You may not be aware, but there are many different types of dentists, and depending on your age, location, or specific dental issue, you may need to see a particular one. The dental industry is now worth hundreds of billions of dollars and is growing fast. It should come as no wonder, then, that there are dental specialists for every eventuality.
It is important for anyone who cares about dental hygiene to be aware of the common types of dentists. Most dentists recommend patients have at the very least one dental appointment per year, but more may often be needed. Read on to familiarize yourself with the different types of dentists, and which ones may be right for you.
1. Orthodontist
An orthodontist is one type of dentist you’ll probably already have heard of. This specialist deals specifically with misalignments of the teeth or the jaw. They offer corrective treatments through the use of things such as braces, retainers, palate expanders, and other devices.
2. Endodontists
Less well-known, but no less important, an endodontist deals with matters of the blood vessels, nerves, and tissues surrounding the teeth. These kinds of problems can be very painful. The endodontist specializes in performing procedures such as root canals, and other treatments relating to the nerve of the tooth.
3. Prosthodontists
Prosthodontists are so-called because they specialize in restoring missing or damaged teeth, particularly through the use of dentures and crowns—or prosthetic teeth. They might also perform other types of cosmetic dentistry like teeth whitening.
4. Oral Surgeon
An oral surgeon focuses on carrying out surgeries to correct issues that have appeared in the teeth or jaw area. These treatments may be necessary because of accidents and injuries, or disease and deformities.
5. Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric dentists deal mainly with the teeth of children and teens. They perform all different kinds of treatments, from fillings, or extractions, to preventative treatments.
6. General Dentistry
The most common type of dentistry is general dentistry. This type of dentist will perform a wide range of procedures. They offer teeth cleanings, cavity fillings, dental x-rays, extractions, cosmetic dentistry, and more.
They will also commonly refer patients to other specialists, depending on what treatment they may need. Your general dentist is the one that you’ll want to visit on a regular basis (at least once a year). They’ll be able to tell you how healthy your mouth is, and if you need any additional work done.
If you’re new to an area, and you’re having trouble finding a new dentist, you can learn more about this here.
Know Your Types of Dentists
Knowing the difference between the different types of dentists is helpful, as it will allow you to more easily identify which one you need to be seeing. If you’re having issues with your teeth, don’t let fear of the dentist hold you back. The longer you wait, the worse it will become.
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