What Type of Dentist Should I See?
Let’s say that you already know you need some kind of dental work done, but you’re not sure what type of specialist to call. The answer will depend on the type of work that needs to be done in your mouth. Below is a list of the different specialties and a short description of what type of issues they address:
Endodontist
An endodontist works with people who have soft tissue and dental pulp issues. Dental pulp is the innermost part of the tooth. The primary function of dental pulp is sensory. The pulp is the root of the tooth. If it becomes infected, it may need to be removed. The procedure is called a root canal and an endodontist is a specialist that may perform this procedure. Following the root canal, the tooth may be capped or filled so that you will not even need further treatment on that tooth.
Oral Surgeon
You would see an oral surgeon if you needed any of the following:
- Wisdom teeth removal
- Dental implants
- Major tooth removal
- Removing oral cancer
- Reconstructive surgery
- Birth defect repair
- Issues with TMJ
Pedodontist
A pedodontist is a dentist that specializes in children’s dentistry. Preventative care for children is the primary focus of a pedodontist as they deal with baby teeth. You might take your child to a pedodontist if they are fearful of the dentist or have behavioral issues.
Periodontist
A periodontist specializes in treating advanced gingivitis or gum disease. A Periodontist studies for two additional years beyond dental school.
Cosmetic Dentist
A dentist that specializes in aesthetics works to enhance or improve your smile’s appearance. You can visit a cosmetic dentist for veneers, to whiten your teeth, or to get your teeth bonded or for implants.
General Dentistry
Most of us see a general dentist for regular checkups, preventative care, including x-rays, cleanings, and exams. Dentist’s services also include fillings, crowns, caps, and tooth whitening.
Orthodontists
Most children will see an orthodontist as they are growing up to get a consultation about how their teeth and jaw is developing. A visit to the orthodontist at a young age can help address growth issues that may become more serious as they grow if not tackled while the jaw is still developing. The most common time to get braces is as a teenager, however, it is not uncommon for adults to seek orthodontic care. With the advances in braces, such as clear brackets or Invisalign, many adults are no longer impeded by the traditional look of metal braces.
Orthodontics want you to be aware of all the dental specialties and understand the types of professional to seek for your particular issue. Many times, orthodontists work hand-in-hand with other dental specialists as part of an overall treatment plan. Don’t hesitate to speak with an orthodontist, such as an Orthodontist from John Redman Orthodontics, as soon as you start noticing dental related symptoms.