Types of Dental Specialties

Did you know there are many different types of dental specialists? Dental specialists are dentists who have completed an additional two to three years of training in a specific area of dentistry. There are many different types of dental specialists, each with their own unique set of skills and knowledge. In some cases, your dentist may refer you to one if they feel that you need specialized care. In this blog post, we will discuss the six most common types of dental specialists and when your dentist may refer you to one.

Cosmetic Dentist:

A cosmetic dentist is a dentist who specializes in improving the appearance of your smile. They often perform procedures such as teeth whitening, dental veneers, and/or other treatments to improve the look of your smile. If you have concerns about the aesthetic aspects of your smile, or if you would like to make improvements to it, your dentist may refer you to a cosmetic dentist. While many general dentists claim to perform cosmetic dentistry, there is a huge difference between a general dentist and a cosmetic dentist. For this reason, it is important to look for a cosmetic dentist who is certified by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, such as Dr. Sadati.

Endodontist:

An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in treating the nerves and tissues inside of the teeth. They often perform root canal therapy, which is when they remove the infected or damaged tissue from inside of the tooth. If you are experiencing pain or other symptoms that may be indicative of a problem with your nerves or tissues, your dentist may refer you to an endodontist. Although most general dentists can perform root canals, they may refer you to an endodontist if you have narrow or twisting root canals, or if root canal treatment fails.

Orthodontist:

An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in straightening teeth and correcting bite problems. They often use braces, clear aligners, and/or other orthodontic devices to achieve these results. If you are experiencing problems with your teeth or jaw alignment, your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist. While some dentists do offer Invisalign® treatment for mild cases, they may recommend seeing an orthodontist if your case is moderate or severe.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon:

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a dentist who specializes in surgery on the mouth, jaws, and face. They perform surgeries such as wisdom tooth removal, corrective jaw surgery, and reconstructive surgeries. If you are experiencing problems with your teeth, gums, or jaw that require surgery, your dentist may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Although many dentists can perform wisdom teeth extractions, they may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon if your anatomy may complicate a basic extraction.

Periodontist:

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in treating gum disease. They often perform procedures such as scaling and root planing, which are used to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums. They can also perform gum grafts and other types of gum surgery. If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, such as redness, swelling, or bleeding gums, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist.

Prosthodontist:

A prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in dental restorations. They often perform procedures such as dental implants, dentures, and crowns. If you are in need of extensive dental restoration, your dentist may refer you to a prosthodontist. Your dentist may also refer you to a prosthodontist in order to maintain an existing or new dental restoration.

As you can see, there are many different types of dental specialists. If you are experiencing any problems with your teeth or gums, your dentist may refer you to one of these specialists.