Frequently Asked Questions: Who is a Dentist?
Dentists are medical professionals that specialize in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral healthcare concerns. They receive at least 8 years of post-secondary schooling and obtain either a DDS or DMD degree (for a description of these degrees, please see the previous post).
Before entering dental school, dental students have completed a Bachelors of Science degree or an equivalent and passed a rigorous admissions exam called the DAT (Dental Admissions Test).
Dental school itself is very similar to medical schools with the first two years curriculum being essentially the same. Dental students complete biomedical science courses, including: histology, anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, physiology, and pathology. Dentists take the same courses as medical students during this period but receive information specific to the head and neck area, ultimately receiving more specialized training in this area than a medical student. The second two years of dental training focuses on clinical practice. After earning their dental degree, dentists must pass a rigorous national written exam and a state licensing exam to be able to practice. The license requires that dentists meet continuing education requirements to keep them up to date on the latest developments in the field.
A dentist's education and expertise extends beyond a patient's teeth and gums. Areas covered by dentists include the muscles of the head, neck, and jaw, the salivary glands, the tongue, and the nervous system in the head and neck. Part of a routine dental check-up includes an exam by the dentist during which the dentist looks at the teeth and gums but also checks for swelling, lumps, discolorations, or ulcerations in and around the mouth. This examination allows for early diagnosis of diseases, screenings for oral cancer, and identification of other possible health concerns that manifest in the whole body.
Source: http://www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada/dentists-doctors-of-oral-health
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
News You Can Use
Frequently Asked Questions: What is Dentistry?
For the next few posts, I thought I would touch on some frequently asked (or more regularly, frequently thought) questions that patients may have. Many of these questions are pretty basic but may help you to better understand why seeing a dentist on a regular basis, along with routine oral hygiene, is important.
The first question is: What is dentistry? Dentistry is the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and other conditions in the oral cavity. Dentistry is not limited to the mouth but includes the teeth, gums, jaw, and surrounding tissue. It is becoming widely understood that good oral hygiene is necessary for good overall health, making dentistry increasingly important.
Dentistry is typically practiced in a team approach, promoting continuity of care in a setting that is comprehensive, convenient, efficient, and cost-effective. The dental team includes the dentists, dental assistants, dental hygienists, and lab technicians. Dentists have either a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Medical Dentistry) degree that indicates their completion of at least 4 years of post-undergraduate education at an ADA (American Dental Association) accredited institution.
The next post in this series will include information on what a dentist is and what exactly they do.
Source: http://www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada/dentists-doctors-of-oral-health
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
For the next few posts, I thought I would touch on some frequently asked (or more regularly, frequently thought) questions that patients may have. Many of these questions are pretty basic but may help you to better understand why seeing a dentist on a regular basis, along with routine oral hygiene, is important.
The first question is: What is dentistry? Dentistry is the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and other conditions in the oral cavity. Dentistry is not limited to the mouth but includes the teeth, gums, jaw, and surrounding tissue. It is becoming widely understood that good oral hygiene is necessary for good overall health, making dentistry increasingly important.
Dentistry is typically practiced in a team approach, promoting continuity of care in a setting that is comprehensive, convenient, efficient, and cost-effective. The dental team includes the dentists, dental assistants, dental hygienists, and lab technicians. Dentists have either a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Medical Dentistry) degree that indicates their completion of at least 4 years of post-undergraduate education at an ADA (American Dental Association) accredited institution.
The next post in this series will include information on what a dentist is and what exactly they do.
Source: http://www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada/dentists-doctors-of-oral-health
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Dental Did You Know
Tooth Sensitivity vs. Gum Sensitivity
Sensitivity in the mouth can be quite painful but the cause of the sensitivity depends on where exactly in the mouth it occurs. I've outlined some of the symptoms and causes of two types of sensitivities below.
Gum Sensitivity
Gum sensitivity is irritation stemming from the gums which is typically felt at or below the gum line (where the teeth emerge from the gums). It is usually indicative of gingivitis which is the early stage of gum disease. Symptoms of gingivitis are swollen, red gums that easily bleed and bad breath. Advanced gingivitis (also called periodontal disease) may be accompanied by receding gums where the gum tissue begins to pull away from the teeth.
