Who are dentists?
Dentists are medical professionals who care for people's oral hygiene by diagnosing and treating problems with the teeth, mouth, gums, etc. They use high-tech equipment such as lasers, drills, X-ray machines, brushes, and other tools to undertake dental procedures.
Regularly seeing a dentist can help maintain good dental health and improve overall wellness. Typically, a dentist does the following:
- Fills cavities
- Puts sealants or fillings
- Removes, replaces, or fixes damaged teeth
- Removes decay or other buildups from the teeth
- Orders and reviews diagnostic tests such as X-rays
- Educates about dental hygiene and healthy oral habits
- Gives anesthesia
- Keeps tabs on the growth of jawbones and teeth
Dentists lead a supportive team that includes dental hygienists, assistants, lab technicians, etc.
What kind of education and training do dentists receive?
A dentist's education trajectory is similar to that of any other medical doctor. They complete their undergraduate studies in any relevant field, such as chemistry, health, biology, mathematics, etc., and then acquire a bachelor of science degree.
After passing a dental admissions test, they join a medical school, where they complete two years of biomedical science studies. Subsequently, they undertake two years of clinical practice, after which they get a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree (DDM) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree (DDS). Lastly, they can practice after passing written and practical examinations to attain their license.
Dentists can subspecialize in specific areas by opting for a one- to three-year postgraduate residency program. Such fields include dental public health, periodontics, prosthodontics, dentofacial orthopedics, oral and maxillofacial pathology, radiology, or surgery.
What are the different types of dentists?
The American Dental Association recognizes twelve kinds of dental specialties. You can decide which Zocdoc dentist you want to see based on your dental needs. Some popular options are:
These are the most common and frequently visited types of dentists. Primary care dentists can provide a full range of routine and complex oral health services. They can diagnose, treat, and help manage oral health needs in people of all ages. In cases where patients come to them with issues that require specialized skills, general dentists often make referrals to other practitioners with more advanced training.
Also called pedodontists, these practitioners address oral health concerns in children and adolescents. Typically, a pediatric dentist oversees dental development in children from infancy through their teenage years.
These dentists specialize in teeth and jaw alignment issues. They employ braces, wires, retainers, etc., to fix their patients' bites so they can chew and speak more comfortably. Properly aligned teeth can also enhance confidence and appear more aesthetic. Generally, orthodontists see adult patients.
Endodontists are experts in treating issues of the soft pulp inside the tooth, which comprises the nerve tissue and blood vessels. Some standard procedures they undertake include root canals, endodontic surgery, and other sophisticated methods to fix post-trauma dental injuries. Endodontists help their patients manage toothaches and save their teeth, especially when they have become infected due to decay reaching the pulp.
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons recognize, diagnose, and treat various diseases, defects, or injuries. They can address concerns in the neck, jaw, face, head, and mouth's hard and soft tissues. They primarily perform routine or complex tooth extractions. They can also correct a misaligned jaw, remove tumors, cysts, or lesions from the mouth, undertake dental implant surgery, perform biopsies, etc.
These specialists have the expertise to help their patients with crowns, bridges, implants, veneers, dentures, etc. They can also restore missing teeth or jaw structures. Many prosthodontists are also experts in fixing neck and head defects that may result from trauma, surgery, congenital disabilities, or cancer.
When should you visit a dentist near you?
Regular oral health checkups can help diagnose and treat underlying conditions early. Such an approach prevents the disease from becoming a significant health complication. Here are the top reasons you can visit a dentist:
Multiple conditions may cause gum problems but often show similar or overlapping symptoms. Conditions like receding, sensitive, or bleeding gums can become severe if left untreated. If your gums are painful, puffy, or swollen, it could be a sign of a problem. A regular dental checkup can diagnose the issue and provide the right treatment.
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.
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 ailment effectively.
If your teeth feel loose or do not fit together when you bite, it is a good idea to see a dentist. Increasing gaps between the teeth also deserve attention.
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 diagnose the cause of mouth dryness and provide effective treatments to restore natural saliva and moisture to your mouth.
A smile is a natural expression of emotion. If you avoid smiling because of plaque buildup or misaligned or discolored teeth, a dentist can help. They can perform cosmetic dental procedures to remove plaque and clean and whiten your teeth. They can also recommend treatments to align your teeth - this can give you a bright and confident smile.
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 upper part of the mouth, tongue, inner cheek, or tonsils. A qualified dentist helps identify and treat sores, bumps, and infections.
Tips to care for your oral health
Taking care of your teeth is more than just about looks; it's a lifelong commitment to your overall health. Even if you receive compliments on your smile, it is essential to implement daily practices to preserve dental wellness and thwart potential issues.
- Prioritize nighttime oral care: Remember to brush your teeth before bed to eliminate accumulated germs and plaque, preventing dental problems overnight.
- Master proper brushing technique: Learn the right way to brush your teeth. Reduce the risk of gum disease and tartar buildup by using gentle, circular motions to remove plaque.
- Remember to clean your tongue: Plaque buildup on the tongue causes bad breath and contributes to various oral health concerns. Make tongue brushing part of your daily routine to keep your mouth healthy.
