Who is a dentist?
A dentist diagnoses and treats teeth, gums, neck, and jaw issues. Most people are unaware that dentists also treat the muscles of the head, salivary glands, the tongue, and the nervous system (of the head and neck).
In addition, dentists interpret X-rays and diagnostic tests, administer anesthetics, perform surgical procedures, and monitor the development of the teeth and jaws. They create various treatment plans and manage oral trauma as well.
Dentists generally work closely with and oversee a team that includes dental hygienists, lab technicians, and dental assistants. Besides running a private practice as a general dentist or specialist, they have several career options, such as dental research, public health, academic dentistry, public policy, international health care, military dentistry, etc.
What do dentists do?
General dentists use various techniques and equipment to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the mouth, head, and neck. They correct tooth decay, extract damaged and injured teeth, and perform root canals. If the teeth or jaw are malpositioned, they fix it via orthodontic devices to help reposition them. This procedure benefits patients cosmetically and helps them achieve a better bite.
Dentists can perform corrective surgery to treat gum disease, especially gingivitis (redness and swelling of the gums). Examining the oral cavity also helps them identify oral cancer or any premalignant tongue conditions accordingly; they advise patients on cancer prevention.
For better oral hygiene, they advise patients on flossing and brushing techniques, fluoridated products, and other preventive measures to maintain oral health. They also sometimes diagnose and treat conditions and complications which can be life-threatening, such as abscesses and infections.
What kind of education and training do dentists receive?
To become a dentist, students must apply and gain admission to an accredited dental school after graduating with a bachelor's degree. To enter a dental school, they must first clear the American Dental Association's Dental Admission Test (DAT). Dental schools are on par with medical schools.
For the first two years, students study biomedical science courses such as anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, and immunology. In the next two years, they focus on clinical practice, where they learn to diagnose and treat oral diseases. Once they complete dental school, they earn their dental degree.
Many dentists prefer to continue their studies even after this and gain certification in specialized fields. The areas of specialization include oral pathology, periodontics, orthodontics, endodontics, pediatric dentistry, prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral and maxillofacial radiology, and dentist anesthesiology.
Why should you consult a dentist regularly?
Dental diseases are preventable when detected early, and regular visits to a dentist can help in the early detection of diseases. Dentists may suggest preventive measures such as fluoride and dental sealants to promote good oral hygiene during these visits. Good nutrition and avoiding oral injuries are also critical for maintaining healthy teeth at any age.
Regular visits to your dentist ensure efficient health management. Below are some reasons why regular dental visits are essential to your health:
- Early detection of oral cancer: Regularly visiting your dentist can help catch any early symptoms of oral cancer, which can be challenging to diagnose later on.
- Removal of plaque and cavities: Plaque and tartar can accumulate on your teeth even after regular brushing and flossing, leading to cavities that may not have any visible symptoms until they have decayed your teeth. Regular dental cleanings prevent plaque, tartar, and cavities from damaging teeth.
- Prevention of gum disease: Plaque and tartar can also cause gum disease, leading to infection and eventually resulting in tooth loss. Regular dental cleanings can prevent this from happening.
- Monitoring unhealthy habits: Your dentist can help you become aware of harmful practices that can damage your teeth, such as chewing ice or biting your nails, and advise you on how to avoid them.
- Detection of underlying problems: Dentists can use advanced equipment like X-rays, scanners, and lasers to detect any underlying oral health conditions that may not be visible to the naked eye. Early detection can help prevent these problems from becoming more severe.
When should I see a dentist?
If you experience any concerning symptoms related to oral health, scheduling a visit with a dentist near you is essential. The following are signs that you should make an appointment with your dentist:
- Toothache: Toothache is a sharp, throbbing pain originating from dental issues like decay, infection, or more. It causes discomfort in the tooth or surrounding area. Antibiotics and pain relievers may ease toothache symptoms, but the effects are temporary.
- Jaw stiffness, bruxism (tooth grinding): Jaw stiffness involves restricted movement, often caused by muscle tension or injury. Bruxism, or tooth grinding, is a habitual, involuntary action leading to tooth wear, jaw discomfort, and potential dental complications.
- Dental abscess: It is a painful infection occurring around the tooth's root or gum. It causes swelling and throbbing pain and may lead to fever. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and dental intervention.
