What is a dental surgeon?
Dental surgeons or dentists are doctors of teeth and mouth. They deal with problems such as bad breath, bleeding or swollen gums, difficulty chewing, or patient complaints regarding their appearance. To become a general dentist, one must earn an undergraduate degree before graduating from an accredited dental school, with either a DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry) or a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree.
General dentists form around 80% of US dental practitioners and can treat various problems. However, about 20% of dentists become specialists after undergoing additional training. This training often takes the shape of residencies. For instance, to specialize as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, one must hold an undergraduate degree (such as BS or BA), followed by training at a Dental School. After earning a DMD or DDS, the dentist must finish an additional four to six years of residency and sit a final test, according to the American College of Maxillofacial Surgery.
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon can treat injuries and diseases of the head, neck, face, and jaws. They can even administer anesthesia and perform surgical operations such as:
- Extraction of wisdom teeth
- Removing cysts and tumors
- Dental Implant Surgery (dental implants are small surgical fixtures that are more durable than dentures as they fuse with the bone)
Some surgeons pursue fellowships to specialize and perform rhinoplasty, cosmetic facial surgery, or treating head and neck cancer.
Specialties in dentistry
A specialty is an area of dentistry (such as oral and maxillofacial surgery) formally recognized by the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards. Practicing as a specialist often requires additional training.
In the USA, there are currently 12 such formally recognized specialties, per the ADA:
- Dental anesthesiology: It is a branch of dentistry dedicated to managing pain and anxiety. This may be especially important for the very young or those with pre-existing conditions or special health care needs — for instance, patients with hypertension or a phobia.
- Dental public health: It is mainly concerned with community efforts to improve dental health and includes applied dental research and public education. Therefore, its primary focus is to prevent and control dental diseases in the community.
- Endodontics: Its primary focus is diseases of the pulp and periradicular tissues. Often, untreated cavities can lead to pulp disease, ultimately causing tooth loss. Endodontists are concerned with diagnosing, preventing, and treating such pulp diseases.
- Oral and maxillofacial pathology: It primarily deals with the identification and management of disease, injuries, and defects in areas of the face, neck, and head. Oral and maxillofacial pathologists often rely on clinical, radiographic, biochemical, and microscopic examination for diagnosis and research.
- Oral and maxillofacial radiology: Specialists in this area produce and interpret radiographic images, which can, in turn, diagnose and manage disorders in the maxillofacial region (i.e., head, neck, and face).
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery: As explained in the previous section, maxillofacial surgeons perform surgical operations in the maxillofacial region, such as extraction of cysts, tumors, and wisdom teeth, apart from performing various cosmetic procedures.
The remaining are:
- Oral medicine
- Orofacial pain
- Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
- Pediatric dentistry
- Periodontics
- Prosthodontics
The significance of a dental check-up and cleaning
Routine dental examinations are necessary for preventing the onset of various oral diseases and the proper upkeep of your teeth and gums. Timely identification and treatment of dental issues can arrest the escalation of minor problems like tooth decay into more significant concerns. Here are the key benefits associated with consistent dental check-ups:
Prevents tooth decay:
Oral disease impacts nearly 3.5 billion people globally and causes pain, discomfort, gum disease, tooth loss, and disfigurement. To prevent it from worsening, seek assistance promptly.
During a visit, a dental hygienist or dentist near you will evaluate your oral health and eliminate accumulated plaque or tartar to avert tooth decay.
Dentists can also detect decay early and prescribe proper treatment.
Gingivitis prevention:
Accumulated plaque and tartar between your teeth and gums, if left unattended, provide a breeding ground for bacteria. The unchecked proliferation of bacteria can lead to gum disease or gingivitis, manifesting in symptoms such as loose teeth, persistent bad breath, tooth sensitivity, chewing discomfort, tender gums, bleeding gums, and receding gums.
Cancer screening:
Dental visits also serve as a means of screening for oral cancer, where symptoms may include mouth bleeding, ear pain, weight loss, throat soreness, and white, red, or speckled patches in the mouth. With over 53,000 annual oral cancer diagnoses, regular dental check-ups facilitate early detection and treatment.
Fresh breath maintenance:
Routine cleanings contribute not only to improved oral health but also to overall well-being, including the maintenance of fresh breath. Bacterial buildup within the mouth generates an unpleasant odor. Routine cleanings play an instrumental role in preventing the hardening of tartar into malodorous deposits.
Professional tools and guidance:
Despite twice-daily brushing, some bacteria may persist. Dental professionals utilize specialized tools to ensure effective cleaning and may recommend adjustments to your oral care routine, such as transitioning to an electric toothbrush for enhanced plaque removal.
Awareness of mistakes:
Sometimes, one may be made aware of oral health mistakes like susceptibility to cavities or incorrect brushing techniques only after consulting a professional. Dentists provide expertise and guidance during such visits to address specific oral health concerns.
Progress monitoring:
Dental hygienists and dentists monitor your oral health over time, identifying potential issues that could escalate if ignored. By scheduling regular appointments, you can proactively avoid complications, enhance your smile, and elevate your oral health.
Seeing a dentist near you
Regular visits to the dentist are a must, twice a year at the very least. This is because regular check-ups can help identify and diagnose diseases at an initial stage before they become severe. For instance, gum disease often begins with pain or bleeding in the gums. Early intervention can help treat it at this stage.
However, prolonged neglect can lead to more advanced gum disease, such as periodontitis. If left untreated, periodontitis may eventually lead to permanent tooth loss. With Zocdoc, you can easily book a check-up with the best Miami-based dentist and ensure your oral health is at its best.
However, many people believe that thorough brushing avoids the need for visiting a dentist. In contrast, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting a dentist near you every 6 to 12 months. Even a thorough oral care routine cannot entirely rule out dental problems. For instance, the bristles of a regular toothbrush often cannot clean hard-to-reach areas. The trapped food particles can lead to the growth of bacteria and plaque. Once the plaque hardens into tartar, it requires professional cleaning and cannot be removed at home. You can book an appointment for a professional with the best local dentists in Miami.
Secondly, many individuals belong to high-risk groups (such as smokers, pregnant individuals, or those with pre-existing conditions such as hypertension or diabetes). These people are predisposed to developing dental problems and may benefit from more frequent dental visits. As another example, many patients undergo intensive surgery (such as removal of cysts or tumors) or prolonged orthodontic treatment (such as wearing braces).
In all these cases, regular visits to the dental clinic promote well-being. However, this should come at a cost other than your work (or budget!). With Zocdoc, you can sort dentists based on the insurance they accept. Look at the provider's profile to learn more about their availability and the network benefits they accept.
Booking with Zocdoc is easy, secure, and free!
Miami and dental health
The Public Health Dental Program (PHDP) collects and analyzes statewide and county data on Florida's residents' oral health status and access to dental services, as stated on the Florida government website.
About one in four third-graders had an untreated cavity in 2016-2017. Compare this with the approximately 45% of adults who had a permanent tooth removed due to gum disease in 2018. Finally, regarding older adults (60 years or older), about 19% had no teeth in 2015-16.
The 2019 report on Miami-Dade by the Florida Department of Health provides more up-to-date information. The county had 1,808 licensed dentists and 1,423 licensed dental hygienists in 2019.
Sources
American Dental Association
Centre Dentaire Rideau
ADA Dental Specialty
MouthHealthy
MedicineNet
American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Florida Health
Miami Orthodontist Group
