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Who is a dentist?

Dentistry is the branch of healthcare that focuses on maintaining oral healthcare and treating diseases related to teeth, gums, and mouth. Dentists are healthcare professionals who specialize in dentistry and promote the importance of oral hygiene. Poor oral health sometimes affects our overall health, increasing the risk of various chronic conditions like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). It is important to maintain good oral health because it can result in painful conditions that might require surgical treatment. Dentists specialize in treating a variety of dental conditions, including:  

• Tooth decay
• Swollen gums
• Bad breath 
• Sensitivity
• Broken teeth
• Mouth sores
• Excessive build-up of enamel 
• Root infections
• Cavities 
• Misaligned teeth

Most dentists work with a team of dental assistants, technicians, dental hygienists, and sometimes dental therapists. Dentists operate in different work settings, including dental clinics, hospitals, private practices, schools, and primary and surgical care centers.  

Education and clinical training of dentists

Dentists hold an important position in the medical field as they educate and guide people to maintain oral health. Acquiring a dental degree requires years of hard work and determination, like any other medical specialization. To work as a board-certified and licensed dentist, aspiring studies must:

Complete a bachelor's degree of four years, preferably majoring in science, biology, or mathematics.

Clear the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) with a passing score of 17 or higher. After passing, one must gain admission into an accredited dental school.

Finish dental school in four years and get a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree. Dental school programs focus on providing clinical experience and educating students on the basics of dental medicine. 

Obtain a state license by passing various American Dental Association (ADA) examinations.

Dentists can get board-certified by clearing the National Board Dental Examination. 

Some dentists might want to focus on a specialty, opting for a one—to three-year postgraduate residency program; this is entirely optional. 

What are the various specialties in dentistry?

Dentistry involves a wide range of specialized fields, each dedicated to addressing specific oral health concerns and conditions. Here are various dental specialties that focus on particular aspects of oral health:

Orthodontics: Orthodontists specialize in correcting malocclusions and teeth alignment, ensuring optimal oral function and aesthetics. They offer treatments like braces, clear aligners, and retainers.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery: These surgeons treat diseases, defects, and injuries related to the mouth, jaws, and other orofacial structures. They perform wisdom teeth extraction and a range of surgical interventions.

Periodontics: Periodontists are specialized in diagnosing and treating gum diseases and conditions affecting the tissues around teeth. They provide comprehensive periodontal care.

Prosthodontics: Prosthodontists focus on creating realistic dental restorations,  such as bridges, crowns, and dentures, to restore and enhance oral function and aesthetics.

Endodontics: Endodontists are experts in performing root canal therapy, often handling complex cases referred by general dentists.

Pediatric dentistry: Also known as pedodontics, this specialty is dedicated to the dental care of children and adolescents, ensuring their optimal oral health from an early age.

Oral and maxillofacial radiology: Oral radiologists specialize in interpreting dental X-rays, CT scans, and other imaging tests, aiding in accurate diagnoses.

Oral and maxillofacial pathology: Oral pathologists study the causes and effects of oral diseases, providing diagnoses for complex cases.

Public health dentistry: Public health dentists design community-based programs to promote oral health and prevent diseases.

Dental anesthesiology: Dental anesthesiologists offer advanced pain management for patients undergoing dental and oral surgery procedures.

Oral medicine: Dentists in this specialty focus on diagnosing and treating individuals with chronic medical conditions affecting their oral health.

Orofacial pain management: These specialists diagnose, treat, and prevent pain in the teeth, jaws, head, and face.

Cosmetic dentistry: Cosmetic dentists concentrate on enhancing smiles through diverse procedures such as teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and gum contouring.

Implant dentistry: Implant dentists specialize in placing dental implants, which represent a durable long-term solution for tooth replacement.

Reconstructive dentistry: Some dentists specialize in comprehensive mouth reconstruction or rehabilitation, addressing extensive issues like severe cavities or gum disease.

