Get Educated! Learn About The Different Types Of Dentists

Within the dental industry there are several different types of dentists for specific dental care needs. It can be confusing when figuring out what type of dentist you should go to when having an oral health issue. The Smilist Dental provides you with all of the information you need about each type of dentist.

It is important to see your general dentist every six months to make sure you have good oral health. General dentistry is focused on preventative, restorative, and cosmetic care. General dentists can treat tooth decay and gum disease, but when cases get too complicated or severe, they will recommend you to a specialist.

Endodontist

Endodontists specialize in treating the inside of the tooth. Underneath a pearly white tooth contains canals that very sensitive tissue. If something is wrong with these canals you will experience inflammation and pain in the tooth’s pulp. Root canal therapy is used to treat infections and relieve the pain. This procedure involves making a small hole in the affected tooth, removing the infected or dead pulp tissue, replacing it with sterile biocompatible filler, and sealing the tooth against reinfection.

Oral & Maxillofacial Dental Specialists (Oral Surgeon)

Tooth extractions are the most common procedure that oral surgeons perform. Patients are often referred to these specialists when wisdom teeth are impacted and need to be removed. Corrective jaw surgery is sometimes needed when orthodontics is not enough to correct a misaligned bite. This can be in the case of a birth defect, skeletal problems, and other disorders. Reconstructive surgery may be necessary after a severe accident or injury. Oral surgeons are unique because they are the only health care specialists (aside from anesthesiologists) who can administer all levels of sedation, up to general anesthesia.

Orthodontists

Orthodontists focus on correcting teeth and jaws that are out of position, don’t close properly, or don’t look the way you’d like them to. This includes treating bite problems, crooked teeth, and crowded teeth. To help fix these issues, orthodontists use a variety of methods including; braces, invisalign, and palate expanders. Orthodontists also have specialized training in facial abnormalities and disorders of the jaw.

Periodontist

Periodontist specialize in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease and gum issues. Periodontist use lasers or gum grafting techniques to restore the appearance of a smile. In the case of a lost tooth, they can use dental implants to replace the tooth. They also use techniques to remodel soft tissue, and even reshape bone in the jaw. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, so it is very important to make sure your gums are healthy!

Prosthodontics

Prosthodontists specialize in the restoration and replacement of lost or damaged teeth. Treatments include veneers, crowns, dental bridges, dental implants and dentures. Their goal is create a perfect smile involving the teeth, gums, lips, and facial features. Other services they offer include screenings for oral cancer, treatment for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), and obstructive sleep apnea.

Pediatric Dentist / Pedodontist

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that parents schedule their child’s first dental visit within six months after they get their first tooth. Pediatric dentists have the same roles as general dentists but are trained further to treat children from infancy through the teenage years. Pediatric dentists often work closely with pediatricians and family physicians.