Ouch! You feel pain in your teeth and think “I need a dentist” but what kind of dentist do you require? You may think a dentist is a dentist but this is false. There are many types of dentists who each specialize in the treatment of various dental concerns. Here, you can discover 5 main styles of dentists and what each does.
1. General Dentist
A general dentist is the most common dentist, one that looks after everything from regular cleanings to fillings, and placement of false teeth in your mouth. Your general dentist is usually the first person you go-to for any sort of dental concern. If you require more intricate dental work, your dentist will refer you to a specialized dentist.
Do you think you have issues with your neck or head? Your general dentist might discover the problem since they are a type of health care practitioner. Dentists will encourage you to see a doctor to fix any issue unrelated to dentistry.
2. Orthodontist
Does your bite need improvement, or do you have bone structure issues that you want to get fixed? Booking an appointment with your orthodontist will help you get on the path to straight teeth and achieve a strong jawbone. You might be familiar with the orthodontist if you have braces or been referred to one due to irregular tooth structure. Your orthodontist can help with the development, prevention, and correction of your oral cavity and jaw.
3. Pediatric Dentist
Have you found a tooth problem in your child’s mouth? Take him/her to see a pediatric dentist who specializes in treating and preventing dental disease in children. It is important to get your little one to a dentist early on, usually within 6 months of the first tooth coming through the gums. Waiting too long to take your child to a dentist could create a load of oral cavity concerns. This kind of dentist can help prevent future issues with your child’s teeth by teaching good oral hygiene and uncovering problems below the gum line. You will be happy your child visits the dentist regularly, saving your little one from dental disasters and saving you money. Steer clear of an empty wallet by taking your little girl/boy to the pediatric dentist.
4. Endodontist
Have you uncovered an issue with your dental pulp? Do you have a disease or injury of the inner workings of your teeth? You should book an appointment with an endodontist. Why? They have been formally trained in these areas to help you get the treatment you need. The pulp of your teeth is very important as it helps keep your teeth alive. It is important for you to get the treatment needed for any damage to the pulp. A root canal is a common treatment for unhealthy pulp.
5. Periodontist
Do you have swollen or bleeding gums? This could be a sign of periodontitis and you should see a periodontist. He/she will take care of any disease affecting the soft tissues within your mouth including gums and bone. A periodontist can take care of extreme periodontitis issues where perhaps your gums have receded so much that the roots of your teeth are visibly showing. Your periodontist can rescue your teeth from falling out and will make sure your smile is aesthetically pleasing at the same time.
No matter your age, there is a dental specialist out there to treat your concerns. Seeing a dentist is not just about getting your teeth cleaned and checked but helping you maintain excellent oral health throughout your life.
