Who are dentists?
Dentists, as specialists, play a crucial role as the primary guardians of oral health. They prevent dental problems, look after their patients' oral health, perform diagnostic procedures to detect disorders, and help preserve a beautiful smile. Dentists focus on diseases that may affect not only the gums and teeth but also the hard and soft palates, tongue, uvula, jawbone, salivary glands, mouth floor, and head and neck muscles.
Dental professionals are often the first healthcare practitioners to identify underlying conditions/diseases in an individual's mouth. These conditions could be regarded as early warning signals of chronic or acute cardiovascular/heart problems, pregnancy and delivery difficulties, and pneumonia. According to recent research from the NYU College of Dentistry and Weill Cornell Medicine, older persons with more dangerous bacteria in their gums are more likely to have signs of amyloid-beta — a critical biomarker for Alzheimer's disease — in their cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Dentists usually require a DDS or DMD degree from a dental program approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Applicants for most programs must have a bachelor's degree and have taken required science courses, such as biology or chemistry. Applicants with a bachelor's degree in biology may be preferred. Most dental school applicants take the Dental Admission Test (DAT). The test and other considerations, such as the grade point average, interviews, and recommendations, are used together to make admission decisions.
All dental specialties demand further training before a dentist can practice that specialty. This training usually consists of a 2—to 4-year residency in a CODA-accredited program related to the specialty, with a postdoctoral certificate or master's degree as a result. Oral and maxillofacial surgery schools last 4 to 6 years and can lead to a combined medical doctor (M.D.) degree for graduates. After dental school, general dentists do not require any extra training.
Oral cavity issues: the most common issues
Dental hygiene issues can be a precursor to other significant health issues. The following are the most prevalent oral cavity problems:
Bad breath: Halitosis, also called 'bad breath,' can lead to embarrassment and may impact an individual's self-esteem and confidence. Gum disease, cavities, oral cancer, dry mouth, and germs on the tongue are among the causes of bad breath.
Cavities: Plaque comprises bacteria, acid, food, and saliva. This sticky substance collects on teeth, interacting with the sugars and starches in your diet, leading to tooth decay. The bacteria often produce acids that degrade tooth enamel over time, leading to caries. Cavities can develop due to dry mouth, triggered by factors like age or medications (such as steroids).
Periodontal disease: Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a severe gum infection that impacts the soft tissue and, if not addressed, can lead to the decay of the bone supporting your teeth. Periodontitis can result in teeth loosening or tooth loss. Periodontitis refers to an advanced stage of gum disease and is more resistant to treatment. Poor oral hygiene is one cause, in addition to pre-existing conditions or lifestyle factors.
Tooth erosion: The process of erosion is the primary loss of tooth enamel. When the enamel wears away, the dentin beneath it becomes exposed, leading to pain and discomfort. Voids in the teeth, general wear of the tooth surface, and biting edges are common signs of erosion. It can reveal the dental pulp beneath the enamel, a deeper brownish-orange color. Because dentin is sensitive, your teeth may be more sensitive to heat and cold, as well as acidic foods and drinks.
Teeth grinding: Grinding your teeth or bruxism is common during sleep. But you may grind your teeth at any time of day if you're agitated, have new dental fillings or crowns, or have an irregular bite. The enamel of your teeth will become eroded after an extended amount of time. Toothaches, dull headaches, earaches, and temporomandibular jaw pain are all caused by bruxism. Because the white outer layer of your teeth has worn away, your teeth may appear yellow.
Treatments and procedures performed by a dentist near you
Dentists offer a broad range of treatments and procedures, extending their expertise beyond routine practices. Their commitment encompasses personalized care, preventive measures, and a patient-focused approach. Here is an in-depth overview of the common dental services actively performed by dentists:
1. Dental cleanings: Regular cleanings are important for maintaining exemplary oral health. It involves the thorough elimination of plaque and tartar, aiding in preventing problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.
2. Filings: Dentists actively address cavities by removing decayed portions. Subsequently, they expertly fill the area with materials like amalgam or composite resin. It not only restores the tooth's function but also enhances its shape.
3. Application of crowns for restoration: Crowns are fitted to restore damaged or decayed teeth. They provide protection and strength and contribute to repairing the tooth's appearance.
4. Construction of bridges for tooth replacement: Dentists create bridges to replace missing teeth. These bridges consist of a single artificial tooth or multiple artificial teeth. They are attached to dental crowns on either side, firmly anchored by natural teeth.
5. Surgical placement of dental implants: Addressing missing teeth is a comprehensive process. It includes surgically placing dental implants in the artificial roots of the tooth, offering a stable and permanent solution.