Gingivitis and other gum sensitivity occurs due to poor oral health. Plaque is the build up of bacteria and other microorganisms that, if not removed through brushing and flossing, causes gum irritation. I have previously blogged on ways to reduce plaque, which can be found here. Other causes of gingivitis may include diabetes, pregnancy, smoking, and crooked teeth.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity may be experienced in several ways. You may feel pain when brushing your teeth, eating/drinking something cold, or when you eat/drink something hot, acidic, or sweet. Tooth sensitivity may be due to gum disease but it could also be due to a variety of other things such as: fractured tooth, worn tooth enamel, exposed dentin, receding gums, cavities, and loose fillings. Grinding your teeth (called bruxism) or brushing too hard may also cause tooth sensitivity. Seeing your dentist is the best way to identify the cause and work on a treatment for tooth sensitivity.
Source:http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/ColgateNewandNow/Community/2015/April/article/SW-281474979387236.cvsp
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Sensitivity in the mouth can be quite painful but the cause of the sensitivity depends on where exactly in the mouth it occurs. I've outlined some of the symptoms and causes of two types of sensitivities below.
Gum Sensitivity
Gum sensitivity is irritation stemming from the gums which is typically felt at or below the gum line (where the teeth emerge from the gums). It is usually indicative of gingivitis which is the early stage of gum disease. Symptoms of gingivitis are swollen, red gums that easily bleed and bad breath. Advanced gingivitis (also called periodontal disease) may be accompanied by receding gums where the gum tissue begins to pull away from the teeth.
Gingivitis and other gum sensitivity occurs due to poor oral health. Plaque is the build up of bacteria and other microorganisms that, if not removed through brushing and flossing, causes gum irritation. I have previously blogged on ways to reduce plaque, which can be found here. Other causes of gingivitis may include diabetes, pregnancy, smoking, and crooked teeth.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity may be experienced in several ways. You may feel pain when brushing your teeth, eating/drinking something cold, or when you eat/drink something hot, acidic, or sweet. Tooth sensitivity may be due to gum disease but it could also be due to a variety of other things such as: fractured tooth, worn tooth enamel, exposed dentin, receding gums, cavities, and loose fillings. Grinding your teeth (called bruxism) or brushing too hard may also cause tooth sensitivity. Seeing your dentist is the best way to identify the cause and work on a treatment for tooth sensitivity.
Source:http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/ColgateNewandNow/Community/2015/April/article/SW-281474979387236.cvsp
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Monday, March 30, 2015
News You Can Use
Dogs Know a Smile When They See One
A recent study from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna found that dogs can differentiate between angry and happy faces when shown photos on a touchscreen.
To account for the possibility of the dogs choosing faces based off of conspicuous differences, such as teeth or frownlines, the researchers split the pictures horizontally so the dogs only saw either the area around the mouth or the eyes.
Most dogs were able to differentiate between happy and angry faces, even in face halves that were not shown to the dogs during training or ones in which a novel mood was indicated.
The authors of the study hypothesized that dogs draw on their memory for this exercise, pulling from stored images of facial expressions they had seen before. They supposed that dogs with limited human interaction would perform worse on this task or could not solve it at all.
Source:http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/ADA/2015/article/ADA-03-dogs-know-a-smile-when-they-see-one.cvsp
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd. Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
A recent study from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna found that dogs can differentiate between angry and happy faces when shown photos on a touchscreen.
To account for the possibility of the dogs choosing faces based off of conspicuous differences, such as teeth or frownlines, the researchers split the pictures horizontally so the dogs only saw either the area around the mouth or the eyes.
Most dogs were able to differentiate between happy and angry faces, even in face halves that were not shown to the dogs during training or ones in which a novel mood was indicated.
The authors of the study hypothesized that dogs draw on their memory for this exercise, pulling from stored images of facial expressions they had seen before. They supposed that dogs with limited human interaction would perform worse on this task or could not solve it at all.
Source:http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/ADA/2015/article/ADA-03-dogs-know-a-smile-when-they-see-one.cvsp
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd. Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Monday, March 23, 2015
Dental Did You Know
The Benefit of Regular Dental Care
Going to the dentist regularly, mixed with brushing twice a day and flossing once, can really add up to big savings in the long run. Regular oral care decreases the chances of needing expensive restorative procedures. The infographic below outlines what is ideal for good oral care versus what most people actually do.
Going to the dentist regularly, mixed with brushing twice a day and flossing once, can really add up to big savings in the long run. Regular oral care decreases the chances of needing expensive restorative procedures. The infographic below outlines what is ideal for good oral care versus what most people actually do.
Source: DentalCareAlliance.net
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
Like us on Facebook!
