A dentist is a doctor who specialises in maintaining the oral hygiene of an individual, diagnose probable diseases of the gums and teeth and treats them through various dental procedures. However, not all dentists are capable of carrying out all dental procedures.
When it comes to routine dental examinations, a general dentist can do the job. But sometimes, our teeth and gums require something extra than a routine examination. In this case, there are several other dental specialists with a different role to play when it comes to oral care.
The dental specialist is also dentists who specialise and trains in a specific dental speciality, after their general dental degree. You might need one if you have an issue regarding your oral health, or have an accident or any other reason; you might need to visit a dental specialist.
Here are six different types of dental specialists which you might visit at least once in a lifetime.
Specialist #1: the endodontist ? a root canal specialist
Consider if you have an infected tooth and you visit a general dentist for help, they might recommend you to a different, a specialised doctor known as the endodontist. Endodontists are like the unassuming heroes, always in the place to save the day, or in this case, your teeth.
The teeth of humans are hollow from the inside and are known as canals which contain sensitive pulp, blood vessels and nerves. An endodontist diagnoses the problem with in the sensitive parts of the teeth and treats them by performing root canals on the diseased tooth.
Specialist #2: oral and maxillofacial surgeon
This dental speciality treats the problems related to the hard and soft tissues of the face, mouth and jaws. You do not need an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for every kind of oral surgery. They are the specialists who perform more challenging and complex procedures which require more sedation beyond nitrous oxide or laughing gas.
Oral and maxillofacial specialists are oral health care professionals, who are administered to all levels of sedation. They can perform all dental procedures like tooth extraction, corrective jaw surgery, cleft lip or cleft palate surgery.
Specialist #3: pediatric dentist ? a child dentist
A pediatric dental specialist is responsible for a child?s oral health like a paediatrician is for their physical health. They are specialised in the oral development of a child from infancy through their teens. A pediatric dentist helps a child in maintaining the right oral habits through their life.
General dentists can also treat children, but most parents choose to visit a pediatric dentist for their children routine checkups. Their kid-friendly practices and age-specific knowledge helps them to diagnose, treat and provide routine care with carefulness.
Specialist #4: periodontists ? gum specialists
A periodontist is a dental specialist focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and other structures which supports the teeth. They are gum disease experts in the field of dentistry. Periodontists recognise and treat gum diseases to prevent tooth loss. Not just that, they also perform minor surgeries such as gum grafts and pocket reduction procedures to treat severe gum diseases and restore your pearly whites.
Not only do they treat gum diseases, but also installs dental implants and lengthens the existing teeth. If you have gum disease, or if you are experiencing sharp pain due to gum disease, your dentists may refer you to a periodontist. Many facilities such as eastern Oklahoma dental care or more offers periodontal checkups and have membership plans for the individuals which can lower the cost of the procedures to a specific value.
Specialist #5: orthodontists ? alignment specialists
The orthodontists are specialists who correct the position of your teeth and jaws. You may visit an orthodontist if you have an overbite, underbite or crossbite caused by a misaligned jaw. Orthodontists correct he misaligned jaws and crooked teeth by using braces, clear aligners, palatal expenditures or headgear as a part of your treatment plan.
When you seek orthodontal treatment for yourself or your child, it is better first to see if it is covered in your insurance so you have less to pay out of your pocket. Other than that, make sure you have references from your general dentist before going to an orthodontist.
Specialist #6: prosthodontist ? replacement specialist
Prosthodontic specialists are the dental specialist who restore or replace broken or damaged teeth. This dental procedure is everything that goes in to restoring a beautiful, functional and natural-looking smile. They specialise in dental procedures such as porcelain veneers, crowns, dental implants, bridge repairs, dentures and reconstructive dentistry.
If you have a chipped tooth or gapped teeth, your dentist may recommend you to visit a prosthodontic specialist.
Taking care of your oral health is one of the significant necessities as harmful bacteria sometimes reside and grow in the mouth. It is a direct opening to getting in the body and can result in various diseases.
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