6. Tooth extractions: The dentist may recommend and perform tooth extractions in cases of serious damage or complications with adjacent teeth.
7. Root canal therapy: Addressing infected or inflamed pulp involves a meticulous process. It includes removal, cleansing, shaping the tooth's interior, and sealing to prevent further infection.
8. Orthodontic treatment: Correcting misalignments in teeth and jaws is achieved through various orthodontic treatments. These include braces, clear aligners, or specialized appliances.
9. Gum treatments: Addressing gum disease involves various therapeutic approaches. These include deep cleanings, scaling, root planing, or, in severe cases, surgical interventions.
10. Providing emergency treatments: Delivering immediate and comprehensive care for dental emergencies encompasses various procedures. These include pain relief, injury treatment, and necessary extractions.
Types of dental diseases you might not be familiar with
Temporomandibular joint pain (TMD)
Temporomandibular joint pain, also known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD), occurs when there's a problem with the disc, muscles, or ligaments in your jaw. This condition impacts the jaw's function. If you grind your teeth, have arthritis, or experience imbalances in your bite due to uneven tooth alignment, you may be more prone to developing TMD.
Hyperdontia
Hyperdontia happens when extra teeth grow in your mouth, disrupting the alignment of your permanent teeth and preventing them from developing properly. Children experiencing overcrowding or teething may also end up with crooked jaws as their mouths struggle to accommodate the additional teeth. The recommended solution is to extract the extra teeth early to prevent more severe issues, such as jawline alterations, later on.
Germinated teeth
Germinated teeth are two teeth that share a single root. This condition can cause overcrowding and damage to tooth crowns due to the gaps they create. If left untreated, germinated teeth can also lead to tooth decay. Seeking a dentist's care immediately is crucial to prevent complications.
Burning mouth syndrome
When too many teeth emerge too early, it can disturb tooth alignment and cause permanent teeth to fall out prematurely. Overcrowding can also negatively affect gum health and bone development by limiting space for new nerve tissue growth. This may result in crooked jaw alignment. The best way to address this problem is by extracting the extra teeth to avoid future complications.
How can you find the right dentist near you in San Jose?
We patients expect nothing less than the best when it comes to our health and well-being. For most of us, health is at the top of our priorities. Therefore, we need help finding a dentist who understands our worries and concerns and offers a custom treatment program. But with Zocdoc, the ideal dentist is just a click away!
You can book appointments with top-ranking dentists on Zocdoc — without any hassles! The search page would list specialists in and around your location, allowing you to make the right choice. You can also read more on our website about the dentists' educational backgrounds, residencies and fellowships, board certifications, licensure, insurance accepted, and the clinics or hospitals where they work.
You can add medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your Zocdoc account. However, you can only use one insurance plan at a time when searching for and booking an appointment. You can mention your secondary carrier and plan in the provider notes during the final booking step if you have multiple plans.
If your provider uses Zocdoc's Intake forms, you can include your secondary insurance while filling out the forms online. For more insurance information, check out Zocdoc's patient help center.
You may also refer to verified patient reviews and ratings to find a friendly and professional dentist near you. At Zocdoc, we aspire to make quality healthcare available to the most underserved communities. No one should be deprived of a healthy mouth and charming smile because of missed appointments or busy schedules.
Booking with Zocdoc is easy, safe, and completely free!
Dental statistics in San Jose and California
Following a report published by the Center For California Health Workforce Studies, there is a need for more dentists in the southern and central parts of San Jose. The western region, on the other hand, suffers from a "medium shortage."
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, California had 18,820 general dentists as of May 2023. The state had the highest employment of dentists in the U.S. The location quotient of dentists, the ratio between dentists in California versus the whole U.S. was 1.31, higher than the national average.
According to the American Dental Association,
- 38% of high-income adults experience dental pain due to mouth and teeth problems.
- 20% of middle-income persons are embarrassed because of the state of their mouth and teeth.
- 19% of the population belonging to low-income households limit their involvement in social activities due to poor oral health.
Resources
The American Dental Association has published a complete guide on how diseases affect your oral cavity and how they seem to appear - What 10 Common Mouth Issues Really Look Like
You can visit the American Dental Association website to read more oral health statistics.
You can learn more about the relationship between the Alzheimer's disease biomarker and oral disease on the NYU website.
Sources
American Dental Association[1]
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
U.F. Health
American Dental Association[2]
Oral Health Foundation
Crescent Heights Dental Clinic
District Dentistry
New York University
WebMD
Cleveland Clinic
