The Many Types of Dentists You Should Know About

Although dentists are professionals who help take care of teeth, not all dentists do the exact same thing. In fact, there are dental professionals who provide different types of services to their patients, such as taking care of gum disease, performing a dental surgery, or even whitening the teeth to remove the stains from them. It is important to know what type of dentist you should visit based on the specific type of treatment you need.

The General Dentist
When you need something simple done, such as a thorough cleaning, an examination, or even a filling for some decay, you can visit the general dentist. The general dentist works to help patients keep their teeth heathy while preventing decay and keeping plaque at a minimum. Some of the different services that are provided by general dentists include dental cleaning, fillings, and crowns for chipped or broken teeth.

The Endodontist
An endodontist provides endodontic therapy to patients who may need root canals. Their knowledge of the root canal process is extensive because they typically take special courses in addition to receiving proper root canal training during dental school. If a tooth root becomes infected, a root canal is often the best method of treatment. During a root canal, damaged root and pulp are carefully removed and the tooth is then filled and sealed to keep it protected.

The Orthodontist
An orthodontist is the type of dental professional patients visit when they are dealing with misalignment, malocclusions, or even crooked teeth. An orthodontist could provide different options for patients, such as traditional metal braces or even Invisalign, which involves the use of plastic aligners to help straighten the teeth and align the jaw properly.

The Oral Surgeon
If you need to have a dental surgery to improve the condition of your teeth or to eliminate any pain you are experiencing, an oral surgeon is the one who will take care of you. The oral surgeon is the dental professional who performs wisdom teeth extractions and even installs dental implants for patients who are getting the implants as replacements for their natural teeth that are no longer there.

The Oral Pathologist
Some people develop different types of diseases inside the mouth. The oral pathologist is a dental professional who studies and does a lot of research on these various diseases and the different reasons they tend to develop. There are times when underlying medical conditions cause these oral diseases, so it is important to find out if a patient is suffering from a specific condition that is causing him or her to suffer from an oral disease as well.

The Pediatric Dentist
It is never too early to take a child to visit with the dentist. In fact, pediatric dentists specialize in taking care of children’s teeth. It is best to take a child to the pediatric dentist because the environment is kid-friendly and more enjoyable, making the experience less frightening for the little ones who do not know what to expect when it comes to having their teeth examined or cleaned. Pediatric dentists are known to work well with children and have the patience to get the work done, even when children are being a bit difficult.

The Periodontist
If your gums are receding or if you have gum disease, you may want to meet with a periodontist. The periodontist can examine the gums, provide a diagnosis based on his or her findings, and then come up with treatment options that will help to improve the overall condition of the gums. You could receive early treatment for gingivitis before it develops into something that is much worse.

The Prosthodontist
When you have a broken tooth, a prosthodontist is the one who can solve the problem you are dealing with by providing a crown that conveniently fits over the natural tooth. A prosthodontist may help customize dental implants for patients who are getting the implants as replacements for their missing teeth.