Dental Specialties

There are many names or ‘specialities’ in the dental industry and we hope to better inform our patients by providing the following definitions of different dental specialities.

OMS – Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

An oral surgeon (including maxillofacial) are in fact dentist but their specialty involves surgery revolving around the face, jaws and mouth. Dental school is required but when that is finished the individual will then undergo 4-7 years medical and surgical training an a hospital-based environment. This helps them fully prepare for the many procedures oral surgeons perform.

Periodontist

A periodontist is also a dentist but one that specializes in diagnosing and treating peridontal disease – gum disease. The training is typically 2 years following dental school. These particular specialists learn everything there is to know about gum care and gum disease to better help their patients avoid periodontal disease. The American Dental Association recognizes eight different dental specialities and a periodontist is among them.
If you were referred to a periodontist then this simply means your gums require the care of a specialist. You still receive quality care but are placed in the hands of a specialist that has the extensive knowledge and training to expertly care for your gums.

Endodontist

An endodontist is a dentist specializing in diagnosing and treating both diseases and processes that can be detrimental to your oral health. Such instances include periapical teeth tissue or deformities and injuries of dental pulps. You will be examied and tests will be done by an endodontist to determine the severity of your condition. They then evaluate all of their findings and determine the best course of treatment that will help you avoid losing any teeth.

Prosthodontist

A prosthodontist is a dentist who is responsible for examining and diagnosing ailments brought on by tooth loss and other problems that alter your mouth’s support structures. They will develop and carry out the ideal treatment for your individual situation to help you restore normal function once again.

Pediatric Dentist

A pediatric dentist specializes in children’s teeth but in more ways than one. After dental school comes a minimum of two more years of training. A pediatric dentist focuses on the oral health of children, but their training also involves child behavior, physical growth, development and special requirements for children’s growing teeth. You can relax when you take your child to a pediatric dentist because they have the knowledge and training to carefully manage your child’s oral health with comfort and ease.

Orthodontist

An orthodontist is a common specialty that focuses on preventing problems of the jaw, teeth and mouth. If a person needs correction treatment, such as braces, they would schedule a visit with an orthodontist. Orthodontists care for patients of all ages. Kids are often the majority of patients for orthodontists and this is because early care, attention and prevention of oral issues is important.
An orthodontist might be recommended by your primary dentist if they happen to discover a reason for concern with your jaw or teeth. Or for patients looking to straighten crooked teeth or a similar correction.

If you have a question about an oral issue you’re going through, or possibly your child, just phone one of our offices. Our Martindale Dental receptionists can help you get the information you seek and get your questions answered.