Dentists – Types and Specialties

Having a thorough knowledge of various types of dentists effectively helps patients to properly evaluate and consider their options when seeking dental care. Placing your trust in a specialist who is not equipped to handle your condition, or who lacks the knowledge and understanding necessary to treat you will only work to worsen any current conditions or issues you have.

General Dentistry

Dentistry at its core encompasses a vast array of studies and treatment areas. As such, most general dentistry practices offer patients a variety of treatment options, which touch on everything from checkups and fillings to cosmetic procedures. General dentists are thus, the most common oral health physician and the most well known. While many general practices to offer more in-depth treatments, it will all depend on the individual physician and the skills they have acquired.

Endodontics

This area places a focus on the dental pulp and periradicular tissue. Physicians will study normal pulp in addition to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases associated with it. Practitioners will generally offer root canal surgery, especially in cases where the case is severe.

Oral And Maxillofacial Pathology

These are ADA specialties which merge the areas of pathology and dentistry into one unique treatment area; the focus being diseases affecting the maxillofacial and oral regions. This will ultimately include courses and causes of these diseases, in addition to research and diagnosis through examination.

Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dentistry is an area that places focus on infants, children and adolescents. It involves both therapeutic and preventative care, and includes dental care for those with special needs. This line of dentistry works to ensure younger patients the quality care they need to achieve and maintain appropriate oral health early on.

Periodontics

This branch manages the support of the tooth structure, and involves the treatment to conditions and diseases that work to impact these particular regions. Many of these conditions have various manifestations, however common forms include gingivitis, which works to deteriorate the bone and tooth area over time. As such, periodontics encompasses the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of these diseases.

Prosthodontics

This area tends to focus primarily on patients with missing or decayed teeth. Physicians who specialize in this line of work generally offer implants, tooth reconstruction treatments, and esthetic procedures in hopes to restoring the functionality of the patient’s teeth and support areas. Prosthodontics includes the diagnosis of issues, in addition to the rehabilitation of the areas affected.

Considerations

Before choosing a dentist, be sure to ask yourself what you are looking for in an oral health practitioner. Are you planning on using them for general dentistry purposes, or do you require orthodontic care as well? Do you have children whom might benefit from the attention of a certified pediatric specialist?

If you’re unsure of what services a particular practice offers, the best thing to do is ask. Most practices will be very upfront about the areas they are qualified to treat, and may even be able to point you in the direction of someone who can better assist you in cases where they are ill equipped. This way you’ll find the best dentists.