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Who is a dentist?

A dentist helps keep your mouth healthy by preventing, identifying, and treating issues with your teeth, gums, tongue, and overall oral health. They create treatment plans to restore and maintain oral health and interpret X-rays and other diagnostic tests. Dentists can help manage oral trauma and conduct surgical procedures on the oral cavity's soft tissues and teeth bone. Moreover, they can monitor the development and growth of the teeth and jaws and safely administer anesthetics.

Did you know that regular visits to the dentist and maintaining good oral hygiene can help you avoid most dental diseases? And yet cavities are the most prevalent chronic illnesses in children today, and this is because millions of Americans do not visit a dentist regularly.

It is important to note that dentists don't just manage cavities or other oral problems. A dentist near you can detect issues in different body parts, as the symptoms are often first visible in the mouth. They can help detect chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease early, enabling timely treatment. Dentists can educate people about good oral hygiene, fill cavities, remove plaque and tartar, and put fillings or sealants.

What kind of education and training do dentists receive?

Dentists are not medical doctors and do not attend medical school. They go to dental schools, which are at par with medical schools regarding the standard of education. 

Aspiring dentists begin their journey after completing an undergraduate biology, chemistry, and mathematics program. After graduation, they must enroll in a dental school, where they study and train for four years. The first two years involve studying theory in classrooms and laboratories. Students receive practical training in clinics and hospitals during the following two years. They learn to diagnose and treat oral diseases under the expert guidance of experienced specialists and doctors.

Upon completing dental school, students earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) degree. Dentists who wish to begin practice must clear a national, state, or regional licensure examination and meet the continuing medical education (CME) requirements to maintain their licensure.

Some dentists prefer to study and train further by focusing on one of the twelve recognized dental specialties. For this, they complete a one- to three-year residency program, the duration of which depends on the specialty chosen.

What are the specialties in dentistry?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes twelve dental specialties, each addressing a different problem area. These include:

1. Periodontics - It involves the treatment of gum disease and other illnesses affecting the tissues around the mouth. 
2. Endodontics - This field focuses on treating issues in the tooth pulp, such as root canal treatment. General dentists, too, perform root canal treatment, but they might refer a complex case to an endodontist.
3. Pedodontics - It involves the treatment of oral problems and illnesses in children, adolescents, and teens.
4. Orthodontics - It focuses on straightening teeth and realigning the bite. For this purpose, orthodontists use appliances such as braces, retainers, and clear aligners.
5. Prosthodontics - It focuses on creating natural-looking teeth using restorations such as dentures, bridges, and crowns.
6. Oral and maxillofacial radiology - It involves interpreting dental imaging tests such as CT (computed tomography) scans and dental X-rays.
7. Oral and maxillofacial pathology - This field focuses on the causes and effects of oral illnesses, and its practitioners diagnose complex dental cases.
8. Oral and maxillofacial surgery - This involves surgery to treat orofacial injuries, defects, and oral diseases. The most common procedure performed by specialists in this field is wisdom tooth removal. 
9. Public health dentistry - It focuses on improving oral health within the community. Specialists in this field help prevent oral diseases by designing various treatment programs.
10. Orofacial pain - It focuses on orofacial pain management and can help treat and prevent pain in the face, head, jaws, and teeth.
11. Oral medicine - It involves diagnosing and treating people with chronic illnesses. 
12. Dental anesthesiology - It provides advanced pain management services for oral or dental surgery patients.

What are the most common dental issues?

Recurring dental issues are most commonly preventable by brushing twice daily, flossing daily, eating a healthy diet, and going for regular check-ups. Educating yourself about the causes of oral problems can also help.

The most common dental issues that dentists near you can address include the following:

• Bad breath or halitosis: This awkward issue affects many people. The most common cause is an underlying dental condition. These may include gum disease, cavities, oral cancer, dry mouth, plaque buildup, or bacteria on the tongue. 

• Cavities or tooth decay: These are the second most common health condition in the United States. They occur when plaque combines with sugars and starches in food, resulting in acids that attack the tooth enamel. Dry mouth, aging, and normal enamel erosion can cause cavities. 

• Periodontal disease: It is a type of infection in the gums and the most prominent cause of adult tooth loss. Diabetes, dry mouth, and smoking are significant risk factors associated with this condition. Symptoms include bad breath, swollen and bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, and chewing pain.

• Oral cancer: This is a severe and deadly disorder that commonly occurs in people aged 40 and above. It is often curable if diagnosed and treated in earlier stages. Smoking or chewing tobacco, alcohol abuse, and human papillomavirus (HPV) are the most prominent risk factors. The most prevalent mouth or throat cancer symptoms include sores, lumps, or difficulty chewing or moving your tongue or jaw.

• Mouth sores: These can be of many types and feel quite bothersome. However, they are only a significant cause of concern if they last up to two weeks. Common mouth sores include canker sores (triggered by varying causes), fever blisters or cold sores (caused by the Herpes simplex virus), and thrush (caused by yeast infection).

• Tooth erosion: Tooth erosion occurs when acid formed in the mouth attacks the enamel, resulting in the loss of tooth structure.

• Tooth sensitivity: This frequently occurring issue is characterized by sensitivity and discomfort triggered by sweets, temperature changes, or cold foods and beverages.

• Toothaches and dental emergencies: These can include a broken or cracked tooth, an abscessed (pus) tooth, or accidental tooth loss.

What should you expect during a visit to a dentist?

Before the appointment, plan enough time off work or school to avoid feeling rushed or anxious. When scheduling your session, ask how long a cleaning and exam typically takes, then add extra time. You'll be in the chair longer if it's been a while since your last visit. An end-of-day appointment can be ideal so you can go straight home.

