Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dentists specializing in surgery of the mouth, face, and jaws. After four years of dental school, surgeons receive four to seven years of hospital-based surgical and medical training, preparing them to do a wide range of procedures including all types of surgery of both the bones and soft tissues of the face, mouth, and neck.
Periodontists are dentists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. They have had extensive training with two additional years of study after dental school. As specialists they devote their time, energy, and skill to helping patients care for their gums. A periodontist is one of the eight dental specialists recognized by the American Dental Association.
If your dentist in the practice has determined that your gums require special attention, he may refer you to a periodontist. The periodontist and dentist work together as a team to provide you with the highest level of care. They will combine their experience to recommend the best treatment available to you while keeping each other informed on your progress. By referring you to the specialist, your dentist is showing a strong commitment to your dental health.
The endodontist (root canal specialist) examines, diagnoses, and treats diseases of the dental pulp (root canal) and the periapical tissues of the teeth (the area of bone just beyond the root) .
Endodontists examine patients and interpret radiographs and pulp tests to determine pulp vitality and periapical tissue condition. They evaluate their findings and prescribe a method of treatment to prevent loss of teeth.
The prosthodontist examines and diagnoses disabilities caused by loss of teeth and supporting structures. They formulate and execute treatment plans for the construction of corrective prostheses to restore proper function and aesthetics of the mouth, face, and jaw.
A pediatric dentist is a general dentist that has had at least two additional years of training beyond dental school. The additional training focuses on the management and treatment of a child’s developing teeth, child behavior, physical growth and development, and the special needs of children’s dentistry. The dentist, the staff and even the office décor and equipment are all geared to care specifically for children and to help put them at ease. If your child has special needs, care from a pediatric dentist should be considered.
An orthodontist prevents and treats problems associated with the position of the teeth and their relationship to the jaws. Using braces, retainers, and other devices, an orthodontist helps straighten teeth and correct the way the jaws line up.
Orthodontists treat children for many problems, including crowded or overlapping teeth or problems with jaw growth and tooth development. These tooth and jaw problems may be caused by tooth decay, losing baby teeth too soon, accidents, or habits like thumb sucking. These problems also can be genetic or inherited.
Orthodontic treatment is not limited to children. It can provide an invaluable service to adult patients with crowded or missing teeth especially when tooth replacement or cosmetic improvement is a part of a comprehensive treatment plan.