Dental Specialties
Posted on: 18 November 2019
Have you ever noticed that there are many different types of dental professionals? Have you ever wondered what they do and which you should contact for your current needs? Here is a detailed explanation of several different professionals, which could come in handy the next time your child has a toothache, your teenager needs braces, or you end up needing a root canal. This list should help you know where to turn when a need arises.
General Dentist
A general dentist, often called a family dentist, is the dental professional that most people visit throughout their youth and well into adulthood. A general dentist works hard to teach and instill proper dental habits into their clients. When clients fail to enforce good habits, general dentists are also the first line of defense against dental decay.
Endodontist
The word "endo" is a prefix that means "within." Therefore, an endodontist is a dentist that specializes in what is going on inside the tooth. This mainly means that they deal with nerve issues, especially root canals.
Orthodontist
An orthodontist specializes in the alignment (straightening) of the teeth and jaw. While many people believe that this work is largely aesthetic, crooked teeth have sometimes been known to cause speaking and eating problems. Orthodontia can begin as soon as a child has their permanent teeth, which may be as young as seven or eight years of age.
Oral Pathologist
An oral pathologist is someone who deals with the diseases that are found within the oral cavity and its different tissues. For example, an infection on the tongue could need an oral pathologist to determine the severity, along with what is causing the problem. Discovering if the infection is bacterial or fungal will determine the type of treatment required.
Periodontist
In the medical world, the prefix "peri" means around. Thus a periodontist is a dental professional who works specifically with the structures around teeth: the gums. When people develop severe periodontitis, their gums and the bone surrounding teeth can actually separate from the teeth, causing deep pockets that are incredibly painful. Periodontists try to diminish the symptoms of periodontitis. Dental implants also directly affect the gums, so periodontists do a lot of work there.
In conclusion, while there are many people out there who can call themselves dental professionals, there may be one specific person who can do what you need done. Talk to your general dentist for referrals.
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