If you're looking for a “dentist” near me who wants your teeth cleaned or a cavity filled, you don't want to call an orthodontist and make an appointment. A field that most patients are likely familiar with, the orthodontist specializes in straightening the teeth and improving the patient's bite. While some general dentists offer orthodontic treatments, many continue to refer patients to partner orthodontists when it is necessary to straighten the teeth or realign the jaw. A periodontist specializes in diseases that attack gum tissue.
When mild forms of gum disease, such as gingivitis, get worse, a periodontist can provide the treatment and care needed to prevent further damage and restore gum health. In addition to performing treatments such as root smoothing and scraping, a periodontist can also perform more complicated procedures, such as gum grafts, dental implants, and root canals. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform surgery on the soft and hard tissues of the mouth. They treat problems related to the gums, soft and hard palate, lips, cheeks, and tongue.
They also operate on facial tissue. Patients who have deeply affected wisdom teeth are often referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, as the procedure to remove wisdom teeth from the gums and even the jaw requires a precise type of oral surgery. Most people know when to see a general dentist, but what about their dental problems that are less routine? There are many types of specialist dentists depending on your oral care problem. To help you make decisions about specific dental problems, we'll discuss the most common types of dentists and dental specialists and when to see each of them.
General dentists are primary care oral health providers and are one of the most common types of dentists. You can visit your general dentist for routine dental cleanings and dental exams. In these exams, a general dentist will evaluate the health of your teeth and gums and perform treatments such as tooth decay removal, root canals, and dental crowns. Your general dentist will also refer you to other types of dentists if you need services and procedures for which they are not qualified.
Pediatric dentistry specialists offer youth-oriented approaches to routine dental care, as well as to dental problems specific to pediatrics. A pedodontist will monitor the child's teeth and oral development and refer the child to an orthodontist, when needed. Orthodontists specialize in aligning the teeth and jaw, using wires, braces, retainers, and other devices. If you have an overbite, an underbite, a cross bite, or misaligned teeth, you may be referred to an orthodontist for correction.
Periodontists help treat and repair gum diseases and problems. While a general dentist will support the prevention of gum disease, a periodontist will provide treatment (including minor surgery) for tissue damaged by progressive gum disease. You may also be referred to a periodontist for dental implants. When you have a dental problem, your general dentist or even your primary care doctor can refer you to any type of dentistry that they are not qualified for.
It's important to visit your general dentist at least once a year, not only to clean your teeth, but also to have an exam to ensure your oral health. Getting a professional opinion will help you manage any potential problem before it becomes a bigger problem. See your general dentist right away if you feel any pain in your mouth. For dental emergencies, such as a chipped tooth, a fallen tooth filling, or a dental abscess, the first step should be to talk to your general dentist.
Dentistry, while focusing primarily on oral care and maintaining dental health, has several professional options. Professional opportunities in dentistry are in high demand and available, depending on your educational and professional qualifications. Every dental professional: dental assistants, dental hygienists, dental laboratory technicians, etc. works within a team to provide value to their customer base.
See below for a summary of the various career opportunities in the field of dentistry. The field of dentistry has several types of dental specialties, including endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry, and more. . .
