When considering their tooth and gum care, many people think of their regular dentist. However, there are many dental specialties with specific areas of focus that can help you care for your oral health beyond cleaning and general checkups.Learn more about the various dentistry specialties and how you can benefit from each one.
General Dentistry – A general dentist is your primary care for oral health. They perform regular oral health checkups and cleanings, and diagnose, treat, and help prevent disease. You would also see your regular dentist if you have pain or discomfort in your gums or issues with your teeth.
Orthodontist – Orthodontists are one of the more common dental specialties. They provide teeth correction and jaw alignment with braces or clear aligners. Orthodontists complete dental school and continue education with special training in orthodontics to become board-certified through the American Association of Orthodontics.
Cosmetic Dentistry – Cosmetic dentists focus on the aesthetics of your teeth. They perform procedures that straighten and whiten teeth, repair broken or chipped teeth, and reshape and redesign teeth with veneers, fillings, and crowns.
Restorative Dentistry – Restorative dentistry is a specialty that helps restore your teeth after damage or disease. A restorative dentist can help you reconstruct and improve your teeth’s structure, health, and appearance.
Periodontist – A periodontist is a specialist in more complicated or severe cases of gum disease. They diagnose and provide treatment for gum disease (periodontal disease) and oral inflammation. They may also take on gum grafts, dental implants, scaling, or planning.
Endodontist – An endodontist is a specialist whose primary responsibility is diagnosing, treating, and offering preventative care related to infections and injuries in the nerve or dental pulp of the tooth. One example of care by an endodontist is a root canal.
Prosthodontist – Prosthodontists rebuild broken, damaged, or missing teeth. They create customized dental prosthetics to fit your needs, including bridges, veneers, crowns, and dentures.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon – Oral surgeons perform surgery on the jaws and gums to repair more serious damage, treat cancerous growths, and remove or treat birth defects. They remove teeth, including wisdom teeth, place dental implants, and perform surgery involving the function and aesthetics of the facial bone structure, jaw, and soft tissue under anesthesia.
Pediatric Dentistry – Pediatric dentistry is similar to general dentistry except that they focus on oral health for children (up to 18 years old). They provide routine checkups, treat cavities, help prevent gum disease, and address tooth abnormalities in children.
Geriatric Dentistry – Geriatric dentistry is a specialty that focuses on the oral health of the elderly. Geriatric dentistry understands that the elderly often have more medical issues and require more care in how dental work is performed. This dentistry specialty tailors oral health care to the specific needs of the elderly.
The health of your teeth and gums is a complex system that requires specialty care when you need it most. There are a lot of dental specialties out there, and when you need treatment, understanding the differences can help you choose the right care.
Finding a dental practice that covers regular care along with many special services doesn’t have to be complicated. Contact Loren J. Grossman & Steven Hippeli General & Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule an appointment today!
