Understanding different types of specialistsDentistand their roles
The type of dentistry an individual needs depends on their age and dental condition. The most common types of dentistry include general dentistry, family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and specialized dentistry. To ensure you know what type of dentist you need, read this section on health and wellness.SelMagzContinue reading to get familiar with different types of dentists.
General dentist
8% of dentists are general dentists who manage overall oral health. Instead of specializing in one area, they focus on the overall health of the mouth and teeth. Their actions usually include:
- Filling cavities or addressing decay issues
- Dental exams
- Teeth cleaning
- X-ray imaging
- Fluoride treatment
- Extractions and surgeriesWisdom teeth
- Dental implants
- Tooth extractions
- Some cosmetic dental procedures
Cosmetic dentist and their role in enhancing smiles
A cosmetic dentist focuses on boostingyour self-esteemand the beauty of your smile. They perform many general dentist procedures and offer additional treatments designed to enhance the aesthetics of your mouth and teeth. Cosmetic dentists are usually more famous and popular than other dentists because they can give you a beautiful smile. Treatments performed by cosmetic dentists include:
- Teeth whitening andbleaching
- Composite veneers
- Gum contouring
- Laminates
- Crowns and bridges
- Bonding
- Shaping and contouring the tooth enamel
- Using brackets, which may not be considered purely cosmetic but create great results in facial balance and symmetry, and make the use ofdental flossand brushing easier.
Specialist dentists
Besides all the previously mentioned aspects, there are six distinct branches of dentistry that offer various services, and we will introduce them to you here:
Periodontist
This specialist focuses primarily on the periodontium. The periodontium is the soft tissue that surrounds the teeth at the top and bottom. This specialist works on preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases related to the tooth structure, ensuring the natural function, overall health, and aesthetic appearance of the tissue around the teeth.
Prosthodontist
The main role of this specialist is diagnosing and restoring missing or damaged teeth or tissues to regain proper oral function. They typically focus on issues like dental decay, restoring damaged teeth, and about 20% of the general dentist time is spent on prosthetic services.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon
Dentists in this field are responsible for treating the functional and aesthetic features of the mouth and maxillofacial region. They typically perform a variety of procedures. This surgeon treats injuries from accidents, trauma, diseases, deformities, or problemsrelated to periodontal issuesor gum problems, tooth loss, etc.
Endodontist
The endodontist deals with dental pulp and periodontal tissues containing blood vessels and nerve fibers around the tooth root. They assess root canals and perform pulp surgery. General dentists evaluate two root canals per week, while endodontists perform twenty-five.
Orthodontists
Orthodontists improve the mouth and teeth, and when the teeth, whether on the top or bottom, aren’t properly aligned, you should visit an orthodontist because misalignment can lead to chewing issues or problems like overbites or underbites. An orthodontist can improve your bite and properly align your teeth using their equipment.
Treatments by orthodontists usually include:
- Applying braces
- Using clear aligners
- Dental retainers for creating necessary space
- Retainers
- Palate expanders
Pediatric dentist
A pediatric dentist treats dental problems for infants, children, and sometimes teenagers, addressing their issues during childhood and preventing many problems, including dental misalignments.
Family dentist
The family dentist is quite similar to a general dentist, focusing on the health and hygiene of the mouth and teeth. Usually, their treatments include fillings, special adhesives, cleaning, and gum disease treatments. A family dentist typically treats individuals of all ages. As people require different oral care throughout their lives, a family dentist can be a great guide and practitioner, and their actions usually include:
- Care for the dental health of pregnant women and their children
- Dental care for children and teenagers
- Dental care for middle-aged individuals
- Dental care for individuals aged 65 and older or seniors
