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Who are dentists?

A dentist can diagnose, prevent, manage, and treat diseases and conditions affecting the teeth, oral tissues, and jaws. They treat and manage all aspects of your oral health, such as root canals, fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges, gum care, and preventive education. 

Dental health checks must begin shortly after birth and continue throughout an individual's lifetime. Consistent oral health habits result from habits and patterns established as children under parental guidance. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and regular dentist visits will allow you to enjoy a pain-free mouth and a bright smile.

What kind of education and training do dentists receive?

General dentists hold a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree. The curriculum for both degrees is the same. Some institutions confer one degree, while others confer the other.

Becoming a general dentist requires three years of undergraduate study and four years of dental school. Additional postgraduate training is necessary to become a dental specialist.

There are various specialties in dentistry:

1. Anesthesiologists administer anesthetics during a dental procedure to help reduce or eliminate pain. After that, they assist patients with pain management.
2. Dental public health specialists promote dental wellness and focus on preventing dental diseases in the community.
3. Endodontists perform root canal therapy, removing damaged or infected teeth's nerves and blood supply.
4. Oral and maxillofacial radiologists diagnose head and neck diseases using imaging technologies.
5. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform procedures like surgical repair of the palate and cleft lip or removing impacted teeth on the mouth, jaws, teeth, gums, neck, and head.
6. Oral pathologists diagnose oral conditions, like ulcers and bumps, and oral diseases, such as cancer.
7. Orthodontists help straighten teeth by applying pressure to the teeth with braces or other devices.
8. Pediatric dentists treat oral issues in children and patients with special needs.
9. Periodontists treat the supporting gums and bones of the teeth. 

Why should you visit a dentist?

A healthy mouth, devoid of infections, injuries, and other issues with the teeth and gums, is essential for overall health.

Oral or dental health involves the teeth, gums, and mouth. The objective is to prevent complications such as tooth decay (caries) and gum disease and to preserve oral health. Dental health can be affected by illness and other conditions, and dental problems can affect other body parts. Failure to maintain proper oral hygiene may result in additional health issues. Regular preventive measures (like brushing and flossing) and visits to dental health professionals can aid in preventing or mitigating several oral health issues.

Good oral hygiene practices at a young age and continuing them into adulthood help you have a healthy mouth, fresh breath, strong teeth, and a beautiful smile. Even if you have allowed dental problems to develop over time, there is always time to seek corrective procedures from the best implant dentist near you. Many people no longer fear the pain associated with dental health procedures thanks to modern techniques.

It would be best to visit a dentist near you regularly, not only when there is a problem. Prevention is always preferable to treatment - whatever the illness - and there are numerous additional reasons for routine dental visits:

• Checking for oral cancer

It is among the most critical aspects of every dental examination. Dentists will examine patients for head, neck, and oral cancer signs. To do so, they will inspect your head and neck for abnormalities. They will also explore the mouth for any red or white patches. These checks often reveal nothing out of the ordinary, but they could save your life.

• Dental hygienists

In terms of oral health, dental hygienists and therapists get overlooked, even though their services and advice can be highly beneficial. Dental hygienists are primarily concerned with "preventive" dental health and gum disease treatment and assist you in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. It involves cleaning your teeth (commonly called a "scale and polish") by removing tartar and plaque, promoting tooth decay and gum disease.

• Consultations concerning tooth bleaching

In recent years, tooth whitening has become increasingly popular, but numerous myths need clarification on what is safe and legal. Regarding tooth whitening, consult your dentist to know your options. They are in the best position as they have extensive teeth whitening knowledge and are the only legal location where you can professionally whiten teeth.

• Dentists can detect issues early or prevent their occurrence

A mirror can show you how your teeth look in the mirror, but beneath your gums, a great deal may be happening without your knowledge. Dentists can resolve not only issues but also prevent them. Possible issues they can detect are the onset of tooth decay and gum disease. To prevent problems from developing, you must take the initiative to visit your dentist regularly.

• Dentists can provide individualized assistance and guidance.

When people have a problem, they frequently turn to the Internet, which contains both accurate and false information. On the other hand, a dentist has undergone years of training to become qualified in the field and will provide trustworthy advice. By regularly visiting your dentist, you can foster a relationship that will enable them to provide you with individualized guidance and support over time.

Your dentist is the best person to help you maintain your oral health, so they should be your first point of contact if you have concerns about your teeth and mouth. 

Standard dental procedures you should know

Here are some of the most commonly performed dental procedures:

Teeth cleanings

This technique is hands down the most common reason people visit a dentist. No matter how diligent you are with brushing and flossing, plaque can still build up over time. Professional dental cleanings help remove this buildup, leaving your teeth fresh, polished, and plaque-free. Plus, it’s quick and virtually painless.

Teeth whitening

Want a brighter smile? Teeth whitening treatments are among the easiest ways to boost your confidence. While at-home kits can help, professional teeth whitening is faster, more effective, and longer lasting. Dentists can help brighten your smile in just one session using a special hydrogen peroxide gel and a light source.

