Who is a dentist?
Dentists are skilled medical specialists who assist in maintaining oral and dental health. They provide regular dental checkups and cleanings to keep your teeth and gums healthy. They also offer various oral healthcare procedures, such as dental crowns, bridges, and fillings.
Dentists are usually the first to detect the early signs of oral cancer and symptoms of other systemic body conditions that appear in the mouth. They use advanced medical equipment, such as X-ray machines, lasers, drills, brushes, scalpels, and other tools, to perform dental surgeries.
Dentists usually operate with a team of professionals, including dental hygienists, lab technicians, dental assistants, etc. They may work in private dental clinics, government hospitals, schools, outpatient clinics, and surgical care facilities.
A dentist helps prevent and treat oral diseases. One should visit the dentist regularly to avoid dental issues. Routine dental care is vital as it helps maintain healthy gums and teeth and can lead to an earlier treatment to prevent tooth loss or more invasive procedures.
Responsibilities of a dentist
The responsibilities of dentists include the following:
- Interpreting x-rays and diagnostic tests
- Diagnosing oral diseases
- Creates treatment plans to maintain the oral health of their patients
- Monitors growth and development of the teeth
- Ensuring the safe administration of anesthetics
- Managing oral trauma and other emergencies
Education and training of a dentist
To become a dentist, one must obtain a bachelor's degree before enrolling in four years of dentistry school. Dental school, like medical school, requires students to attend intensive lecture courses, simulation sessions, labs, and clinical experiences. Here, aspirants obtain either a degree in Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). There is no discernible difference between a DDS and a DMD degree, as both meet the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation curriculum criteria.
These programs could range from a master's degree to a Ph.D. or residency. Almost all states in the United States require a DDS or DMD. The university-based dental school programs should be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. All licensing jurisdictions in the United States require aspiring dentists to pass the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) for licensure.
Types of dental specialists and what they treat
Finding the right specialist is key to dealing with a dental issue. Here’s a breakdown of different dental professionals and their care so you can easily identify which dentist near you to visit.
General dentists
A general dentist is often the go-to for regular dental care. They handle routine checkups, cleanings, cavity fillings, crowns, and root canals. If your condition requires more advanced care, they'll refer you to a specialist.
Pediatric dentists (Pedodontists)
A pediatric dentist focuses on providing dental care for children from infancy through their teenage years. They use kid-friendly approaches to ease anxiety and monitor the development of young teeth. If needed, they'll refer children to an orthodontist for braces or alignment issues.
Orthodontists
Orthodontists are experts in aligning teeth and jaws. They treat overbites, underbites, and crooked teeth using braces, retainers, and other devices. If your general dentist spots misalignment, you’ll likely be referred to an orthodontist.
Periodontists (Gum specialists)
If you're dealing with gum problems beyond basic care, a periodontist is the right dentist near you to consult. They specialize in treating advanced gum disease and can perform surgeries or place dental implants when needed.
Endodontists
Endodontists focus on issues inside the tooth, especially the nerves. In case of severe tooth pain or decay close to the root, you may need a root canal from this specialist.
Oral surgeons and pathologists
These professionals manage more complex issues, such as impacted teeth, jaw disorders, and oral cancers. They are trained to perform surgical procedures and often work with ENT doctors to treat sleep apnea or facial injuries.
Prosthodontists
Prosthodontists restore damaged teeth and improve smiles. They fit crowns, bridges, and dentures and offer cosmetic treatments like veneers and whitening.
Whether you're seeking a routine cleaning or need specialized care, the right dentist near you is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. Understanding what each dental specialist does helps you take the right step toward better oral health.
Some causes of oral and dental diseases
Some bacteria, viruses, and fungi in your mouth contribute to normal flora. They are generally harmless when they are small. However, a high-sugar diet promotes the growth of acid-producing bacteria. This acid erodes the tooth enamel, causing cavities.
Another cause can be the bacteria flourishing near your gum line in a sticky matrix known as plaque. When you do not remove plaque regularly while brushing and flossing, it accumulates, hardens, and migrates down the length of your tooth. This can cause gum inflammation and gingivitis. Gum inflammation can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth, creating pockets where pus can accumulate.
When should you consult a dentist?
Regular dental checkups twice a year can aid in the prevention of oral diseases. You can also consult a dentist near you if you notice any of the following dental health warning signs:
- chronic bad breath
- clicking of the jaw
- broken teeth
- pain with chewing or biting
- swelling of the face and cheek
- dry mouth
- sensitivity to hot and cold beverages
- bleeding or swollen gums post brushing or flossing
- pain or toothache
- loose teeth
- receding gums
- ulcers, tender, or sores areas in the mouth that do not heal after a week or two
What to expect when visiting a dentist near you?
Finding a dentist you feel comfortable with is the first step toward maintaining good oral health. Most dental appointments involve routine checkups. Regular visits, ideally every six months, help keep your teeth cleaner, last longer, and prevent the development of painful dental problems. Once you've chosen a dentist you like, schedule a checkup before any dental issues arise.
