For most of us, a trip to the dentist is one of the things we have to do now and then, or at the very least when something goes wrong. However, it doesn’t seem like one single dentist handles all of our necessary dental care, especially when problems do arise.
There are various dental specialties that perform a range of different tasks. Even though you might be familiar with many oral healthcare practices, you may have questions about the assorted area of expertise.
Here’s a look at some of the different types of dentists and why you may be referred to a new provider when a condition arises.
General Dentist
These dentists, best known as your primary dental care provider, are likely what you think of when scheduling a visit or encountering a concern. General dentists are where you go to get your teeth cleaned, x-rays and advice about oral care. This type of dentist will diagnose dental conditions, treat minor conditions, and manage your overall oral health.
Orthodontist
Orthodontists specialize in teeth and jaw alignment. They handle the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of any problems that affect the teeth, the jaw, and their structures and help turn snaggle-tooth grins into beautiful movie-star smiles.
An orthodontist will help straighten teeth and identify when braces are needed, including corrective retainers and appliances that will better a patient’s bite and smile
Periodontist
While most of us think dentistry is for teeth, the gums and bones are just as important. Periodontists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that affect the soft tissues within the mouth, including the bones and gums. They diagnose and treat gingivitis and periodontitis. They can also help repair gum tissue that has been damaged by disease or other issues.
Endodontists
What many consider the scariest of all dentists, endodontists specialize in all issues surrounding the nerves around the teeth are perform root canals. The pulp around your tooth can become damaged, or just decay over time. Sometimes when that area cannot be treated, a root canal must be performed. It’s one of the most common procedures in dentistry.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
These specialists are responsible for any type of surgeries that involve the mouth, jaw, or face. These surgeons also treat patients who suffer from cysts or tumors or wish to receive dental implants. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons receive an additional four to eight years of training above and beyond traditional dental school and they can work on anything from the gums, cheeks, lips, tongue, facial tissues and more.
American Dental Group is proud to partner with all types of dental health care providers, from general dentists to surgeons.
Because we are a Colorado company, all of our providers are independent, hometown dentists that we have had the opportunity to know and trust. All of our dentists are required to meet our credentialing standards to be eligible to participate in our network.
For more information about our providers, as well as how you can get discounts on all of your oral health care needs, call now.
