Types of Dentistry
Endodontists, Orthodontists, Periodontists
There are Many Types of Dentists
Dentistry is a diverse field, no matter the issue there is a dental specialty that you can turn to in order to treat the issue. The most common types of dentists are family dentists, cosmetic dentists or pediatric dentists. Other dental specialties are as follows: Endodontist, Oral and maxillofacial Surgeon, Orthodontist, Periodontist, Prosthodontist, and Dental radiologist. No matter what your dental problem is a good dentist will be able to work with you to fix the problem. A dentist can do a full oral exam and if needed they can recommend a specialist for you to see.
Dentists Can Fix any Tooth Issue
Family Dentists
There are many specialists in the dental field, but, the vast majority of dentists practicing in the United States are general dentists, a/k/a family dentists. To become a general dentist, after undergraduate studies are completed, the dental student will spend four years in dental school, which includes two years of classroom learning and two years of clinical training. Upon graduation, the family dentist is ready to join a practice or hang his own shingle. A family dentist is qualified to treat patients of all ages. They perform routine examinations, pull teeth, do root canals and add fillings to teeth. They are also qualified to fit crowns, bridges and dentures. They may even do some cosmetic dentistry, but, as you will find in reading the different dental specialties defined below, when you opt for extensive cosmetic dental improvement to your teeth, you should seek for a good cosmetic and general dentist near you.
Endodontists
An Endodontist requires two additional years of training, when completed, the endodontist will do his best to improve tooth structure and salvage the teeth from extraction. In order to make teeth healthy again, the endodontist will perform complicated dental root canals which involve removing unhealthy pulp at the bottom of the tooth, filling the space and then sealing it.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Oral and maxillofacial Surgeon is a specialized field which requires three years of training post-completion of dental school. This additional education gives oral surgeons the expertise to treat disease and injury of the mouth and surrounding area. A portion of this advanced training is related to the care of patients, as they require anesthesia during the course of their dental procedure. These specialists routinely perform complex surgeries related to dental problems, such as removal of wisdom teeth, or placement of dental implants. They are often on-call at hospitals to perform emergency surgery on trauma victims who have sustained facial injuries, they also care for patients who have oral cancer.
Orthodontists
The orthodontist has two additional years of specialty training and will care for patients undergoing an orthodontia regimen. This means an orthodontist will apply braces or devices to the teeth of children and adults to improve their teeth misalignment, eating ability and physical appearance.
Pediatric Dentists
Pediatric dentists incur two years of specialized training in the treatment of children (classified as birth through adolescence). This additional training gives them a perspective on the care for the unique dental problems of children, plus they are experienced at helping them have a positive first dental visit.
Periodontists
To become a periodontist requires an additional three years of specialty training in the field of gum disease, they are qualified to treat dental issues that are related to tooth structure or issues near the gums. The primary job of a Periodontist is to keep your gums healthy and in turn keep your teeth healthy. Periodontists routinely perform dental implant procedures and monitor patients for incidents of bone loss near the teeth, which can lead to tooth loss. A periodontist is dedicated to preserving the teeth by treating problems of the gum, tooth roots or bone.
Prosthodontists
The prosthodontist must study three years after general dentistry studies are completed, thus enabling this specialist to create artificial teeth, like a dental bridge, individual tooth implant or fitting dentures. The prosthodontist may work right with the patient, or, alternatively they may fulfill an order placed by a family dentist.
Other Dental Specialties
Dental Pathologists
A dental pathologist must have two years of specialized training post-general dentistry school graduation. They work in the field of oral and maxillofacial pathology and discern facts about dental-related diseases by using a microscope and through clinical examination and radiology. They are often referred to as “the detectives of the dentistry world” as they work tirelessly to determine the reason for a patient’s symptoms.
Dental Radiologists
Two years of training with a specialty in oral and maxillofacial radiology will yield a dentist who has the experience to work with the oral and maxillofacial surgeon to produce and evaluate images of the structures of the mouth and teeth.
Public Health Dentists
A public health dentist must take at least two years of specialty training in the field of public health as it relates to dentistry. This education will enable them to develop community programs and conduct research to determine the best ways to provide dental care to the community. One area of interest for a public health dentist is prevention. They are especially interested in preventing and controlling dental diseases.
Forensic Dentists
A forensic dentist, according to the American Board of Forensic Odontology, assists during autopsies and/or other forensic situations. A forensic dentist will help determine the cause of death and identify the body by studying the structure of the tooth.