Health history
At your first visit, the dentist will analyze your full health history. Be sure to update them on any changes in your health status during future visits.
A thorough cleaning
Your dentist will employ specialized instruments to remove tartar or plaque from the gums, which are the primary causes of gum diseases, cavities, bad breath, and other dental issues. Additionally, your teeth may be polished and flossed during this cleaning.
A full examination
Your dentist will comprehensively examine your oral cavity- teeth, gums, and mouth to identify any potential conditions early on and help prevent them from becoming severe.
X-rays
Your dentist may recommend X-rays based on age, risk factors, and symptoms. These images can reveal problems not visible to the naked eye, such as jawbone damage, impacted teeth, abscesses, cysts, tumors, and decay between teeth. Modern dental X-ray machines emit very low radiation levels, comparable to a day in the sun or a weekend watching TV. Always wear a lead apron during X-rays, and inform your dentist if you are pregnant, as X-rays should be limited to emergencies. Your dentist might also request a Panoramic X-ray (Panorex), which provides a complete view of your upper and lower jaws in one image to analyze your bite and the relationship between the different teeth and the arch.
How frequently should you visit the dentist?
You should schedule frequent appointments for dental checkups and cleanings at your dentist's recommended intervals. Most people can maintain excellent oral health with at-home dental hygiene and skilled cleanings every six months. However, you may benefit from regular checkups if you have a history of cavities or gum disease. Discuss the optimum cleaning schedule for you with your dentist.
How can I safeguard my oral health?
Practice appropriate dental hygiene daily to protect your oral health. These are a few measures you can take to maintain and promote oral hygiene:
- Brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily.
- After brushing and flossing, use mouthwash to eliminate the remaining food particles in your mouth.
- Eat a nutritious diet and minimize your intake of sugary foods and beverages.
- Replace your toothbrush once every three to four months or sooner if the bristles have begun to wear or spread.
- Schedule regular dental examinations and cleanings.
- Quit smoking.
Also, consult a dentist near you immediately if you have an oral health problem.
How are dental and overall health connected?
Like the rest of your body, your mouth is replete with germs, many harmless. Nonetheless, your mouth is the gateway to your digestive and respiratory tracts. So, some of the bacteria in your mouth can cause ailments. This bacteria can remain under control due to the body's natural defenses and regular oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing. However, bacteria levels may increase drastically without good dental hygiene, causing oral infections.
Some medications, such as decongestants, pain relievers, antihistamines, diuretics, and antidepressants, can lower saliva flow. Saliva cleans the mouth and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria, thus protecting the body from microorganisms that multiply and cause diseases.
Oral germs and the inflammation linked to periodontitis, a severe gum disease, may play a role in some illnesses. Furthermore, specific disorders, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can lower the body's resistance to infections, worsening oral health issues.
Find the best dentist near you in Whittier, California
While regularly seeing an experienced dentist is pivotal to maintaining good oral health, finding one can take time and effort. If you are searching for a qualified dentist near you in Whittier, California, but need help knowing where to start? Zocdoc can help. It considers the type of healthcare practitioner you want to see, your dental problem or condition, preferred time and day for an appointment, address, zip code, and medical insurance plan. Every dentist's Zocdoc profile includes a brief introduction, education qualifications, practice location, and reason for the visit.
However, if you cannot find your insurance plan on Zocdoc, you can upload a photo of your medical insurance card. Zocdoc will scan the image to determine and display your probable plan. This service is available only for medical insurance cards, not vision or dental. If you face difficulties uploading the card's image, you can contact Zocdoc's support team for help. For further information, refer to the Zocdoc patient help center page.
When a patient completes an appointment, Zocdoc requests that they leave a review. As a result, reading patient reviews on Zocdoc is the best way to locate the best dentists near you in Whittier. You can also use Zocdoc to book video appointments before an in-person visit to understand your dentists better. You can book appointments with dentists who accept your insurance plan in real time. All Zocdoc bookings are simple, secure, and completely free.
Dental statistics in California, United States
According to the World Health Organization, oral and dental disorders are the most common noncommunicable diseases worldwide, affecting an estimated 3.5 billion people. Around 60-90% of school-aged children have at least one dental cavity. In comparison, almost all adults have at least one dental cavity. About 15 to 20% of adults aged 35 to 44 have severe gum disease, and roughly 30% of adults aged 65 to 74 do not have natural teeth.
The National Library of Medicine research states that 30,773 dentists work in the United States, with approximately 77.88% of dentists actively involved in 2019 per 100,000 residents. In California, the active number of dentists in 2021 was 14,770, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that 13.2% of children aged 5-19 had untreated dental caries in 2015-18. The percentage of adults aged 20-44 who had untreated dental caries was 25.9%, and adults aged 45-64 who had untreated dental caries was 25.3%. About 20.2% of adults aged 65 and up had untreated dental caries. In addition, the number of adults aged 18 and up who went to the dentist in 2020 was 63.0%.
Sources
Healthline
National Center for Biotechnology Information
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
World Health Organization
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
Learn.org
Mayo Clinic
WebMD
Colgate
Cigna