Extractions

Getting a tooth pulled sounds scary, but preventing future pain or infection is often necessary. Whether it’s due to severe decay, crowding, or wisdom teeth issues, extractions are a standard procedure. You may be thoroughly numbed (or even sedated), so you won’t feel a thing. Recovery might take a few days, but it’s usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Fillings

Cavities can happen - even with excellent oral hygiene. Luckily, fillings are a quick and straightforward fix. After numbing the area, your dentist removes the decayed and rotting part of the tooth and fills it with a durable, enduring material - like composite resin or amalgam. The process usually takes about an hour.

Root canals

When the nerve running inside your tooth becomes infected, a root canal can help remove this infection. It seals the tooth to prevent further issues. With modern anesthesia and technology, the procedure is more comfortable than ever.

Braces & invisalign

Straighter teeth don’t just enhance your looks; they’re also healthier and easier to clean. Whether you opt for traditional braces or clear aligners like Invisalign, orthodontic treatment gradually shifts your teeth into proper alignment. While there may be some discomfort initially, the long-term benefits are well worth it.

Dentures

Dentures are a great option for anyone who has lost multiple teeth. They replace teeth in a natural way and are typically removable. While fitting for dentures can take some time, they restore function and confidence in your smile.

What should one expect during the first visit to a dentist?

A visit to the dentist's office involves several steps contributing to oral health, including cleaning, examination, X-rays, cavity detection, fluoride treatments, and addressing cavities. Once called into the exam room, you settle into a comfortable chair with a headrest and leg space. Adjacent to the chair is a sink for mouth rinsing during cleaning.

The dental hygienist or the dentist, who is well-versed in oral care, thoroughly cleans and examines. The examination assesses proper teeth growth, gum health, and cavity presence. The dentist uses a bright overhead light for illumination. Cleaning involves tools like a tooth scraper, mirror, and special toothbrush. Plaque removal is vital to prevent cavities. Brushing and flossing are followed, and the proper technique for at-home maintenance is demonstrated.

Cavity detection is a key focus. The dentist may take X-rays, revealing hidden issues and guiding treatment decisions. X-rays are painless and quick, involving a plastic piece in the mouth while the machine captures an image.

The dentist evaluates overall dental health, gum strength, and bite alignment. They might refer you to an orthodontic specialist if bite problems are detected. They study the X-ray results for cavities or other concerns and answer any questions from the patient. Fluoride treatments aimed at cavity prevention entail applying fluoride gel or foam. These treatments are brief and often come with flavored options.

How does the dentist treat a cavity?

Upon studying your X-rays to identify cavities, the dentist will check how serious the issue is.

In the event of a cavity, a subsequent dental appointment is likely. During this visit, the dentist will administer a small dose of an anesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth. This ensures a painless experience. The dentist will then utilize specialized dental instruments to meticulously remove the decayed or affected portion of the tooth. The resulting cavity is filled with resilient materials, such as tooth-colored or silver fillings, to reinforce and sustain the tooth's health and strength.

Post-treatment, you may experience temporary numbness in the mouth, which will gradually subside as the effects of the anesthetic wear off. 

Finding a dentist near you in White Plains, New York

Regular dental visits are necessary to prevent oral issues and their potential long-term repercussions. The maintenance of good dental hygiene is essential for your overall health. However, finding a skilled dentist or the best implant dentist near you may take much time and effort.

With Zocdoc, finding such a dentist is no longer an issue. You can quickly find the top dentists in your area from the comfort of your home. Download the Zocdoc app or create an account online. Type "dentist" and provide your location to find the best dentists near you.

You may view their qualifications and skills, read patient testimonials, and book appointments. Check if they provide online or video consultations if you cannot visit personally or need to contact them urgently. You can also use Zocdoc's insurance checker to find providers who accept your plan and choose among them by gender and language. Your insurance card information is completely secure with Zocdoc. We prioritize its safety and protect your information by following the industry's best practices. Click here to learn more about how Zocdoc handles data and privacy. If you have more questions related to insurance, visit Zocdoc’s insurance page.

All bookings on Zocdoc are simple, secure, and accessible.

Some statistics about dentists in New York

According to the NYC Department of Health, nearly every adult has oral health problems at some point or the other in life. In the US, one-fourth of adults have untreated tooth decay, and almost half have gum disease.

Cavities and tooth decay are the most common dental issues in children, although they are easily preventable. Tooth decay can commence as early as a baby's first tooth. In the US, tooth decay affects over half of children between 6 and 19. The number of third-graders in New York with untreated dental decay exceeds one-third.

According to the US Bureau of Statistics, the USA had 146,200 practicing dentists in May 2021. The American Dental Association data for New York shows about 14,255 dentists in the state in 2021.

Sources

WebMD

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics[1]

Marshfield Clinic Health System

Oral Health Foundation

NYC Health[1]

NYC Health[2]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics [2]

Nemours Kids Health

Crescent Heights Dental Clinic

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.