The Specialists in Dentistry: Who Are They, and What They Do
Regular visits with your dentist are essential for keeping your mouth healthy and balanced. Did you realize, however, that you have the option of seeing a dentist besides your family dentist? Specialists have finished additional training in a particular dental specialty in addition to their general dentistry degree.
Dentists are general practitioners concentrating on difficulties with the mouth and surrounding areas. Nonetheless, they may receive further training to become pedodontists, prosthodontists, orthodontists, cosmetic dentists, etc.
Let’s find out more about dental specialties.
General Dentist
A dentist is a healthcare professional who focuses on diagnosing, treating, caring for, and managing your total oral health. Dental care services are necessary for overall healthcare. If you require treatments or procedures that your regular dentist is not certified to do, they will refer you to another dental expert.
Cosmetic Dentist
Aligning, whitening, dental veneers, dental bonding, white fillings, and invisible braces are cosmetic dentistry procedures that improve a person’s smile. Cosmetic dentistry might overlap with restorative dentistry in the form of dental implants, which enhance both functions and look of your smile. It would help prioritize your subsequent dental visits to achieve a beautiful smile.
Emergency Dentist
An emergency dentist is someone who focuses on oral health crises. Walk-in patients are welcome at many emergency dentists. Emergency dentists can identify and treat a vast array of emergencies quickly.
Endodontist
An endodontist is a dentist that focuses on the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and injuries impacting the human dental pulp. They are trained to perform root canals, which are required when the tooth’s nerve becomes infected.
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologist
Oral and maxillofacial pathology concentrates on the nature, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the mouth and jaws. They are proficient in surgery and might work closely with ear, nose, and throat specialists (ENTs). Treatment may cost a considerable amount; you should inquire about dental insurance to augment the expenses with your dentist.
Orthodontist
An orthodontist focuses on diagnosing, preventing, interception, and treating malocclusion or bad bites. Orthodontists employ wires, braces, retainers, and other devices that move teeth through the bone structure.
Pedodontist or Pediatric Dentist
A pedodontist is a dentist that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of dental conditions in children. A kid’s first dental visit must be to a pedodontist. The pediatric dentist can detect decay, crowding, crookedness, falling teeth, and other oral health problems early on and treat them.
Periodontist
A periodontist concentrates on the mouth’s soft tissues and jawbone. A regular dentist can help prevent gum disease, but they can’t repair gum disease-related tissue damage. Periodontists need to complete a three-year residency program after graduating from a recognized dental school. The primary objectives of this residency program are the surgical and non-surgical treatment of periodontal conditions and the insertion of dental implants.
Prosthodontist
A prosthodontist focuses on the repair and replacement of natural teeth. They will use dentures or crowns and bridges for lost or removed teeth. The prosthodontist is likewise heavily involved in the dental implant procedure. Prosthodontists additionally treat patients who have malformations of the head and neck.
Choosing the Right Dentist for You
- Ask your physician, family members, and friends for suggestions.
- Look into the dentist’s certifications and experience.
- Read patient testimonials
- Understand what your insurance policy covers.
- Determine the sort of dental work you need.
