Data from 2014 to 2018 by the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR) suggests that the average annual rate of oral cavity and pharynx cancer per 100,000 Californians is 10.2%. To understand the statistical difference between the oral cavity and pharynx cancer incidence rate for men and women during the same period, we shall resort to a 2021 study by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). Between 2014 and 2018, the average annual rate of oral cavity and pharynx cancer incidences per 100,000 Californian women stood at 5.7%, while for Californian men, the figure stood at a staggering 15.4%, highlighting a staggering difference.
The latest data by the National Center for Health Statistics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for 2015 to 2019 suggests that California's average annual death rate from oral cavity and pharynx cancer is 2.4%. When understanding the statistics based on gender, we find that the average yearly death rate of oral cavity and pharynx cancer in Californian women is about 1.3%. In comparison, for men, it was around 3.8%.
Sources
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American Cancer Society
John Hopkins Medicine
American Dental Association
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Oral Health Foundation
