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Who are dentists?

Dentists are professionals who manage the oral health care needs of adults and children. They provide treatment for dental problems, educate their patients on preventative measures, and suggest lifestyle changes. Most dentists are general practitioners who perform examinations, fix cavities, and extract teeth, among other procedures.

After completing their undergraduate degree, aspiring dentists must earn a doctorate in dental medicine (DDM) or dental surgery (DDS). Programs leading to a DDS degree include four years of classroom, pre-clinical, and clinical training. Instruction in labs and classes takes place during the first two years. The course may cover oral pathology, dental diagnostics, and treatment methods. Students frequently complete a dental rotation externship in their final two years, mainly held in dental clinics, which allows them to treat patients under supervision.

They may also need to undertake a residency or acquire other postgraduate credentials. A license issued by the state authorities is also mandatory for all practicing dentists. In addition to general dentistry, dental schools frequently offer specialist courses. Including these subspecialized training programs, postgraduate studies may last 2 to 6 years, depending on the specialty.

What are the kinds of dental subspecialties?

Dentists may specialize in a chosen field of study, become experts, and focus on addressing specific dental issues. They can decide between the following options:

1. Pedodontics: Also known as pediatric dentistry, this field treats children, adolescents, and teens.
2. Orthodontics: This branch centers on aligning bites and straightening teeth for optimal health and functionality. Orthodontists provide braces, clear aligners, retainers, and other customized dental appliances.
3. Endodontics: These dentists are experts in performing root canal therapy. While general dentists commonly conduct root canals, intricate situations may necessitate referring patients to an endodontist.
4. Periodontics: This field involves diagnosing and treating gum disease and other issues affecting the tissues around the teeth.
5. Prosthodontics: They can create natural-looking dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, and dentures.
6. Oral and maxillofacial surgery: These surgeons treat diseases, defects, and injuries of the jaws and other orofacial structures. Standard procedures performed by oral surgeons include wisdom tooth removal, among others.
7. Oral and maxillofacial pathology: They are pathologists who investigate the causes and effects of oral diseases and provide diagnoses for complex cases.
8. Oral and maxillofacial radiology: Specialists in this field interpret dental X-rays, CT scans, and other dental imaging tests.
9. Public health dentistry: These dentists aim to enhance oral health within communities by designing programs focused on disease prevention.
10. Dental anesthesiology: These anesthesiologists provide advanced pain management services for individuals undergoing dental or oral surgery.
11. Oral medicine: Dentists specializing in oral medicine focus on diagnosing and treating individuals with chronic medical conditions.
12. Orofacial pain management: These dentists concentrate on diagnosing, treating, and preventing pain in the teeth, jaws, head, and face.
13. Cosmetic dentistry: This branch deals with enhancing the appearance of smiles through various treatments, like teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and gum contouring. Some solely focus on cosmetic procedures, while others provide preventive and restorative treatments.
14. Implant dentistry: These dentists fit dental implants, a popular long-term tooth replacement option. Periodontists, oral surgeons, and general dentists often perform implant placements.
15. Reconstructive dentistry: Certain dentists focus on full mouth reconstruction or rehabilitation, particularly for individuals with extensive cavities or gum disease. Treatment typically involves multiple appointments and comprehensive procedures to achieve the desired outcome.
16. Forensic dentistry: They analyze teeth and interpret dental records for medico-legal purposes. For instance, when law enforcement discovers human remains, a forensic dentist can assess teeth and jaw bones to identify the victim.

Dental procedures & treatments

Taking appropriate care of one's teeth can extend their lifespan. Good oral hygiene, a low-sugar, low-acid diet, wearing a mouthguard while participating in sports, and routine examinations with a dentist near you can all help lower the chances of developing gum disease, tooth decay, loss, etc. Some dental tests and procedures that are standard in dentistry are:

1. Dental examinations: Your dentist may ask questions about your overall health and prescriptions when you visit for a dental exam. Your dentist will examine each tooth using tools like a mirror and probe. They check for disorders like tooth decay, gum disease, and other problems. They also examine the mouth's soft tissues, including the tongue, cheeks, lips, and palate, for indications of oral cancer and other potential disorders. Your dentist might also examine your jaw joints and the lymph nodes in your neck.
2. Professional teeth cleaning: After a professional cleaning, the teeth are free of accumulated debris. The procedure may help remove soft plaque, tartar, and food crumbs that may lead to bacterial development. The top two causes of gum disease are tartar and plaque. After thoroughly cleaning and polishing your teeth, the dentist will use a rotating brush and polishing paste towards the end of the session.  
3. Dental fillings: These can fix cavities brought on by tooth decay. The dental provider fills the hole in the tooth after cleaning, drying, and removing any deterioration. 
4. Dental fissure sealants: Sealants prevent tooth deterioration in dental fissures. These sealants are used mainly for the back teeth rather than the front molars and premolars. After the tooth's cleaning, the dentist applies a sealant to the biting surface, where it solidifies to become a sturdy plastic substance. The sealant creates a barrier, preventing food particles and other microbes from settling in the tooth's grooves to cause decay. 
5. Root canal: A filling replaces the tooth's damaged or infected pulp in a root canal procedure. The pulp—often referred to as the tooth's nerve—is housed within the hollow center of the tooth and comprises blood vessels and nerve fibers that give the tooth oxygen, nourishment, and sensation. In a root canal procedure, the practitioner removes the injured pulp. They use a drill and small files to clean and shape the root canals. Subsequently, the root's end is cleaned and dried, and a filling substance extending to the root's end is packed.
6. Restoration of teeth: Your dentist can recommend several procedures to repair broken teeth. These can aid in restoring the look, feel, and functionality of your teeth. Fixing veneers, composite resins, and crowns or onlays may be some options to restore teeth. A veneer is a thin coating of resin attached to the front of the tooth with an adhesive. Composite resins are tooth-colored resin fillings that can be glued to the toot and used to treat cracked, discolored, or oddly shaped teeth, restoring their cosmetic appeal. Crowns and onlays are caps permanently cemented to a tooth. The crowns cover the whole tooth, while the onlays cover the tooth comparatively less and are used when enough tooth structure is left to sustain it.
7. Tooth removal: Dentists prioritize natural teeth. However, severely decaying or damaged teeth might require an extraction. If wisdom teeth are below the gum line, grow at an angle, and butt into the gum or the tooth next to them, they can cause various dental issues. Such removal is only carried out under the effect of local anesthesia.
8. Dentures, mouthguards, dental implants: Removable artificial teeth, also called dentures, can replace some or all of your natural teeth. Mouthguards shield the lips, tongue, teeth, gums, and jaws from harm. They can get worn out during athletic competitions to guard against accidental or intentional strikes to the face. Dental implants can replace missing teeth. An implant is a solid titanium screw-shaped device. It can be surgically attached to the jaw and then covered with an artificial tooth.
9. Orthodontic care: Correcting jaw and tooth position anomalies, such as crowding, protruding (or "bucking") upper teeth, or protruding lower teeth, is often advised. Braces or other detachable devices are some corrective measures for such issues. Following orthodontic treatment, a retainer appliance preserves the correct tooth positions. Jaw surgery may be appropriate when significant correction is needed for the best outcomes.

