What are the different types of dentists and what do they do?
I thought that you only needed one dentist to do everything, but then I found out that there was a different type of dentist to do my root canal. So what are the different types of dentists, and what do they do?
a BIT long, but here you go!
General dentistry concentrates on diagnosis and treatment of dental problems in people of either sex and at any age. General dentistry is often called family dentistry and is not considered one of the specialized types of dentistry described below.
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that specializes in preventing and treating teeth and facial irregularities, such as a "bad bite," jaw alignment and more. Treatment involves design, application and control of corrective "appliances" such as braces, retainers, etc. to achieve proper facial balance and occlusion (bite).
Endodontics is a specialty that deals with diseases of the tissue, blood vessels, and nerves inside the tooth. This field is practiced by endodontists. The most common endodontic treatment is called a "root canal," the removal of infected tissue and refilling of the nerve canal inside the tooth. Endodontists are also experienced at finding the cause of oral and facial pain that is difficult to diagnose.
Oral surgery is the specialty involving surgical treatment of diseases, injuries and deformities of the mouth, teeth, gums and jaws. Oral surgeons treat problems caused by wisdom teeth, facial injuries, and jaw disorders, and are skilled in reconstructive and dental implant surgery.
Periodontics specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of the gum and bone that hold teeth in place. Periodontists are experts at recognizing such gum disorders as gingivitis, an infection of the gums, and the more destructive gum disease known as periodontitis. Some of the more common treatments a periodontist might provide include: cleaning and scaling teeth to remove harmful substances called plaque and tartar; prescribing medicines like antibiotics and special mouthwashes; and for more severe dental problems, oral surgery.
Prosthodontics, also called prosthetic dentistry, involves restoring and maintaining oral function, health, comfort and appearance by replacing teeth and gum tissue with artificial substitutes (sometimes called false teeth). Prosthodontists can fit patients with such prosthetic devices as single or multiple tooth replacement implants, crowns and bridges, partial dentures and complete dentures.
Pedodontics is a dental science focusing on the treatment of children. This specialized care helps children feel comfortable with dentistry; restores and maintains primary and permanent dentitions; assists in the prevention of dental caries and periodontal disease; and corrects difficulties of occlusion.
a BIT long, but here you go!
General dentistry concentrates on diagnosis and treatment of dental problems in people of either sex and at any age. General dentistry is often called family dentistry and is not considered one of the specialized types of dentistry described below.
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that specializes in preventing and treating teeth and facial irregularities, such as a "bad bite," jaw alignment and more. Treatment involves design, application and control of corrective "appliances" such as braces, retainers, etc. to achieve proper facial balance and occlusion (bite).
Endodontics is a specialty that deals with diseases of the tissue, blood vessels, and nerves inside the tooth. This field is practiced by endodontists. The most common endodontic treatment is called a "root canal," the removal of infected tissue and refilling of the nerve canal inside the tooth. Endodontists are also experienced at finding the cause of oral and facial pain that is difficult to diagnose.
Oral surgery is the specialty involving surgical treatment of diseases, injuries and deformities of the mouth, teeth, gums and jaws. Oral surgeons treat problems caused by wisdom teeth, facial injuries, and jaw disorders, and are skilled in reconstructive and dental implant surgery.
Periodontics specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of the gum and bone that hold teeth in place. Periodontists are experts at recognizing such gum disorders as gingivitis, an infection of the gums, and the more destructive gum disease known as periodontitis. Some of the more common treatments a periodontist might provide include: cleaning and scaling teeth to remove harmful substances called plaque and tartar; prescribing medicines like antibiotics and special mouthwashes; and for more severe dental problems, oral surgery.
Prosthodontics, also called prosthetic dentistry, involves restoring and maintaining oral function, health, comfort and appearance by replacing teeth and gum tissue with artificial substitutes (sometimes called false teeth). Prosthodontists can fit patients with such prosthetic devices as single or multiple tooth replacement implants, crowns and bridges, partial dentures and complete dentures.
Pedodontics is a dental science focusing on the treatment of children. This specialized care helps children feel comfortable with dentistry; restores and maintains primary and permanent dentitions; assists in the prevention of dental caries and periodontal disease; and corrects difficulties of occlusion.
References :
These are the types of different dentists and dental specialists
Endodontist,.. for root canal treatment. These are really just dentists who just do root canal therapy
Periodontist. These are dentists who just treat gums. They are not really specialists
Orthodontist… these people straighten teeth… they are true specialists
Prosthodontist… these are dentists who do crowns and bridges and dentures. Dentists do these as well, so a prosthodontist is a glorified dentist
Oral & maxillofacial surgeon. These are doctors, who are also dentists, and who are surgical specialists. These people are so specialised as to be extremely rare, and can literally take off your head, sew it on backwards, and still make you look good.
Pedodontist… again a general dentist who can’t deal with adults (or parents) and can only treat children… Considered as being a general dentist with an adult anxiety problem
If you want to find out more on oral and maxillofacial surgery go to http://www.oceansurgical.com.au/postoperativecare.html
References :
http://www.oceansurgical.com.au/postoperativecare.html