Dentists prevent, diagnose, and treat oral health problems. Like other medical professionals, some dentists specialize in specific health problems. Below is an overview of four main dental specialties.
Periodontist
A periodontist specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal diseases. Periodontal diseases, which dentists also call gum diseases, affect the gums and the bones that support the teeth.
Gum disease typically forms when bacteria interact with food (starch and sugar) to form plaque. The plaque hardens under your gum line to form tartar. Bacteria in the tartar attack your gum and bone tissues, inflaming and making the gum tissues tender.
Endodontist
An endodontic prevents, diagnoses, and treats infections of the tooth pulp. The pulp is a mass of tissues at the center of the tooth, just underneath the dentin. The pulp comprises connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerves, which is why infections of the pulp are extremely painful.
Pulp infections occur if bacteria penetrate the enamel and dentin and reach the inner tooth tissues. That might occur, for example, if you experience deep tooth decay or have a cracked tooth. Endodontists usually use root canal treatment for infected pulps. In such a case, the dentist accesses your tooth pulp, cleans it, disinfects the area, and then fills the tooth root.
Orthodontist
An orthodontist specializes in teeth arrangement and jaw and teeth alignment. You may need orthodontic treatment if you have:
Teeth alignment problems stem from several issues, including congenital problems and bad oral habits. Orthodontic treatments include the use of dental braces, aligners, retainers, and palate expanders. The treatment choice depends on the nature and extent of the problem.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
You need an oral and maxillofacial surgeon if you have an oral problem that requires surgical intervention. These surgeons diagnose and treat injuries, defects, and diseases that affect the jaw, face, and mouth and cannot be resolved with non-surgical treatments.
For example, you may need an oral and maxillofacial surgeon if you have a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) that non-surgical intervention cannot resolve. TMD, which triggers jaw pain that spreads to other facial areas, affects the joint between the jawbone and skull.
You do not always need a specialist for all your dental or oral problems. You can just consult a general dentist unless you are sure you need a specialist for your issue. A general dentist can review your case and refer you to the necessary specialist.
Share27 March 2023
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