Diseases caused by poor dental hygiene

Oral systemic health underscores the vital connection between oral health and overall body health, as supported by extensive research. Neglecting oral hygiene can result in various systemic health issues, reinforcing the need for diligent dental care. Here are a few examples of such diseases:

Cardiovascular diseases: Around 80-90% of heart disease cases are preventable, and maintaining good dental hygiene is one effective way to lower the risk. Periodontal disease is directly associated with artery inflammation. Oral bacteria can enter your bloodstream, causing hardened arteries and a higher risk of stroke or heart attack. Poor oral health also correlates with high blood pressure and dense LDL cholesterol, further increasing cardiovascular risk. Prioritize gum disease prevention through proper oral care and regular dental checkups.

High-risk pregnancy: Women with periodontal disease are six times more likely to experience preterm births. The bacteria Fusobacterium nucleatum, commonly found in the oral cavity, has been detected in the amniotic fluid, placenta, and membranes of patients who deliver prematurely.

Respiratory issues: Poor dental hygiene increases the risk of respiratory problems. Oral bacteria can reach the lungs through inhalation or the bloodstream, potentially causing respiratory infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, COPD, and lung disease. Collaborate with your dentist and healthcare provider to reduce the risk of infections spreading from your mouth to your lungs.

Cancer: Periodontal disease has a significant correlation with cancers, including pancreatic, lung, and blood cancers. Using tobacco products further heightens the risk of oral cancer.

Rheumatoid arthritis: Studies from Johns Hopkins University highlight the connection between poor oral health and rheumatoid arthritis. The bacteria Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, associated with periodontal disease, has been linked to inflammation similar to that seen in rheumatoid arthritis.

Kidney disease: Poor oral health can also cause inflammation and infection, which can even spread through the bloodstream and weaken the body's ability to combat illnesses. Kidney disease, another outcome of poor oral health, can also put you at risk of cardiovascular disease.

Finding the best dentist near you in New Hyde Park, NY

Ever since birth, a regular dental checkup is essential for every individual. It ensures good hygiene and early prevention of any condition. However, it may be challenging to decide upon a dentist, especially in the sea of practitioners out there. Fret not; Zocdoc has got your back! We at Zocdoc work hard to pair our patients with the best medical professionals. Use our app or visit Zocdoc.com to locate a dentist.

When choosing an in-network doctor, you can trust Zocdoc to keep your health insurance information safe per the industry's best practices. For any insurance-related queries, reach out to Zocdoc's patient help center.

Enter your condition or symptoms, location, date, and insurance information in the search bar to get a list of dentists with the top reviews. You can also sort and filter your search results according to the provider's location, hospital affiliation, gender, languages they speak, and whether or not they treat children. Using the drop-down option, you may determine whether a dentist accepts your insurance by selecting your provider and plan.

In addition, each healthcare provider's profile includes their educational background, professional experience, certifications, licenses, accolades, and accreditations to help you know more about them. You can also read the verified patient reviews to make an informed decision. As soon as you're content, you can schedule a consultation with the chosen dentist near you.

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Dental statistics for New York State

According to America's Health Rankings, about 65% of the New York State population reported visiting a dental clinic or a dentist in 2022. The report also shows that 1 in 4 adults in the state had untreated cavities as of 2022. Moreover, nearly half of the adults aged 30 and above had signs of gum disease.

The demand for dental treatment has grown due to the aging population. Another 2021 report by America's Health Rankings suggests that approximately 12% of all New York adults over 65 reported having all their teeth removed due to decay or gum disease. Losing all teeth is often related to an increased risk of disability, mortality, reduced quality of life, and chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and kidney diseases.

With nearly 14,653 active dentists recorded in 2019, New York is one of the top three states with the most significant number of dental practitioners in the country, according to Statista figures. According to Dentagraphics, each general dentistry office in New York serves an average of 3,158 patients. 

Sources

Best Accredited Colleges

Cleveland Clinic

Better Health

Statista

America's Health Rankings [1]

America's Health Rankings [2]

American Academy for Oral Systemic 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.