Comprehending the different areas of dentistry can help you select the proper dentist. This brief overview will help explain these differences to you.
One or more licensed and board-certified dentists can operate a general dental office. General dentists can see patients for routine cleanings and exams. They may also work with dental hygienists or other professionals. Because oral health is directly related to overall health, a general dentist can help patients learn about proper oral hygiene.
Dental Public Health is separate from general dentistry. This sector comprises a select group of dentists who strive to improve the oral health and well-being of the whole community. These dental specialists create dental industry guidelines and assess situations to determine if there are any problems with public dental health.
A Dental Anesthesiologist has been trained in pain management. They can provide sedation for patients to ease anxiety and discomfort. Because they have extensive knowledge in pain management for all procedures, not just dental, Dental Anesthesiologists are often employed in both dental offices and medical centers.
Endodontics is a dental branch invested in saving teeth and the surrounding root tissues. Endodontists are able to diagnose tooth pain due to decay or trauma and then can use their advanced skills to execute complex procedures such as root canals.
The central focus of a Periodontist is the health and stability of your teeth and gums. General dentists refer patients to a Periodontist after diagnosing advanced gum disease. Periodontists incur additional training to learn how to treat periodontal diseases as well as position, maintain, and restore dental implants.
Prosthetic Dentistry is also called Prosthodontics. This dentistry field focuses on restoring teeth function and oral health using synthetic substitutes such as dentures, crowns, or veneers. The specialized skills of the Prosthodontist make these complex cosmetic procedures possible.
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Dentists diagnose and treat mouth diseases and other related structures. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologists (also called Head & Neck Pathologists) will evaluate the patient's way of living plus scientific aspects to determine the cause of the disease.
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologists interpret conventional and digital scans like CT or MRI, looking for abnormalities or diseases in the head, mouth, or face. Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologists have advanced education in radiation physics, biology, safety, and hygiene; therefore work in dental offices and educational institutions.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Dentists treat diseases and trauma in the neck, jaw, and facial areas. This group of dentists usually starts in general medicine with a secondary focus on dentistry. Because this training approach can be very long, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons must demonstrate dedication to the field.
Orthodontists study to improve the alignment of the jaws and teeth through standard treatment options like wires, retainers, and braces. Dentofacial Orthodontics is a specialization in Orthodontics that focuses on facial growth anomalies.
Routine visits to a Pediatric Dentist can help children and young adults maintain healthy teeth. Pediatric Dentistry performs regular cleanings and exams in order to detect and prevent any problems that could affect children's growth or development.