Monday, February 9, 2015
News You Can Use
Flabby Gums are Worse than Flabby Abs
Since I recently wrote about the connection between gum disease and oral cancer, I thought I'd write a little about the assessment of gum health during routine hygiene appointments. Part of a regular dental visit includes the dentist reading off a set of numbers while pointing at your teeth.
That assessment is a quick check of gum health and ranges from 1 mm to 9 mm. Teeth with a reading between 1 and 3 mm is healthy, 4 mm are a warning, and anything over 5 mm is clinically significant. The millimeter reading refers to the space, called pocket, between the gum and the tooth/root. The larger the pocket, the more dental attention the mouth may need as the pocket is likely to catch food particles that can lead to inflammation and infection.
If the dentist finds teeth with a reading above 4 mm, they will normally recommend a deeper cleaning to help alleviate the possible infection in hopes of leading to healing. Additionally, it may be recommended that the patient come in for regular check-ups and cleanings every three months until the gum pockets have improved.
Gum disease and tooth decay cause up to 90% of tooth loss, according to the American Dental Association. Although it is common, it is easily preventable by regular brushing and flossing as well as regular dental exams. A few minutes of brushing and flossing a day can save hours of time needed for more intense dental treatment as well as the expenses associated with gum disease and tooth loss.
Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150126124443.htm
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Since I recently wrote about the connection between gum disease and oral cancer, I thought I'd write a little about the assessment of gum health during routine hygiene appointments. Part of a regular dental visit includes the dentist reading off a set of numbers while pointing at your teeth.
That assessment is a quick check of gum health and ranges from 1 mm to 9 mm. Teeth with a reading between 1 and 3 mm is healthy, 4 mm are a warning, and anything over 5 mm is clinically significant. The millimeter reading refers to the space, called pocket, between the gum and the tooth/root. The larger the pocket, the more dental attention the mouth may need as the pocket is likely to catch food particles that can lead to inflammation and infection.
If the dentist finds teeth with a reading above 4 mm, they will normally recommend a deeper cleaning to help alleviate the possible infection in hopes of leading to healing. Additionally, it may be recommended that the patient come in for regular check-ups and cleanings every three months until the gum pockets have improved.
Gum disease and tooth decay cause up to 90% of tooth loss, according to the American Dental Association. Although it is common, it is easily preventable by regular brushing and flossing as well as regular dental exams. A few minutes of brushing and flossing a day can save hours of time needed for more intense dental treatment as well as the expenses associated with gum disease and tooth loss.
Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150126124443.htm
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Monday, February 2, 2015
News You Can Use
Bacteria-Causing Gum Disease May Lead to Oral Cancer Growth
A new study conducted by Case Western Reserve University illustrates a connection between the bacteria that causes gum disease and Kaposi sarcoma-related lesions and tumors. The researchers investigated how the fatty acids produced as a byproduct of the gum disease-causing bacteria lead to the growth of cancerous lesions.
The goal of the study was to identify who tends to develop this cancer from those that don't develop it. The participants with better overall oral health tended to have less of the fatty acid byproducts. Additionally, the researchers concluded that the byproducts impacted the replication of the Kaposi sarcoma lesions. The body is prevented from stopping the growth of the Kaposi sarcoma cells when there are higher amounts of fatty acids.
This research illustrates another connection between gum disease and overall health issues. Those that have already been established include the link between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and other ailments. Good oral health habits are recommended for both overall and oral health. The full research study can be found in the Journal of Virology.
Source: http://dentistrytoday.com/todays-dental-news/9944-bacteria-causing-gum-disease-may-lead-to-oral-cancer-growth
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
A new study conducted by Case Western Reserve University illustrates a connection between the bacteria that causes gum disease and Kaposi sarcoma-related lesions and tumors. The researchers investigated how the fatty acids produced as a byproduct of the gum disease-causing bacteria lead to the growth of cancerous lesions.
The goal of the study was to identify who tends to develop this cancer from those that don't develop it. The participants with better overall oral health tended to have less of the fatty acid byproducts. Additionally, the researchers concluded that the byproducts impacted the replication of the Kaposi sarcoma lesions. The body is prevented from stopping the growth of the Kaposi sarcoma cells when there are higher amounts of fatty acids.
This research illustrates another connection between gum disease and overall health issues. Those that have already been established include the link between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and other ailments. Good oral health habits are recommended for both overall and oral health. The full research study can be found in the Journal of Virology.
Source: http://dentistrytoday.com/todays-dental-news/9944-bacteria-causing-gum-disease-may-lead-to-oral-cancer-growth
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
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