Dental care is an essential part of our overall health. While daily brushing and flossing help maintain good oral hygiene, sometimes we face dental issues that need professional care. That’s when a dentist comes in.
Dentists are experts in diagnosing and treating various oral health problems. From cavities and gum disease to teeth alignment and cosmetic treatments, they help keep our smiles healthy and bright. There are also different types of dentists, each specializing in specific areas of dental care.
Let’s take an in-depth look at what dentists do and answer the question, ‘Are dentists doctors? ’
| The number of dental practices is expected to grow from 178,602 in 2024 to 180,966 in 2025. Source: IBIS World |
Who Is a Dentist? Explained
A dentist is a healthcare professional who takes care of your teeth and gums. Their job is not just about fixing cavities. It goes beyond that. They diagnose and treat issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections. Moreover, they provide treatments such as fillings, root canals, extractions, and cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening and veneers.
Additionally, dentists educate patients on proper brushing and flossing techniques, ensuring long-term oral health. Also, some dentists specialize in areas like orthodontics (braces), periodontics (gum care), or pediatric dentistry (kids’ dental health).
Is a Dentist a Doctor?
Yes, a dentist is a doctor, but not a medical doctor (M.D.). Dentists hold a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree. It qualifies them to diagnose, prevent, and treat oral health issues. While they do not attend medical school like physicians, their education and training focus specifically on dentistry, including anatomy, pathology, and surgical procedures related to the mouth and jaw. Additionally, dentists can prescribe medications, perform surgeries, and specialize in various fields like orthodontics or periodontics. So, while they are doctors in their field, they are distinct from general medical doctors who treat the entire body.
| Meet Dr. Ali Soltanirad at Dos Caminos Dental He became a dentist in 2001 and specialized in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. With years of experience and continuous learning, he has honed his expertise, making him a highly skilled and knowledgeable practitioner. Through his extensive work with patients dealing with unhealthy bites and unhappy smiles, he has developed a strong vision for preventive care. He firmly believes in early intervention to minimize future dental issues, ensuring that patients require little to no bite or cosmetic treatments later in life. |
What Are the Different Types of Dentists, and What Do They Do?
Dentists offer a variety of procedures to maintain oral health, restore function, and enhance smiles. To better understand, here’s a breakdown of the types of dentists and key dental services they provide:
1. General Dentist
Dental Exams & Digital X-Rays – These help identify issues like cavities, infections, or gum disease before they become serious.
Oral Cancer Screening – This procedure detects early signs of oral cancer, ensuring timely treatment.
Fillings – Used to repair cavities and minor tooth damage, restoring the tooth’s function.
Crowns – These strengthen and protect weak or broken teeth, preventing further damage.
Dental Bridges – A great option for replacing missing teeth is using support from adjacent teeth.
Dental Implants – Unlike removable dentures, these provide a permanent solution for missing teeth, restoring both function and appearance.
Dentures & Partials – These removable options help restore smiles for those with multiple missing teeth.
Overdentures – A more stable and secure alternative, as they are supported by dental implants.
Inlays & Onlays – Stronger than traditional fillings, these custom restorations help repair damaged teeth.
2. Cosmetic Dentist (Aesthetic Dental Treatments)
Teeth Whitening & Zoom! Whitening – These procedures brighten teeth and remove stains, giving a whiter and more radiant smile.
Veneers – Thin shells are placed over teeth to enhance their appearance, especially for chipped, stained, or uneven teeth.
Bonding – This quick and effective treatment uses tooth-colored resin to fix minor imperfections like small chips and gaps.
Smile Makeover – A fully customized treatment plan that combines multiple cosmetic procedures for a complete transformation.
3. Orthodontist
Invisalign – Unlike traditional braces, these clear aligners straighten teeth comfortably.
TMJ-TMD Treatment – Helps relieve jaw pain, headaches, and discomfort caused by temporomandibular joint disorders.
Snoring Prevention – Custom oral appliances are designed to reduce snoring and improve sleep quality.
4. Periodontist
Scaling & Root Planing – A deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar to treat gum disease.
Pocket Depth Reduction – Reduces deep gum pockets to prevent bacteria buildup and further gum deterioration.
Regeneration – Encourages the regrowth of bone and tissue in cases of advanced gum disease.
Soft-Tissue Graft – Helps restore receding gums and protects exposed tooth roots, preventing sensitivity and decay.
5. Endodontist (Root Canal & Nerve Treatments)
Root Canal Treatment – A procedure that removes infected or damaged pulp, saving the tooth from extraction.
Endodontic Treatments – Includes various procedures focused on treating and preserving natural teeth.
6. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Wisdom Tooth Surgery (Moderately Advanced) – Removes impacted or problematic wisdom teeth to prevent pain and misalignment.
Sedation Dentistry (Moderate Sedation) – Helps patients feel relaxed and comfortable during procedures without the need for IV sedation.
7. Laser & Advanced Technology Specialist (Modern Dental Technology)
Laser Dentistry – A minimally invasive approach for treating gum disease, cavities, and soft-tissue concerns.
Botox & Fillers – These are used for cosmetic enhancements. Additionally, they relieve the jaw pain and headaches caused by muscle tension.
How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?
The general recommendation is every six months, but the ideal frequency depends on your individual oral health needs. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. Routine Dental Check-Ups (Every 6 Months)
Regular visits help detect cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues early. Additionally, professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup, which brushing alone cannot eliminate. As a result, these visits prevent minor issues from turning into major dental problems.
2. High-Risk Individuals (Every 3-4 Months)
Some people may need more frequent visits due to specific health conditions:
Gum Disease Patients – Frequent check-ups help monitor and manage gum health.
People with a History of Cavities – Since they are more prone to decay, extra visits help prevent further damage.
Smokers & Tobacco Users – Because they have a higher risk of oral cancer and gum disease, regular screenings are crucial.
Diabetics – Since diabetes affects gum health, closer monitoring is necessary.
Pregnant Women – Due to hormonal changes, they may experience gum sensitivity or inflammation.
3. Children & Teens (Every 6 Months or as Advised)
Since baby teeth are more prone to cavities, routine visits help ensure proper tooth development. Moreover, early detection of orthodontic issues can save time and money on future treatments.
4. Seniors (Every 3-6 Months)
As people age, they become more susceptible to gum disease, dry mouth, and tooth loss. Therefore, regular dental check-ups help maintain oral health and catch potential issues early.
5. People With Braces or Dental Implants (Every 3-6 Months)
Individuals with braces should get frequent check-ups to ensure braces, implants, or dentures are functioning properly. Moreover, these visits help prevent plaque buildup around dental appliances.
The Final Words
Maintaining good oral health is important for overall well-being, and dentists play a crucial role in ensuring it. Since different specialists handle different dental concerns, knowing where to seek care is essential. Furthermore, regular dental check-ups help prevent complications, so it’s best to visit your dentist every 3-6 months.
At Dos Caminos Dental, we offer a full range of dental services for you and your family. With each visit, our skilled professionals ensure top-quality care, helping you prevent future problems while effectively treating existing ones.