Not all dentists practice the same types of care. While your traditional DDS will handle your routine care, you may find yourself in need of a specialist at some point, understanding the various types of dental professionals will help you choose the right one.
Choosing a dentist may seem like an easy task at first. You get referrals from friends or coworkers,
you visit the dentist, and you have your teeth cleaned. While it should be a fairly straight forward process, you may not realize that the different types of dentists in the field play a role in your decision. Make sure you choose the right one to meet your dental health needs.
Pediatric Dentist
A pediatric dentist will care for the teeth of infants, children, and teenagers. They may also be able to care for people who have psychological or emotional problems that create child-like reactions to a trip to the dentist. While the tasks they do are the same as traditional practitioners, these professionals are skilled at claming the fears and handling the behaviors common to children.
Endodontist
An endodontist cares for the inside of the teeth. If you have a disease of the pulp or nerves inside a tooth, this is the dentist you want. Also, if you need to have a root canal, this is the specialist to consider.
Oral or Maxillofacial Surgeons
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons handle surgeries involving the mouth and the jaw. These dental practitioners may also handle tooth extractions that are fairly complex. If you have an injury or a birth defect involving your jaw bones or mouth, this is the dentist you need.
Prosthodontist
Prosthodontists are dentists who work with replacement teeth. They may design dentures, implants, and bridges. They also will perform the procedures to place implants and fit non-permanent prosthetics properly. If you have lost a tooth, you will want to work with one of these practitioners.
Orthodontist
An orthodontist will build and apply appliances, like braces and retainers, that align crooked teeth. While an orthodontist is typically utilized when a child is an adolescent, adults sometimes need orthodontic help to correct problems that were not corrected in childhood, or to fix teeth after an injury.
Peridontist
When you have gum disease or problems with the bones that hold the teeth in place, you need the services of a peridontist. These practitioners are skilled at identifying and treating soft tissue and bone diseases.
Oral Pathologist
Oral pathologists may be called in when dealing with diseases of the mouth. They have the training to identify, diagnose, and treat problems like chronic disease or even cancer affecting the mouth.
Cosmetic Dentist
A cosmetic dentist is skilled at fixing broken, malformed, or discolored teeth, helping you regain or recreate the look of your smile. These dentists may perform work like crowns, bridges, implants, veneers, and teeth whitening.
Traditional Dentist
A traditional dentist may not have the same level of training in these various fields as a specialist. These practitioners know how to clean the teeth, identify problems, treat minor complaints, and call on specialists when needed. Many offices will have a general dental professional and a number of specialists available to call on when a patient has a problem that needs experienced care.
If you think you need the advice of a specialist, consider visiting your regular dentist first. He or she will help you form an initial diagnosis and choose the top dentists with specialties you need in your area.
