Are you unsure what type of dentist is best for your needs? Let's break down the differences among dental specializations.
Dentists who are licensed and board-certified tend to own their private dental practice. They often work in collaboration with dental technicians, hygienists, and dental therapists. A general dental practice is available for routine cleanings, exams, and care education. Book with your general dentist at least once a year because oral health is important to your overall health.
Orthodontia is the area of dentistry concerned with aligning the jaws and teeth. Dentofacial Orthodontics is the specialty of Orthodontia that focuses on facial growth abnormalities. Standard treatments given by Orthodontists are braces, retainers, and wires.
A Pediatric Dentist is responsible for teaching children and young adults about oral hygiene. Pediatric dentists perform routine exams and help to prevent serious problems by detecting abnormalities that may affect children's growth or development.
Prosthodontics is an alternate name for prosthetic dentistry. This area of dentistry focuses on reestablishing teeth's function and oral health using synthetic substitutes such as dentures, crowns, or veneers. Prosthodontists are very proficient in performing such complex cosmetic procedures.
Endodontics is a branch in dentistry that concentrates on the teeth's preservation and restoration by addressing the surrounding tissue. Endodontists identify tooth pain and determine the proper treatment. With their additional training, Endodontists can perform complex procedures (like root canals) on damaged or non-maintained teeth.
Periodontics is a dental specialty that centers around the health and well-being of the gums and supporting tissue. Periodontists treat patients who have been referred to them by their general dentist for advanced gum conditions. You will require additional education in order to become a Periodontist. This additional education includes training on the treatment of periodontal diseases and the maintenance and repair of dental implants.
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology dentists can diagnose and treat diseases that affect the mouth and interconnected structures. Head and Neck Pathology is another way to say Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. A Maxillofacial and Oral Pathologist will evaluate lifestyle and clinical factors in order to determine the cause and effect of a diseased area.
Maxillofacial and Oral Radiology analyzes head, face, and mouth scans like CT and MRI to detect disease or other facial irregularities. Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologists can be found in the private sector and in education.
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery dentists specialize in the repair of injuries and diseases to the face, jaw, and neck. Because of the complexity of their procedures, it takes a long time to train to be an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon.
A Dentist Anesthesiologist studies pain management for the whole body, not just the dental region. Therefore, these specialists can administer sedation or anesthesia to help control pain and even patient nerves. Due to their overall knowledge of body pain, you will find Dentist Anesthesiologists in private practices and hospital settings.
Dental Public Health dentists are trained to help improve the oral health of the community, not just treat individuals with their illnesses. These dentists assess dental conditions in relation to the population and decide if they should be treated as a public health concern.