5 Types Of Dentists And How Each Can Help You
Oral problems are broad and vary based on your age and oral health condition. To receive the proper care, you'll need to visit a dentist who specializes in the area of your concern. Oral health care providers specialize in various needs and have different titles, as discussed in this article.
1. General Dentists
All graduates from accredited dental schools can practice as general dentists. Most general dentists often stick to restorative dentistry and hygiene care. Examples of services you can get from general dentists are:
- Initial and emergency examinations
- Treatments for gum disease
- Oral cancer screenings
- Repair of broken or decayed teeth
- Cleanups and periodic hygienic exams
- Implants and teeth whitening
Nowadays, many patients need specialized services and general dentists' services. Nonetheless, most general dentists can refer you to periodontists and endodontists for further treatment.
2. Pedodontists
Also known as pediatric dentists, pedodontists specialize in children's oral health. While dental care is safe, children can be anxious and feel intimidated. Pediatric dentists understand the challenges that children pose and how to handle them.
Sedation is also different for children, so pedodontists specialize in kids' sedation. Sometimes, pediatric dentists also attend to older patients with special needs.
3. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in the soft and hard tissues in and around your mouth. Such tissues include hard and soft palate, gums, tongue, lips, cheeks, and facial tissues. Surgeons usually perform more invasive surgeries than other dentists.
Examples of services you can get from oral and maxillofacial surgeons are:
- Cleft lip surgery
- Biopsies
- Cancerous tissue extraction
- Reconstructive surgeries
- Cleft palate or cleft lip surgery
- Sleep apnea treatment
4. Periodontists
Periodontists focus more on problems with your gums, jawbone, and the tissues which support your teeth. So, if you have a chronic or severe periodontal disease that calls for invasive treatment, periodontists will do you well. Periodontist services include:
- Diagnosis of periodontal illnesses
- Treatment for extreme gum inflammation
- Cosmetic skin grafting on your gums
- Dental implants installation
5. Prosthodontists
Prosthodontists provide oral prostheses that replace damaged or missing teeth. An oral prosthesis is ideal if you want dentures, tooth implants, bridges, crowns, and veneers. In addition, the teeth replacement solutions improve your ability to bite, chew, and speak.
Prosthetics also come in when you need a smile makeover for cosmetic reasons or traumatic reconstruction. Prosthodontists work hand in hand with dental labs to create tailored false teeth and other oral appliances.
Conclusion
You may be confused about which type of dentist to visit when you have dental problems. A general dentist is an excellent place to start. With routine oral exams, your general dentist can discover any potential issues. Then, you will get a referral to a specialist whenever needed.
Contact a local dentist for more info.
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