About this topic
You likely see a general dentist for most of the care of your teeth. Sometimes your dentist will suggest you see an expert. The kind of expert is based on the kind of problems you or your child may be having. There are many kinds of dental experts. ‚
General
It can be hard to know what each kind of expert does. All of these dental experts have been through more training after dental school. Here are a few facts to help you learn more about them. ‚
- Orthodontists are experts in straightening crooked teeth. They also work to make your teeth line up the right way. You may need to see an orthodontist if you need braces.
- Oral surgeons have had extra training in facial surgery and in keeping you comfortable with anesthesia. You may need to see the oral surgeon for problems with wisdom teeth, jaw pain, or after an accident. You may need to see an oral surgeon if you have a suspicious place in your mouth or jaws that needs to be removed.
- Periodontists are experts in preventing and treating problems with your gums and the soft tissues of your mouth. They also are experts at placing dental implants. You may need to see them if you have very bad gum disease.
- Endodontists specialize in saving teeth. You may need to see an endodontist for a root canal or a problem with the inside of your tooth.
- Prosthodontists work to restore teeth. They also replace missing teeth. You may need to see this type of expert for a crown, bridge, implant, partial, or complete dentures.
- Pediatric dentists are experts in the oral health of children. Your child may need to see a pediatric dentist if they have a lot of cavities. Sometimes it is easier for a pediatric dentist to get a child to cooperate with an exam or other procedure.
- Oral pathologists look at tissue samples from the head and neck. If your general dentist finds a suspicious place in your mouth or face, your dentist may send a biopsy to be reviewed by an oral pathologist.
What will the results be?
Seeing one of these dental experts may help you take the best care of your mouth and teeth. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American Dental Association ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/e/Endodontics ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/p/Periodoncia ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/o/Orthodontics ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/p/Odontopediatria ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