Types of Dental Specialists: Who to Consult with?

Some people are sure that “a dentist” is a professional to take care of any issues associated with oral health. This is a mistake. A general dentist deals with a common filling, routine dental exams, and occasional cleaning. When our smiles require some advanced care, other types of dental health professionals enter the stage to give proper dental assistance. These are dentists who obtain additional training in a particular dental specialty along with a general dentistry degree. This article will help you understand what dental specialist you may need to see with a particular oral health issue.

Dental Specialists and What They Do

When you think of dentistry, you most probably imagine how you or your family members visit a family (general) dentist to have a regular dental checkup. However, a family dentist is not the only specialty in the industry. While general practice is the most common dental service, there are many cases when you will have to consult narrow specialists as described below. 

Orthodontist

Most people know orthodontists as specialists who perform teeth braces treatment; however, they are capable of more things than just this. They deal with jawbones,  misaligned teeth, and other facial structures to enhance the aesthetics, increase functionality and manage TMJ pain. Generally speaking, orthodontists design mouthguards, clear dental alignment trays, facemasks, headgear, braces, retainers, veneers, and other oral hardware to enhance patients’ bites. The main aim of all these devices is to improve deformed bone structure and teeth suffering from particular issues.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon

Surgeons deal with soft and hard palate, gums, facial tissues, lips, tongue, and gums. They are trained at the hospital after getting a general dental specialty. As s result, oral and maxillofacial surgeons can perform more difficult surgeries involving smoothing foundation for a false tooth, complex tooth extractions, jaw correction, etc. Besides, they are specialized in sleep apnea treatments, cancerous tissue extractions, cleft palate, facial infections, and biopsies. Dental surgeons prepare a foundation for future oral treatment that a family dentist is responsible for. They perform surgical improvements before placing dental implants and other cosmetic procedures.

Periodontist

Periodontists are focused on all issues connected with gums. They prevent, diagnose, and treat different gum issues. These may include gum pain and inflammation, periodontal disease, cosmetic skin grafting on gums, and placing dental implants. Overall, this specialist performs extensive work with gums, gives recommendations on treatment plans and gum disease prevention to general dentists for sharing with a patient.

Endodontist

The inner part of the tooth that is known as the pulp and is situated below the gumline. It is protected by an inner layer of dentin and hard enamel. The pulp is soft and formed by sensitive living tissue. This part of teeth may need to be removed or treated because of trauma, decay, or injury that makes them prone to be damaged, rotten, or inflamed. If pulp may be preserved, the tooth remains alive; otherwise, another treatment is required. Endodontist deals with a root canal that perhaps is the most popular procedure in this specialty.

Pediatric Dentist/ Pedodontists

General dentists are trained to treat people of any age, but when it comes to kids’, pediatric dentists are required. They are allowed to provide oral assistance to the specific needs of little patients, including dental sealants and fluoride treatment. Pedodontists guide kids and teens through the entire process of developing adult teeth, offering related care and recommendations on nutrition, finger sucking, and teeth grinding.

What Dental Specialist to Choose?

Despite a variety of dental specialists, each of them has their own purpose. They work together to provide you with healthy teeth and a Hollywood smile. You can use efficient tips and choose the best family dentist to have a more detailed consultation on your particular dental issue. 

Whatever your dental health needs are, there is a professional who can provide the necessary oral assistance. If you are searching for a family dentist in Albuquerque, then consider approaching Gallegos Family Dentistry. Experienced specialists are providing a wide range of dental services; hence your oral health will be in safe keeping. A family dentist will give you the necessary recommendations and tell whether you need the help of another dental specialist. Schedule appointments right now and do not wait until having dental emergencies that require immediate help.