Dentist Types and Treatments
In addition to the regular dentist that you see at your check ups every six months or so, there are specialists in the field of dentistry that perform surgery, treat gum disease, and provide treatments in addition to the typical dentist's practice. Which one is right for you?
Many of us think of a dentist as the person who cleans our teeth and checks for cavities every six months or so,
but did you know there are many specialized dental professions which require an additional two years of study on top of the four years it takes to earn a dental degree? The mouth is a complex puzzle of teeth, gums, and jaws that work together as we eat to provide nourishment, as we talk to help us communicate effectively, and as we live to keep us in good health! Often, bigger problems than cavities come up, which require the services of a specialist. So, what types of specialists are out there, and what do they do?
Pediatrics
Some dentists choose to specialize in pediatric dentistry. A child's mouth is much different that an adult's mouth. Their growing jaws and baby teeth create a totally different host of potential problems, which may require early preventative action, if their adult teeth are going to come in straight and smooth. A pediatric dentist can often detect a problem early and refer his patient to the appropriate oral surgeon or orthodontist to begin treatment before major problems begin.
Orthodontist
Orthodontists are focused on tooth placement. They can correct small jaws, crooked teeth, and misaligned bites. Many of us have either had braces or known a friend who had braces during grammar school or high school. An orthodontist is the one who administers this type of treatment. His goal is to align your teeth so that you'll have a beautiful smile and benefit from many other advantages. Think about it. If your teeth didn't bite together right or fit into your jaw correctly, you'd have a very hard time chewing or even speaking well!
Oral Surgeon
Some dental issues can only be resolved through surgery. A condition, which involves the jaw, neck, or head and stems from the mouth may be a candidate for correction through oral surgery. A medical surgeon will usually handle problems that arise, which may affect the mouth, but are not caused by a dental condition. Oral surgeons are best known for pulling teeth!
Even if you feel you have a serious dental problem and should be seen by a specialist, it's best to visit your regular dentist first. Your regular dentist will be able to give you names of specialists that he knows and trusts. That way, you will be very confident about the care you're receiving.
