Dentists specialize in various branches to offer a wider range of oral health services. In a nutshell, various dental health professionals are trained in the aspects of routine care and much more complex surgeries. These can help you in choosing a tooth doctor which is suitable for your specific situation.
This post will talk about the different types of dentists, what they do and how you might need one.
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ToggleWhat Is A Dentist?
The focus of a dentist is to treat conditions involving teeth and their oral structures. Dentists analyze and resolve difficulties related to a patient’s teeth and their surrounding tissues. They provide advice and instruction on things like brushing your teeth. They inspect your teeth, gums, mouth and the general oral cavity.
From simple cleanings, fillings and tooth removal to more extensive work like a root canal, dentists offer a wide array of services. General practitioners of dentistry spend several years at dental college following university to graduate with a Bachelors in Dental Surgery (BDS).
Types Of Dentistry Specialties
Dentistry includes a range of specialties to treat different oral health issues and each type focuses on specific areas of dental care. These are:
● Pedodontics
The dental health of kids is examined by pedodontics. Children having their teeth examined are taken care of by pediatric dentists from infancy to teenage years. Children’s dentists deliver preventive treatments including fluoride applications and sealer for protecting teeth. Pedodontists deliver counsel on appropriate oral care practices and provide recommendations for evaluating conditions such as overcrowded or misaligned teeth.
● Periodontics
In dentistry periodontics deals with the preservation of teeth structures like gums and bone. By diagnosing and treating gum issues like gingivitis and periodontitis periodontists can prevent tooth loss. They execute methods like scaling and root planning with gum grafting and various others. If gum problems are not treated they can cause complications such as diabetes and heart issues.
● Endodontics
An endodontist specializes in the inner structure of teeth that encompasses the pulp and roots. To keep teeth intact when severe decay or infection would otherwise lead to their loss endodontists execute root canal therapy. To shape the root canal spaces and seal them completely the pulp gets removed and cleaned. In contrast to this aspect of endodontics was the intent to ease discomfort and safeguard your real teeth to maintain proper jaw function and alignment.
● Orthodontics
The specialty of orthodontics deals with determining and changing the placement of teeth and jaws that are poorly aligned. By using gear such as braces and retainers properly trained orthodontists are able to adjust your teeth to a perfect fit This improves function and beautifies your smile. They correct several problems including uneven teeth and jaw misalignments. Children are not the only ones capable of getting orthodontic treatment. The core purpose of orthodontics is to create symmetry in the bite and an enjoyably charming smile.
● Prosthodontics
Prosthodontists specialize in restoring and replacing teeth that are lost or broken. Prosthodontists manufacture and assign crowns as well as bridges to improve function and beauty. They handle intricate dental and facial problems such as birth defects and recovery from trauma. They suggest choices that replicate the design and comfort of original teeth. Professionals in this area must possess a clear knowledge of dental components and teeth anatomy.
● Orofacial Pain (OFP)
The branch of dentistry called Oral of Facial Pain (OFP) emphasizes the treatment of chronic pain affecting the oral cavity and surrounding structures. Dentists specializing in related areas diagnose and address problems like temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) and neuralgia. They also cure constant non-attributable dental pain. Patients usually find comfort with a mix of medications and physical therapy. OFP specialists concentrate on a complete care method and improve the quality of life for their patients.
● Geriodontics
Geriatric dentistry emphasizes the oral care of older people. This area focuses on problems specific to aging people including gum recession and dryness. It handles problems associated with systemic illnesses like diabetes or osteoporosis. The effects of medications on oral health are taken into account by geriodontists when creating care options for older people with physical and cognitive disabilities. The importance of this dentistry is rising alongside the expansion of the aging population.
Dental Subspecialties
Dentistry includes more than just routine examinations and cleanings. Patients can get customized treatments for their individual needs through multiple dental specialties.
Let’s explore the roles and services provided by different dental specialists:
● General Dentistry
Inside dentistry lies general dentistry that handles regular visits and preventative measures. Most patients come to general dentists first. Among its services are cleaning procedures and treating gum problems. Patients learn about proper oral care from them.
● Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry enhances the look of teeth and gums along with the smile. Care options might include techniques like teeth whitening along with veneers and resurfacing. For those who want improved smiles cosmetic dentistry offers treatment choices. This division supports those looking to straighten or brighten their pearly whites.
● Surgical Dentistry
Tooth extractions and dental implants along with corrective jaw surgeries are tasks handled by oral surgeons. Surgical practices provide solutions for issues related to impacted teeth and facial trauma. Trained to address advanced situations not covered by routine dental work are these dentists. They frequently cooperate with colleagues to restore critical function and enhance the looks of the oral cavity.
● Oral Dentistry
Oral medicine is another name for oral dentistry and links together dental and medical practices. Oral dentists identify and treat oral conditions linked to public health such as oral cancer and chronic pain. They handle problems connected to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Dentists in oral medicine team up with physicians to deliver a detailed treatment plan.
● Family Dentist
Dental care is available to people of all ages through family dental practices. All family members can access treatment conveniently located under a single roof. Unlike pediatric dentists who concentrate on kids only, family dentists serve both young and old. The services include dental cleanings and the prevention of cavities. Family dentists frequently develop lasting connections with their customers.
● Restorative Dentistry
The goal of restorative dentistry is to restore and revitalize cracked teeth. Activities encompass fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures. Restorative dentists restore mouth function for normal chewing and verbal communication. They apply cutting-edge methods and various materials to imitate natural tooth design. It touches on various specializations for challenging cases.
● Maxillofacial Surgeon
Teaching and demonstrating techniques related to facial trauma and dental issues is what maxillofacial surgeons do best. They perform a variety of procedures related to the jaw and face. This area thrives on comprehensive education in medicine and dentistry. To help individuals suffering from serious facial damage or deformities achieve normalcy again, maxillofacial surgeons’ team up with orthodontists and prosthodontists.
Are Dentist Physicians
Dentists do not belong to the physician category. While dentists concentrate on teeth and mouth care physicians address general patient health. In Pakistan Dentists get a BDS degree which is the study of teeth and mouth. But physicians get MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) which is the study of the entire human body. Although dentists can assess and care for oral illnesses they lack the expertise and authorization to treat more extensive health issues. Still dentists are essential because oral health can affect total health.
FAQs
Can a dentist work as a hygienist?
A dentist may function as a hygienist while executing treatments such as scaling and polishing.
What dentist does dental implants?
Dental implants are carried out by periodontists and oral surgeons. Not all general dentists practice this level of expertise.
Can dentists prescribe antibiotics?
According to the patient’s circumstances dentists can offer antibiotics. Antibiotics generally heal oral infections or stop issues arising from procedures.
What type of dentist does braces?
Orthodontists carry out braces and different corrections to straighten teeth effectively. They create personalized strategies to align teeth properly and fix dental problems while enhancing smiles.
Can dentists use the title doctor?
Doctors of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Dental Medicine (DMD) confirm that dentists may call themselves ‘doctor’.
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