If you have dental insurance, confirm your dentist is in-network to save money. You may have to pay a co-pay at the office, or your dentist might bill you the balance after insurance. Without insurance, find out the expected cost beforehand.

On the appointment day, arrive early to complete paperwork (or submit online forms if available). At check-in, have your driver's license and insurance card ready.

During a regular or routine visit, a dental hygienist will cover your chest with a protective cloth and may provide eye shields. They will use various tools to scrape off plaque and tartar and may floss your teeth. Deep cleaning may be necessary, especially if it's been a while since your last visit. This can be uncomfortable, but it's essential for your dental health. If you experience jaw or mouth pain, let the hygienist know and take breaks as needed. They may also record notes in your chart, which can help your dentist.

After cleaning, you'll rinse, and the hygienist will polish your teeth, possibly letting you choose the flavor of the buffing paste.

After that, the dentist will use instruments to examine your teeth and gums and find any problems. Following the exam, your dentist will evaluate your oral health and discuss the recommended course of action. Routine dental care, including biannual cleanings and exams and yearly X-rays, is essential for maintaining a healthy mouth.

The dentist will provide a treatment plan based on their findings. You may need additional visits for fillings, crowns, cosmetic bonding, or other procedures. Your practitioner can address gum problems with scaling or root planing and fit implants or bridges for missing teeth. Plan for the cost of treatments and set up a payment plan for more complex procedures.

Essential daily habits for healthy teeth

Simple habits practiced consistently can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. Here are essential tips recommended by dental professionals to keep your smile healthy and bright:

• Brush your teeth twice daily: Make brushing a part of your morning and bedtime routine. Brushing at night, especially after your last meal or drink, eliminates plaque and germs that have built up throughout the day. It's a basic yet vital step in preventing tooth decay.

• Choose fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride is a key ingredient that helps prevent cavities. It strengthens your enamel and fights bacteria that cause tooth decay. Regardless of flavor or whitening claims, ensure your toothpaste contains fluoride for optimal protection.

• Floss daily: This removes food particles from between your teeth—areas your toothbrush can't reach. You can use traditional dental floss or interdental brushes to keep those spaces clean and reduce the risk of gum disease.

• Add mouthwash to your routine: Fluoride can protect against tooth decay and freshen your breath. However, please don't use it immediately after brushing, as it may rinse the fluoride from your toothpaste. Try using it after meals instead, and consult your dentist for the best options, especially for kids or sensitive teeth.

• Watch your sugar and acid intake: Sugary foods and acidic beverages like tea, coffee, and citrus fruits can wear down enamel and lead to cavities. Limit these foods and rinse with water afterward to reduce their effects.

• Drink plenty of water: Water helps prevent dry mouth by washing away microorganisms and food particles. Additionally, drinking fluoridated water makes your teeth stronger. It's the most beneficial drink for your mouth and body.

• Visit your dentist regularly: Schedule dental check-ups at least twice a year. A dentist near you can remove hardened plaque, detect early signs of decay, and recommend preventive or corrective treatments to maintain oral health.

How can one find a good dentist near you in Montgomery, New York?

Finding the top dentist in your area and scheduling an appointment as soon as possible could take time and effort. Zocdoc can help you locate a good dentist from the comfort of your home. With the aid of Zocdoc, you can also schedule appointments quickly with the top dental professionals in Montgomery, New York. 

To begin searching for the best-suited dentists for your requirements, enter your illness or symptoms, the type of dental specialist you are looking for, preferred location, and appointment time. You will see a complete list of dentists based on your search parameters. 

If you are trying to understand your insurance policy's coverage, use the insurance detector to find the best fit. You can filter your results by the dentist's gender, hospital affiliations, spoken languages, and whether the dentist treats children.

On Zocdoc, each doctor has a comprehensive profile that includes an overview of their educational and training background, awards, accreditations, specialization, office location, and—most importantly—verified patient reviews and ratings. You can use these ratings and reviews to make a more informed decision when selecting a dentist.

If you need assistance finding dentists who accept your insurance, our online patient help center is available. On Zocdoc, you can link your medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your account. Please note that each appointment can only use one insurance plan.

You can include secondary insurance details in the appointment notes for those with multiple insurance plans. You can enter your secondary insurance information if your provider uses Zocdoc's Intake forms.

You can arrange a face-to-face or online session with the dentist of your choice. You can book an appointment during office hours, before 10 a.m., after 5 p.m., or on weekends based on the dentist's availability.

Booking appointments on Zocdoc is quick, secure, and cost-free.

Statistics on dentists and dental visits in New York

Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 6,530 general dentists, 520 oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and 390 orthodontists in New York in May 2022. The state has an above-average number of dental healthcare providers, ranking 4th, 2nd, and 4th, respectively, in terms of general dentists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and orthodontists. 

According to America's Health Rankings, there were roughly 68.3 general and advanced practice dental therapists per 100,000 population in New York in September 2022. This figure exceeds the national average of nearly 60.6 dental therapists per 100,000 population.

In 2020, about 66.7% of adults in the state reported visiting a dentist or dental clinic within the past year. Women (69.5%) were more likely to see a dentist or dental clinic than men (63.7%). Most likely to visit a dentist or dental clinic were those aged 45 to 64, with almost 70.8% doing so. The percentage was slightly lower at approximately 69% in those 65 and above. Only 62.7% of those in the age group of 18 to 44 visited a dentist last year.

Sources

WebMD[1]

WebMD[2]

Cleveland Clinic

Healthline[1]

Healthline[2]

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

America’s Health Rankings[1]

America’s Health Rankings[2]

Verywell Health

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.