Who are dentists?
A dentist is a medical doctor licensed to check and care for people's teeth. Dentists can examine and manage gum, tooth, and oral disorders. Dentists are also trained to perform surgeries. Promoting dental hygiene is one of the essential duties of a dentist. Regular visits to the dentist can help maintain good dental health, which can have a powerful effect on one's overall well-being.
In certain situations, oral health care methods may need collaborative inputs from dentists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, dental laboratory technicians, and assistants who work with the dentist. Together, these practitioners can ensure that individuals enjoy the best dental treatment. Some commonly conducted dental procedures include:
- Cavity filling
- Tooth decay or accumulation removal
- Treatment or repairing of decayed teeth
- Examining X-rays and screening procedures
- Anesthesia administration
- Installing fillings or coatings
- Examining the development of molars and facial bones
Dentists undergo thorough training. To become a dentist, one must have a bachelor's degree in science. The next step is to enroll in a dental school for four years. The first two years include specific coursework, while the next two involve clinical exposure. After dental school, dentists receive a Doctor in Dental Surgery (DDS) degree or a Doctorate in Dental Medicine (DDM). In addition, dentists must be licensed in the state they wish to practice.
Common dental issues
Tooth decay and gum disease are the most frequent dental problems. Tooth decay is the disintegration of a tooth's enamel and dentin layers. It occurs when an excess of sugars, particles of carbohydrates, or starch accumulates on the teeth. These nutrients feed the bacteria that dwell inside the mouth. They create enzymes and acids that could erode tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay. Tooth decay may impact anyone at any stage.
Periodontal disease is a persistent bacterial disease of the gums and the jawbone. Gingivitis is a less severe condition of the gum. However, gingivitis can progress to a more robust and fatal version of periodontitis. Tooth decay and gum diseases can have typical signs, including:
- Toothache
- Sensitivity to cold or hot food
- Loose teeth
- Sudden pain while eating cold or sweet foods
- Tooth changing shape or color
- Worn teeth, including holes, cracks, or chips on the tooth
- Gums that are bleeding or inflamed
- Gum pain
- Swollen cheeks
- Jaw clicking
Are there different specialties within dentistry?
There are around sixteen specialties within dentistry. These are usually the advanced areas of focus that dentists may choose to pursue following their education and training. It includes the following:
- Pedodontics: Also known as pediatric dentistry, pedodontics focuses on treating children, adolescents, and teens.
- Orthodontics: By realigning your bite and straightening your teeth, orthodontists aim to improve your teeth's health and function. In addition to braces and other custom-made devices, orthodontists also provide clear aligners and retainers.
- Endodontics: Though many general dentists conduct root canals, the procedure is the endodontist's area of expertise. If your condition is complicated, your dentist typically recommends an endodontist.
- Periodontics: A periodontist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating gum diseases and ailments of the tissues surrounding your teeth.
- Prosthodontics: A prosthodontist is a dental expert who curates natural-looking dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures.
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery: Your jaws and other orofacial (mouth and face) structures might develop illnesses, abnormalities, or injuries that oral surgeons can treat. They provide several treatments in addition to routine wisdom teeth removal.
- Oral and maxillofacial pathology: Oral pathologists investigate the origins and consequences of oral disease and offer a diagnosis for complicated dental cases.
- Oral and maxillofacial radiology: Oral and maxillofacial radiologists hold expertise in interpreting dental CT scans, X-rays, and other dental imaging tests.
- Public health dentistry: Dentists promote oral health within communities by developing initiatives to fend against illnesses.
- Dental anesthesiology: Dental anesthesiologists provide advanced pain management treatments for patients undergoing dental or oral surgical operations.
- Oral medicine: Dentists specializing in this field concentrate on identifying and caring for patients with long-term conditions.
- Orofacial pain management: Dental professionals specializing in orofacial pain management diagnose, treat, and prevent pain in the teeth, jaws, head, and face.
- Cosmetic dentistry: Cosmetic dentists perform procedures to enhance the patient's smile. Examples of the treatments involved are porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, and gum contouring. Many cosmetic dentists also provide restorative and preventative care.
