A Look at the Different Kinds of Dentists

Dentists are health care providers and professionals who take care of your teeth, gums and your oral cavity. Everything that is related to oral health and hygiene is of importance and interest to a tooth doctor! These practitioners evaluate the condition of your teeth and choose a course of treatment when a problem arises.

There are many different kinds of dentists. The one that you are likely the most familiar with is the general or family dentist. These are the primary practitioners you go to for check ups, X-rays and cleanings. These dental professionals perform a variety of beneficial functions such as doing routine exams on teeth, filling teeth when they have a cavity, pulling teeth out if necessary and performing root canals. They also fit porcelain veneers, bridges, crowns and in some cases, dentures. General teeth practitioners are able to do many tooth-related jobs and treat individuals from the very young to the very old. They are also the ones that will refer you to a specialist if you require a treatment that is beyond their scope.

If you have ever had braces on your teeth to correct crooked teeth then you are familiar with a type of dental specialist known as an orthodontist. These dentists train for an additional two years in order to care for those who have teeth that are misaligned and require straightening. Both braces and orthodontic devices can be used to coax teeth into the correct place. Doing this will improve the physical appearance of the teeth and it will make them easier to keep clean. It can also improve the bite of the patient. Orthodontists work with children as well as adults.

Pediatric dentists are akin to pediatric doctors in that they treat babies, children and teenagers. These healthcare providers spend at least two extra years in dental school in order to be able to treat young patients. They are experienced in treating the dental problems that are common in youngsters. They are also well versed in how to make a child’s introduction to visiting the tooth doctor a positive one.

Periodontists are another branch of dentistry that deals with periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. These specialists must complete at least three addition years of schooling in this field before they can work in it. These dental providers treat gum disease at its various stages and they also treat any other disease or condition that affects the gums. The number one goal of a periodontist is to prevent tooth loss in patients and to treat problems that can lead to bone loss as well. If you have a gum issue then you need to see a periodontist.

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon requires three and sometime more years of specialty dental education in order to treat injuries and diseases that take place in the mouth. One aspect of their advanced training is in using anesthesia on patients. These top notch professionals do complex and extensive surgery on patients on a routine basis. They do facial cosmetic surgery, take out wisdom teeth, care for patients suffering from oral cancer and perform surgery on accident or traumas victims who suffered injuries to their faces. These specialists may also place dental implants for patients.