General dentist · Dentist or pediatric dentist · Orthodontist · Periodontist or gum specialist · Endodontist or endodontic specialist · Oral. Most people know when to go to the general dentist, but what about dental concerns that aren't as routine? There are many types of dental specialists depending on your oral care problem. To help you make decisions about specific dental problems, we'll review the most common types of dentists and dental specialists and when to see each of them. These oral health professionals help treat different conditions and parts of the teeth, gums, mouth and jaw. Usually, a dental specialist has completed additional education and training beyond dental school.
Each of these specialists plays an important role in dental health and general well-being. If you have an oral health problem, who should you go to? Take a look at these high-level descriptions of each type of dental specialist and the types of services they typically provide. 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 dental cleanings and routine 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 canal treatment 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-friendly approaches to routine dental care as well as to pediatricians' specific dental problems. A pedodontist will monitor the child's dental and oral development and refer the child to an orthodontist when needed. Orthodontists specialize in the alignment of the teeth and jaw, and use wires, braces, restraints, and other devices. If you have overbitten, underbitten, crossed or misaligned teeth, you may be referred to an orthodontist for correction.
Periodontists help treat and repair diseases and gum 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. Oral pathologists and surgeons specialize in treating oral diseases of the teeth and jaw.
Conditions may include impact of the wisdom teeth, oral reconstruction, misalignment of the jaws, and cancers of the mouth, head and neck. They are trained to perform oral surgery and may work closely with otolaryngologists (otolaryngologists) to treat problems such as sleep apnea and facial trauma. 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 to provide. It's important to visit the 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's opinion will help you control any potential problems before they become a bigger problem. See your general dentist right away if you have any pain in your mouth. In case of dental emergencies, such as a broken tooth, a dental filling falling out, or a dental abscess, the first thing you should do is talk to your general dentist. Review the details of your individual plan to see if it covers aspects such as orthodontic services, oral surgery, or other dental treatments. Make sure you understand your coverage information to avoid paying unexpected costs.
If you have any questions, it's best to contact your insurance company to find out what your plan covers. If you see any of these degrees, it means that your dentist graduated from an accredited dental school. A DDS and a DMD receive the same amount of training and can perform the same dental procedures. Dental specialists are dentists who receive additional training in a specific dental specialty, beyond their general dentistry degree.
Because of heredity, general health problems, an accident, or some other reason, you may need to see a dental specialist. Dentists, also known as general (or family) dentists, are concerned about general oral health. Dentists treat decayed teeth (fillings) and remove failed teeth (extractions). They usually provide services such as crowns, veneers, or adhesives to improve the appearance and function of teeth that have extensive cavities, are deformed, or broken.
Dentists look for abnormalities in the mouth and teach patients how to prevent dental diseases. Both general dentists and oral surgeons must finish dental school after earning a bachelor's degree. In dental school, which typically lasts four years of full-time study, students take courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology and oral surgery. Dental students also complete their clinical internships and receive hands-on training in how to diagnose and treat problems dental.
After finishing dental school and obtaining the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), a general dentist must complete a licensing exam to practice in a particular area. In contrast, oral surgeons (often referred to as oral and maxillofacial surgeons) complete a surgical residency for four to six years. The residency program must be accepted by the Dental Accreditation Commission, ensuring that each resident receives the training in oral pathology, anesthesia, oral surgery, and other areas necessary to practice competently. After the surgical residency, the person completes a board certification exam.
General dentists act as primary care providers for dental medicine. At the general dentist's office, your teeth will be cleaned, X-rays, and a full exam to check for dental problems. General dentists usually care for gums, dental fillings, root canals, veneers, bridges, and crowns. They also make recommendations on how to prevent common dental problems.
While a general dentist can perform simple tooth extractions, more complex surgeries may be beyond the purview of a general dentist's competence. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons receive specialized training to treat a variety of conditions affecting the face, mouth and jaw. Usually, patients are referred to an oral surgeon when a problem is beyond the reach of a general dentist's experience. Oral surgeons perform simple and complex tooth extractions, including the extraction of wisdom teeth.
They also provide care for accident victims who need reconstructive dental surgery. Oral surgeons can also perform soft tissue biopsies, remove tumors, perform jaw realignment surgery, repair soft tissue, or place implants. Don't hesitate to ask questions about the complexity and severity of your oral health problems and about your dentist's comfort and level of experience in treating your problem. Like all doctors, dentists must have extensive training in their office and complete a residency before they can become certified. Prosthodontists specialize in dental procedures such as porcelain veneers, crowns, dental implants, bridge repair, dentures, and reconstructive dentistry.
Similarly, a dentist can provide braces or aligners to move the teeth, but that doesn't mean the dentist is an orthodontist. They can take state exams to get a license to practice general dentistry, or they can specialize. To receive the education required to become a dentist, students generally must have three or more years of college education plus four years of dental school. Certified dentists can diagnose and treat oral health conditions of the teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth. They may assume that their dentist is aware of the abnormality and that they will refer you to an orthodontist when the time is right.
If you need more complex or specialized services or procedures, your general dentist can refer you to a dentist who has advanced training and specializes in that service. Doctors who study general dentistry are trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the gums, teeth, tongue, and mouth.