- Implant dentistry: Implant dentists work with dental implants, which is a popular, standard, and long-term teeth replacement option. Usually, specialists, like periodontists and oral surgeons, place these implants. However, general dentists are also qualified to undertake the procedure.
- Reconstructive dentistry: It involves full mouth reconstruction or rehabilitation. This entails attending to those who suffer from severe cavities or gum disease. The desired result may require many consultations and lengthy procedures throughout the treatment.
- Forensic dentistry: Forensic dentists work to evaluate dental records for legal settings. For instance, if law enforcement discovers human remains, a forensic dentist can examine the victim's teeth and jaw bones for identification purposes.
Why are regular dental checkups important for maintaining good oral health?
Here are some reasons why you should routinely visit a dentist near you-
- Identify cavities and tooth decay early: Dental inspections can help detect cavities and decay during their initial stages. The sooner they are detected, the less expensive they are to treat.
- Early detection of mouth cancer: The dentist can examine your mouth for indications of the oral cavity and pharynx, lip cancer, and oral cancer. This is highly relevant if you consume tobacco or smoke.
- Recognize gum disease promptly: Several individuals with gingival and acute gum disease are unaware of their condition. Individuals ignore the inflammatory conditions around the gum tissues, which slowly affect the tissues around the areas of teeth.
- Examine dental fillings: The dentist can inspect them to ensure they are solid enough. This inspection lets dentists identify if any dental fillings are faulty or decayed.
- Protect your family's dental health: Tooth decay is among children's most frequent chronic conditions. Dental visits can help detect and manage tooth decay.
- Examine your dental hygiene practices. The dentist can assist you in developing and sustaining a good and healthy dental hygiene practice.
- Treat dry mouth or foul breath: Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, can cause poor breath due to insufficient saliva production. Your dentist can detect and address these conditions.
- Enhance your health and well-being: Dental issues can be related to several medical issues, including diabetes, heart problems, and high blood pressure. Through regular visits and checkups, dentists can help manage dental conditions related to other comorbidities.
Preserving dental health through root canal treatment
Dentists perform root canal treatments to treat inflamed or infected pulp inside a tooth. They carefully clean and disinfect the affected area before filling and sealing it. This approach removes bacteria from the infected root canal, prevents reinfection, and helps retain the natural tooth. Choosing a root canal to save a natural tooth offers many advantages, such as improved chewing efficiency, normal biting force and sensation, a natural appearance, and protection for nearby teeth from excessive wear or strain.
Several conditions can lead to the need for a root canal, such as a cracked tooth from injury or genetics, a deep cavity, or complications from a prior filling. Patients typically require root canal treatment when they experience tooth sensitivity, especially to cold and hot temperatures. Common symptoms that indicate the necessity for root canals include severe pain during chewing or biting, pimples on the gums, a chipped or cracked tooth, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold even after removal of the stimulus, swollen or tender gums, deep decay, or gum darkening. A root canal, or endodontic treatment, becomes essential when the pulp gets infected. This infection can arise from extensive decay, repeated dental procedures, defective crowns, or a crack or chip in the tooth. Trauma, even without apparent cracks or chips, can harm the pulp. Pulp irritation or infection can cause severe discomfort or an abscess if neglected.
During a root canal or endodontic procedure, the dentist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, then cleans and disinfects the tooth's interior, filling and sealing it with a rubber-like gutta-percha material. Afterward, the tooth is typically capped with a crown or filling for added protection, allowing it to function like any other tooth. Endodontic treatment preserves your natural smile, allows you to enjoy your favorite foods, and reduces the need for ongoing dental procedures. With good care, most teeth treated with a root canal can last a lifetime.
What to expect and how to prepare for a dental appointment?
During a typical routine checkup, a dentist conducts a standard dental examination, which involves checking the oral cavity (teeth, jaws, gums) to detect issues within your dental structures or potential problems that you may be at risk of. If you are seeing a dentist for the first time, you can expect them to record your basic health information. This includes your medical history, any previous surgeries, tests, and medicines you are taking (including over-the-counter medications). Inform your dentist about your chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.
