A Dentist is Available in Many Forms

The majority of dentists specialize in general tooth health. They are there to diagnose problems and to treat these problems with various solutions. A basic visit to an office like this will generally include a cleaning, x-rays and examination. In addition to regular dentists, there are quite a few other categories. Each of these specializes in a certain type of dental work. These types are less popular and they are harder to find. In many cases, you may need a referral to see one of these specialists. It may never be necessary for you to see one, but if you do here is a breakdown of several common types. An endodontist is a specialist that provides services primarily for root canals. During a root canal, the endodontist will remove the nerves in the roots of a tooth. This is only necessary when the roots have decay in them or if they are infected. This is often needed for people that have cavities that have been left untreated for a long period of time. In most cases, when a person has a cavity filled, it takes care of the problem. If the cavity is deep and has been left untreated, a root canal may be the only method to treat the tooth. A lot of times a tooth that needs a root canal will also need a crown or cap placed over it. This is primarily due to the amount of decay found on the tooth. It is very important for an endodontist to remove all of the decay before placing a crown over the tooth. If any of the decay is still present, further problems can occur. Some dentists also perform these procedures, but others will refer patients out to endodontists. There are also specialists called oral and maxillofacial radiologists or surgeons. These are a type of dentist that specializes in diagnosing issues in the head and neck. They also perform various types of surgeries on the mouth, gums, neck and jaws. One common procedure performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is fixing a cleft lip. These specialists will also remove impacted teeth and they may provide help with many other types of problems. If you discover that you have an oral disease, you may need to see an oral pathologist. This is a specialist that can remove lesions, bumps and other problems found in the mouth. You may also need to see an orthodontist. This type of dentist focuses on straightening teeth as a way of improving the way a person looks. Orthodontists place braces on people's teeth to accomplish this. Patients must visit the orthodontist on a monthly basis to have the braces inspected and tightened. The length of time a person wears braces varies on the condition of the teeth. Many orthodontists can also help people that suffer from jaw problems, such as TMJ. Problems with the alignment of the jaw can cause severe pain and can cause people to have discomfort while eating. Find the right type for the work you need done.