Forensic dentistry: Forensic dentists play a critical role in legal matters, examining dental records and evaluating teeth and jawbones to identify individuals, particularly in cases involving human remains.

Each dental specialty plays a vital role in maintaining and improving oral health, addressing unique dental challenges, and ensuring patients receive the most appropriate care for their specific needs.

Conditions under which you must visit a dentist near you

Sometimes, we ignore minor pain, which might become a severe condition. Booking a dental appointment is highly advisable if you suffer from these conditions. 

• Bleeding teeth/gums: The skin protecting our teeth and gums is quite sensitive. Bleeding may occur if we brush too hard, damaging the enamel in some situations. If you are experiencing regular bleeding after brushing and flossing sessions, please visit your dentist; you might develop gum disease or an infection.
• Loose teeth: Falling of teeth is normal in kids and teens. If you see movement or gaps between your teeth, consult a dentist. The dentist will fill these gaps, as sometimes food may get stuck inside, leading to cavities and other infections.
• Toothache: This is one of the reasons why you should schedule a dental appointment. A toothache can result from cavities, infections, filling damage, or excessive teeth grinding. Only a dentist can determine the exact reason behind a toothache and help you eliminate the pain by prescribing painkillers or other treatments.
• Mouth sores: Sores can sometimes develop due to spicy food or allergies; they generally resolve themselves in a week or two. However, you must seek treatment for pus-filled oral bumps or sores, possibly due to fungal/yeast infections or diabetes.

What can you expect at the dentist for a non-routine visit?

When visiting the dentist after a long time, you can anticipate receiving comprehensive care along with additional procedures. X-rays are typically necessary for a thorough oral health assessment for new patient appointments or visits after an extended period. 

You can expect a deep cleaning session with the hygienist to remove built-up tartar that may have accumulated during the gap between visits. While this process may cause discomfort, the resulting smooth and clean feel of your teeth and fresher breath make it worthwhile. 

During the examination, some discomfort and minor bleeding may occur when the dentist checks for gum pockets, but it should be temporary. 

If the dentist finds any issue, don't feel stressed. By attending this appointment, you're already taking steps to address them with your dentist's assistance. Maintaining good dental habits after this will make future follow-up visits more manageable.

If you have a sore mouth after your dentist visit, you can consider using over-the-counter pain relievers.

After your mouth is healthy, it's recommended that you schedule a teeth cleaning and exam every six months. Depending on your dental exam, your dentist will create a treatment plan, prioritizing the necessary care.

If sudden problems arise, you may need to visit the dentist sooner than the regular 6-month interval. Fillings can help close cavities before they worsen, while more serious decay may require crowns to cover and protect the damaged tooth, preserving the root. When cemented in place, this "cap" looks and feels like a natural tooth.

Tips for maintaining oral hygiene

Gum disease or an underlying chronic oral disease usually does not give you obvious symptoms. The only preventive measure we can adopt is maintaining hygienic oral health. Here are a few tips you can inculcate in your lifestyle to protect yourself from painful tooth procedures. 

• Brush at least twice a day; never go to bed without brushing at night
• Use a soft brush to avoid bleeding gums 
• Make a habit of flossing daily 
• Have a healthy diet and avoid sugary items and drinks 
• Replace your toothbrush every two to three months 
• Visit your dentist every six months 
• The tongue is as important as teeth. Clean your tongue regularly
• Use mouthwash after brushing and flossing. It will remove the leftover food pieces and clean your mouth completely
• Buy toothpaste containing fluoride, as it prevents tooth decay and infections

What is dentophobia, and what triggers fear of dentophobia?

Dentophobia, also known as odontophobia, refers to an intense and often overwhelming fear of dentists. Individuals affected by dentophobia often experience heightened anxiety when they think about visiting the dentist or finding themselves inside a dental office for any reason. This fear can be so severe that even the idea of scheduling an appointment can trigger overwhelming feelings of dread and unease.