Before your dentist examines your teeth, a dental hygienist will place a plastic cover or paper on your chest after you are seated in a dental chair. Your dentist will then view the inside of your mouth and ask about where you've been experiencing pain and other symptoms. They will then examine the teeth for any cavities, decay, or gaps between your teeth. Your dentist may also try to identify other oral problems, such as those within the supporting bone structures, gum disease, or tartar buildup. Tell your dentist about jaw pain or chewing and swallowing difficulties. They may take an X-ray to understand further and diagnose your condition.
Dental cleaning involves removing any plaque buildup. In case of severe buildup and hardened tartar, you may need scaling and root planing. Your dentist may also perform certain preventive services during this visit, such as dental sealants and fluoride treatments. In case of deep cavities, you may require a filling. A root canal treatment may be necessary for infection in the roots of a tooth. Depending on your condition, a general dentist may refer you to a specialist, such as an endodontist or orthodontist. If you are anxious about the dentist, inform your dental care team beforehand. Dentists offer many ways, including sedation options, to help patients stay comfortable and relaxed during a checkup.
Going for a routine dental checkup every six months can help determine your risk for oral conditions, especially if you have a family history. It also allows patients and families to learn proper oral hygiene habits from their dentists and manage their dental conditions appropriately. Depending on your diagnosed oral condition, your dentist may ask you to schedule more frequent follow-up visits.
Find the best dentists near you in Redwood
Dental issues can be daunting; therefore, immediate care is vital. Finding a good dentist to help you overcome your medical condition is crucial. This is where Zocdoc can make your work simpler. Just enter your state, location, preferred time, and insurance details on the Zocdoc website to be taken to a list of the top-rated dentists in Redwood City.
You can add your medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your Zocdoc account if you have multiple insurance plans. However, when booking an appointment, you can search with only one insurance plan at a time. If you'd like to include information about a secondary insurance plan, you can mention it in the notes section for the provider at the final step of booking. Additionally, if your provider uses Zocdoc's intake forms, you can enter your secondary insurance when completing your forms online. For more insurance-related questions, you can visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
Selecting a practitioner is also easy. You can go through the detailed profiles of the dentists, which have information about their education, training, experience, specialty, practice name and location, office hours, affiliations, awards, and even the languages they speak. In addition, you can go through verified patient reviews to help you make the right decision.
With Zocdoc, you can book appointments with a top-rated dentist near you on the same day (24 hours), on weekends, and even after 5 pm, depending on the dentist's availability. All bookings on Zocdoc are fast, free, and secure!
Dental health statistics in California
Compared to the current US average of 3,463, California has fewer general dentistry practices per capita, with an average of 2,566. In contrast to the current US average of 4,158, California has fewer inhabitants per specialized practice (4,047 on average). The proportion of persons who said they visited a dental office or clinic within the previous year was about 64.6%, according to data from America's Health Rankings 2020. 61.4%, 63.6%, and 74.2% of the population were between 18–44, 45–64, and 65 and older, respectively.
According to the California Department of Public Health's 2017 report, 54% of kindergarteners and 70% of third graders in California have experienced dental caries (tooth decay). Nearly one-third of children (based on 2004 data) had untreated tooth decay. Every year, dental issues cause children to miss 874,000 days of school. The government's Healthy People 2020 objective was to supply fluoridated water to 79.6% of California's population. In 2012, around 64% of the population received fluoridated water from their local drinking water system.
About 51% of California's 11.1 million children (ages 0–20) in 2016 got dental insurance coverage under Medi-Cal/Denti-Cal, the state's Medicaid program. In 2015, the program provided at least one dental care to 44% of recipients registered for at least 90 days straight.
Sources
California Department of Public Health
America's Health Rankings
Medical News Today
WebMD[1]
Collins Dictionary
Cleveland Clinic[1]
WebMD[2]
MedlinePlus
Cleveland Clinic[2]
American Association of Endodontists
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