- Opt for fluoride toothpaste: When choosing toothpaste, focus on more than just whitening and flavors; prioritize fluoride content. Despite some concerns about fluoride's impact on overall health, it is still crucial for oral health. Fluoride is key in preventing tooth decay. It fights germs that cause decay and creates a protective layer for your teeth.
- Embrace flossing: Flossing is as important as brushing. It removes food debris, stimulates gums, reduces plaque, and lowers inflammation. If you find flossing difficult, use alternative tools like dental flossers to make the process easier and ensure comprehensive dental care.
- Consider mouthwash: Mouthwash boosts brushing and flossing by reducing acid, reaching tricky spots, and strengthening tooth enamel. Ask your dentist for mouthwash recommendations.
- Stay hydrated: Water, a key component of overall health, supports oral hygiene. Drinking water after meals helps wash away acidic and sticky food residues, benefiting dental health.
- Incorporate crunchy produce: Opt for fresh, crunchy fruits and vegetables for their high fiber content, which promotes dental health by stimulating jaw activity and minimizing plaque buildup.
- Monitor sugar and acid intake: Limit consumption of sugary and acidic food items to prevent enamel erosion and cavity formation, maintaining optimal oral health.
- Regular dental checkups: Regular dental checkups twice a year are essential for professional cleaning, detecting cavities, and early treatment. Make the most of your dental insurance by scheduling more frequent visits, especially if you are prone to dental problems.
What should you expect when you visit a dentist?
Visiting the dentist doesn't have to be a daunting experience. Dentists and hygienists want to make your visit as comfortable as possible, offering options like movies or TV during the appointment and pain relief or sedation for procedures. Whether you're going for a routine checkup or it's your first visit, your time at the dentist is a step towards better oral health and a brighter smile.
To ease any anxiety, make sure you allow enough time off from work or school. When booking your appointment, ask how long the cleaning and exam will take, and consider adding extra time if it's been a while since your last visit. Scheduling your appointment at the end of the day can also be helpful so that you can head home afterward. If you have dental insurance, check whether your dentist is in-network to save money and understand what costs you might need to cover. Arriving early is a good idea as it can allow you to complete any paperwork. Ensure that you have your driver's license and insurance card ready for check-in.
During a routine visit, a hygienist will clean your teeth, removing plaque and tartar buildup using specialized tools. If you experience discomfort, don't hesitate to let the hygienist know so they can take breaks. After the cleaning, the dentist will polish your teeth with a spinning tool and flavored paste, followed by a rinse. The dentist may take X-rays to identify any hidden issues. They will look at your teeth and gums using a periodontal probe for any problems. Afterward, the dentist will discuss the findings and suggest any necessary next steps.
If it’s been a while since your last visit, expect a more thorough cleaning and possibly additional procedures. The dentist may take X-rays to get a complete view of your teeth, gums, and bone structure. If you have accumulated tartar, the cleaning may be more uncomfortable, but removing it for healthier teeth and gums is essential. Don’t be discouraged if the checkup uncovers issues—your dentist will guide you on how to address them moving forward.
Find the best dentist near you in Irving, Texas
If you're seeking a dentist specialized in treating your specific condition, Zocdoc can assist you. Enter your condition/specialty, preferred location, and insurance details into the search bar. A list of suitable practitioners will appear based on your search criteria. To make an informed choice, you can refine the results by filtering based on licensure, educational background, expertise, experience, awards, accreditations, and ratings.
Additionally, you can use specialized filters to find practitioners based on language, gender, hospital affiliations, and whether they treat children, among other criteria.
Our online patient support center is here to help you find dentists who accept your insurance. Through Zocdoc, you can connect your medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your account, but you can use only one plan per appointment.
You can include your secondary insurance details in the appointment notes if you have multiple insurance plans. Additionally, if your healthcare provider uses Zocdoc’s Intake forms, you can enter your secondary insurance information directly.
You can read user-verified reviews to make an informed decision about a dentist near you. Once you have chosen, you can book a consultation directly through Zocdoc. Booking in-person or online appointments with Zocdoc dentists is safe, easy, and free.
Dentist statistics in Irving, Texas
According to publications from the National Library of Medicine, there were approximately 15,603 licensed and active dentists in Texas in 2019.
Interestingly, findings revealed that nearly 12.7% of all dentists were above 65 years of age, with projections indicating that within the next decade, around 38.9% of the current workforce would be past their retirement age. The same report also detailed the specialties of choice opted for by dentists in the state. General dentists make up about 77.5% of the dental workforce in Texas. The other preferred specializations were pediatric dentistry (≈6.3%), orthodontics (≈6.2%), oral and maxillofacial surgery (≈3.2%), etc.
The Texas Department of State Health Services published a list of general dentists by county in December 2020. It indicates that in Dallas County, where Irving is located, there were approximately 1,150 practicing dentists. For every 100,000 Texans, there were an estimated 42.1 dentists. Based on these statistics, the county was ranked 15th in the state.
According to figures from the 2020 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) dataset, around 12.5% of female seniors in the 65+ age group lost all their natural teeth to dental decay or gum disease, compared to about 14.1% of men.
Sources
Texas Department of State Health Services[1]
Texas Department of State Health Services[2]
Delta Dental
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
American Dental Association
Aetna
National Library of Medicine
Healthline