Those who struggle with dentophobia can be afraid of several aspects related to dental care. A common fear revolves around anesthetics. While it is not usually the anesthetic itself that causes anxiety, many individuals worry that the numbing medication might fail to work effectively. Others fear the potential side effects, like temporary numbness in areas such as the lips, cheeks, or tongue.

Fear of blood, known as hemophobia, can also contribute to dentophobia. The sight of even a small amount of blood during a procedure might cause panic or discomfort. Additionally, some individuals fear the possibility of choking or gagging while their mouth is numb. This fear can include concerns about difficulty breathing or swallowing during treatment.

Negative associations with dentists themselves can deepen the fear. People who have had unpleasant or painful dental experiences in the past may link those memories with future visits, intensifying their anxiety. Pain is another significant factor. Since dental procedures can sometimes involve mild pain or discomfort, individuals who are highly sensitive to pain might be particularly fearful of undergoing treatment.

Needles are also a common source of fear, especially the injections often needed during dental procedures. For others, the sound of dental drills and instruments can provoke anxiety, as the noises are often loud and unfamiliar. Lastly, certain smells unique to dental offices can trigger uneasy feelings, with the scent of cleaning agents or dental materials making some people anxious before treatment begins.

Find the best dentist near you in Staten Island, New York

Most people delay their dental visits due to the fear of painful procedures. An experienced doctor can help you deal with the jitteriness and deliver appropriate treatment. Finding the right dentist in Staten Island can get tricky; let Zocdoc do the work for you. 

Zocdoc's comprehensive platform offers a one-stop solution for all your medical requirements. Register on the platform for free and search for the physician you need using the search filters. You can look for doctors based on your symptoms, physician specialty, and accepted insurance plan. Zocdoc will then generate a list of doctors matching your preference. Each doctor's profile includes details such as gender, educational qualifications, specifications, spoken languages, certifications, genuine patient reviews, and in-network insurance plans. If you can't find your insurance plan on Zocdoc, you can upload a photo of your medical insurance card (not vision or dental). We will scan the image of your card and show you a likely plan. If you have trouble uploading the image, contact our service team. If you still have questions about insurance, you can visit Zocdoc's insurance page.

You can quickly review each dentist's profile and choose the suitable one. Nowadays, an insurance plan has become necessary as the surgical procedures and per-sitting costs are high. It would help if you cross-check the profile to see whether the doctor accepts your insurance plan. The purple video icon on some profiles indicates that these dentists provide online consultations. After selecting the dentist near you, you can directly book an online or offline appointment on Zocdoc. 

Booking appointments on Zocdoc is secure, quick, and 100% free. 

Oral health statistics 

The cases of poor oral healthcare are primarily due to negligence and delayed dental visits. Understanding how and when minor cavities turn into oral cancer is challenging. According to the American Cancer Society, there were approximately 54,000 newly reported cases of oropharyngeal cancer in 2022 and nearly 11,230 deaths due to the same. The average age of people contracting oral cancer was around 63 years. But in some cases, the younger generation can also become victims of these harmful diseases. 

Nowadays, small children and teenagers are at a higher risk of oral diseases due to their lifestyle and bad habits. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 13.2% of children aged between 5-19 years had untreated tooth decay between 2015 and 2018. The problem of tooth decay was reportedly common in adults of the age group 20-44 (25.9%), 45-64 (25.3%), and 65 plus (20.2%) during the same period. 

The main reasons for the high prevalence of cancer and inadequate oral healthcare are fear, carelessness, and procrastination regarding dental visits. Good and hygienic oral health boosts our self-confidence and improves our overall well-being. If you feel any pain, swelling, bleeding, or changes in the color and alignment of your teeth, visit your dentist immediately. Regular cleaning and oral check-ups are vital for maintaining hygienic oral health. 

Sources

WebMD[1]

Aetna

Healthline

Mayo Clinic

American Cancer Society

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

Cleveland Clinic[1]

WebMD[2]

Cleveland Clinic[2]

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.