DIFFERENT TYPES OF DENTISTS

A regular dental trip to a dentist is very important to maintain one's oral health. It is usually recommended that you should have a dental checkup and cleaning twice a year to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

During the check up, your dentist will have to

determine possible dental problems that exist. Then, he/she will have to refer

you to a dentist that specializes in that

particular dental problem.

According to WHO, dentistry is defined as the

science and art of preventing, diagnosing, treating diseases and malformations of the

teeth, jaws and the mouth. Since dentistry is a wide

field of science, it branches out into different fields that need a specialist.

These specialists undergo different kinds of training, which in particular treats a

specific dental problem, and provide dental treatments. Your

knowledge in this type of situation will come in handy if you need a

specialist that focuses on what dental problem you

may encounter.

Here is a list of dental specialists and the type of

work that they do:• general dentist - he/she

provides general dental treatment and prevention,

care and maintenance services like: tooth fillings, fluoride treatments, basic

tooth extractions and simple root canal

treatment.

They also serve all kinds of patients in different age

groups and refer them to a specialist whenever the

dental issue is more complex.

• Cosmetic dentist - he/she is responsible for the cosmetic appearance

of your teeth.

Some of the services they usually provide are: teeth whitening, teeth bonding, dental veneers and even a

smile makeover.• Endodontist - he/she is responsible in the care and treatment of the diseases and injuries of your dental

pulp.

They are the ones handling root canal treatments and other services that restore

the health of your pulp.• Periodontist - he/she

specializes in the prevention, treatment and

diagnosis of diseases affecting your gums.

They are the ones performing scaling and root

planing, tissue and bone grafts and other gum

diseases.• Orthodontist - he/she is

responsible for the prevention and treatment of your misaligned teeth. The services they usually offer

are: dental braces, invisalign and retainers.

• Oral surgeon - he/she specializes in complicated tooth extraction cases like wisdom tooth extraction. The services they usually offer are: wisdom tooth extraction, complicated

tooth extraction and reconstructive surgeries.

• Pedodontist - he/she is responsible for your child's

oral health. The services they usually offer are: fluoride treatment and

dental sealants.• Prosthodontist - he/she

is responsible for the restoration of your missing

tooth.

The services they usually offer are: dental implants, dental crowns, dentures and dental bridges.Now that you have an idea with the different dental specialists and the care that they provide, you will be knowledgeable when your general dentist refers you one.http://www.discoverydentalwa.com/