- Bleeding gums: Bleeding gums indicate inflammation or infection due to poor oral hygiene, gingivitis, or other underlying health issues. It occurs when gums are irritated, leading to blood during brushing or flossing. Dental care is crucial for treatment.
- Persistent foul breath (halitosis): Persistent foul breath, also called halitosis, results from bacteria in the mouth, gums, or tongue. It arises from poor oral hygiene, dental issues, dry mouth, or underlying health conditions, leading to unpleasant breath odor.
- Broken or chipped teeth: Broken or chipped teeth result from trauma, accidents, biting hard objects, or untreated decay. They cause discomfort, sharp edges, and cosmetic concerns. Dental treatment like bonding, onlays, or veneers helps restore appearance and function.
- Teeth with short or boxy shapes: Teeth with short or boxy shapes often result from genetics, dental wear, grinding habits, or developmental issues. They appear squared-off or shortened, affecting aesthetics and function, and may require dental intervention for restoration.
- Tooth sensitivity: Tooth sensitivity involves discomfort or pain when teeth encounter hot, cold, sweet, or acidic stimuli. It arises from exposed nerves due to gum recession, enamel erosion, cavities, or dental procedures.
- Mouth lumps, bumps, or sores: Mouth lumps, bumps, or sores can stem from various causes such as infections, canker sores, oral cancer, or irritation. They manifest as abnormal growths, lesions, or painful areas, warranting evaluation by a dentist or healthcare professional.
What to expect on the first visit to a dentist?
It's imperative to see a dentist at least once every six months for a general checkup. During your dental visit, your specialist will ask about your symptoms. They will diagnose and treat these symptoms by prescribing medications or performing procedures, as the case may be.
During a general checkup, the dentist will closely examine the teeth and gums and look for any abnormalities in the mouth, such as swellings, ulcerations, discolorations, or lumps. They will screen the patient for oral cancer, conduct diagnostic tests for infectious or chronic diseases, or perform biopsies if required. They also refer the patient to relevant specialists if they notice any illness in other body parts.
How do you find a good dentist near you in Katy?
Did you know scientific studies have found a direct link between oral health and chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease? The World Health Organization now includes oral health in its chronic disease prevention efforts. The American Dental Association recommends that children visit a dentist when they turn one because dentists can help prevent dental diseases immediately.
Finding a reliable dentist on your own may be difficult. Additionally, making an appointment with them can be challenging. Zocdoc can assist if you're worried about scheduling an appointment but need help knowing where to look.
The Zocdoc website lists all the top dentists in your area, each with a thorough profile. You can view information about their education, areas of expertise, spoken languages, affiliations, credentials, certifications, awards, years of experience, and more on the website. You can also find a dentist by gender or check whether they treat children. Moreover, if you enter the name of your insurance provider in the search field, the website will provide results for specialists who accept your insurance.
Zocdoc enables you to set an appointment even after office hours or on weekends at a time convenient for you and the dentist. You can book virtual consultations if needed. Reliable reviews and user ratings are also provided under each profile to aid decision-making.
Thanks to Zocdoc, finding the desired dentist near you is now easier! Booking appointments with Zocdoc is simple, secure, and free!
Statistics on dentists in Texas
According to the Texas State Department of Social and Health Services, there were 13,913 dentists with current licenses in 2019. This figure showed an increase of 26.5% since 2009 and 9.0% since 2014. Moreover, over the past ten years, the size of the dental workforce has increased by 7.2% relative to population growth.
A point of concern is that there needed to be more dentists in every part of the state. Even after adjusting for population disparities, there was a 69.5% disparity in the number of dentists between metropolitan and non-metropolitan locations. Moreover, the difference in percentage between the border and non-border regions was 60.9%.
According to the same report in 2019, among currently practicing dentists, 64.5% were men, and 35.3% were women. However, in 2009, of the practicing dentists, 73.8% were men, and 26.2% were women. Furthermore, 48.3% of dentists who were 40 or younger were women, and 51.5% were men. It shows a marked shift with more women taking up dentistry recently.
The study also states that in the same year, about 38.9% of the Texas dental workforce will reach retirement age or be older within ten years. Additionally, 12.7% of dentists still practicing in the state were over 65, and male dentists comprised 83.7% of the workforce among those over 55.
Sources
WebMD
Nemours Kids Health
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Health Professional Resource Center
Oral Health Foundation
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Mayo Clinic[2]
