What is a Periodontist?
Periodontists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease. They have passed through their doctorate of dental surgery and have undertaken two more years of study after dental school. As dental specialists they focus on helping patients care for their gums. Periodontists are recognized by the American Dental Association as one of the eight dental specialties.
Why is your dentist referring you to a Periodontist?
Following a diagnosis, your dentist believes that your gums require specific attention. The periodontist and dentist will work closely together to provide you with the right periodontal treatment and level of care. As a team they will be keeping each other informed of your progress. By referring you to a periodontist, your dentist is showing an important commitment to your dental health.
What is an Endodontist?
An endodontist mainly prescribes treatments to prevent loss of teeth. He/She examines, diagnoses and treats diseases, including injuries and abnormalities of dental pulps and the periapical tissues of your teeth. Endodontists will often use radiographs and pulp tests to determine pulp vitality and the condition of periapical tissue.
What is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS)?
Maxillofacial surgeons that specialize in surgery of the mouth, jaws and face. Following dental school which is 4 years, maxillofacial surgeons receive four to seven years of hospital-based medical and surgical training. This prepares them to undertake a wide range of surgical procedures on the bones and soft tissues of the neck, face and mouth.
What is a Prosthodontist?
The prosthodontist specializes in disabilities caused by loss of teeth and other support structures. They work on creating treatments for the construction of corrective prostheses (for example dental implants) to restore proper function and esthetics of the mouth, face, and jaw.
What is a Pediatric Dentist?
A pediatric dentist undertakes a minimum of two additional years of training beyond dental school. Their training is primarily concerned with the treatment of a child’s developing teeth and the particular needs of children’s dentistry. Although a regular dentist is capable of treating children’s dental needs, a pediatric dentist in some cases may be preferable (i.e. children with special needs);
What is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist prevents and corrects mouth, teeth, and jaw problems. Frequently an orthodontist uses retainers and braces to straighten a person’s teeth and correct the way the jaws line up. However, an orthodontist will treat children and adults for many other problems, including:
– Crowded or overlapping teeth
– Jaw growth and tooth development.
These tooth and jaw problems may be caused by losing baby teeth too soon, accidents, tooth decay or habits like thumb sucking. Often these problems can also be genetic or inherited.
So why would you go to the orthodontist?
Your dentist may recommend it because they see a problem with your teeth or jaws. Or a child/adult who doesn’t like the way his or her teeth look might ask to see an orthodontist.
If you require any of these special dental treatments, Dr. Kelli Slate will refer you to a dental specialist that works in these areas.
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