What Are the Different Types of Dental Specialists That Exist Today?

Did you know that not all dentists are created equal these days? Here are the many different types of dental specialists that exist today.

Have you been told that you need specialized dental care? People often go to dentists for regular cleanings and checkups. But when you need more than a cleaning, a dentist won’t be enough.

If you want the best dental care possible, you need a dental specialist. But what are the different types of doctors, and what do they specialize in?

This article explores the different types of dental specialists. Learn about the kinds of dentistry each specialist does.

Explore this guide to learn more about getting the best dental care possible.

General Dentist

A general dentist is a highly trained and skilled professional who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oral diseases and disorders. They work to maintain the overall health of their patients through:

  • regular check-ups
  • prevention education
  • treatment of cavities
  • treatment of gingivitis
  • tooth disease treatment

General Dentists may perform basic services such as:

  • fillings
  • crowns
  • bridges
  • extractions

General dentist spends many hours studying and honing their craft, receiving specialized certifications that allow them to provide the highest standard of quality care for their patients.

Pedodontist

A pedodontist is a type of dental health specialist that focuses on the oral health of children and adolescents. They have a special understanding of child psychology. They also have special skills to comfort and treat small patients. This makes their experience at the dentist’s office a pleasant one.

Pedodontists provide a full array of children’s dentistry services including:

  • regular dental exams
  • teeth cleaning
  • fillings
  • sealants
  • braces
  • other treatments

They are trained to diagnose and help prevent and treat various dental problems including harmful bacteria, cavities, and gum disease.

Orthodontist

Orthodontists are specially trained to assist in the development of teeth and jaws to:

  • better align the bite
  • straighten teeth
  • ensure facial balance

Orthodontists can treat patients of all ages, from young children with newly erupting teeth to adults requiring complex correction. Treatment may include the use of appliances such as:

  • braces
  • dental plates
  • retainers

Treatment also includes preventive measures such as education on proper brushing, flossing, and eating habits, as well as dental hygiene. Orthodontists work closely with patients to develop a custom treatment plan and oversee the progress of each patient’s dental and facial progress throughout treatment.

Periodontist

A periodontist is a type of dental health specialist that focuses on treating the gum and bone that support the teeth. They treat conditions such as gum disease. They also do surgical dental procedures such as bone grafting and perform soft and hard tissue re-generations.

In addition to these services, periodontists diagnose and treat various oral diseases. They can perform dental implant placements and restorations. They also provide maintenance and treatment of:

  • gingivitis
  • halitosis
  • advanced periodontal diseases

Periodontists have completed additional years of training before graduating from their specialized studies. Because of this, they are qualified experts in diagnosing and treating various types of gum and bone issues. All these are associated with the mouth and also in preventative treatments.

If you are not sure which way to go, a good start would be to search for a dental office open near me or you.

Know Which Dental Specialists to Visit

In conclusion, it’s important to know which dental specialists to visit for a specific procedure or treatment. Seeking the help of specialized dentists can be beneficial as they can provide the best care for dental issues you may be experiencing. Reach out to a dental specialist today to get the help needed for a healthier smile.

For more reads aside from searching for the best local dentist, visit our main blog.

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