Dental Specialties
What is a Prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist specializes in the replacement and/or restoration of missing and broken down teeth and other parts of the mouth. We are trained to identify, diagnose and treat disease processes and disabilities resulting from the deterioration or loss of teeth and their supporting structures. The prosthodontist will often work together with other specialists for the benefit of the patient to achieve the most positive outcome in oral health, comfort and aesthetics. We formulate, execute and maintain dental restorative treatment plans that include fabrication of corrective prostheses made of biocompatible materials that restore proper function and aesthetics of the mouth, face, and jaws. A prosthodontist is the architect and the engineer of the reconstruction of the form and function of the oral cavity. Prosthodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.
What is a Periodontist?
Periodontists are dentists who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth or their substitutes and the maintenance of the health, function and aesthetics of these structures and tissues. They have had extensive training with two additional years of study after dental school. As specialists they devote their time, energy and skill to helping patients care for the foundation of their teeth. A periodontist is one of the nine dental specialists recognized by the American Dental Association.
Why is your Prosthodontist referring you to a Periodontist?
Your prosthodontist has determined that your gums require special attention. The periodontist and prosthodontist work together as a team to provide you with the highest level of care. They will combine their expertise and experience to recommend the best treatment options for you while keeping each other informed of your progress. By referring you to this specialist, your prosthodontist is showing a strong commitment to your dental health.
What is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (OMS)?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dentists specializing in surgery of the mouth, face and jaws. After four years of dental school, surgeons receive four to seven years of hospital-based surgical and medical training, which prepares them to perform a wide range of procedures including surgery of both the bones and soft tissues of the face, mouth and neck.
What is an Endodontist?
The endodontist diagnoses and treats diseases and destructive processes, including injuries and abnormalities, of dental pulps and the periapical areas of the teeth. Endodontists deploy several diagnostic tools such as radiographs, pulp tests and cone beam computerized tomograms to diagnose different conditions that can affect the dental pulp, the tooth and the surrounding bone. They evaluate the diagnostic findings and prescribe a specific modality of treatment to preserve the tooth.
What is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is trained to diagnose, prevent, intercept and correct malocclusions as well as neuromuscular and skeletal abnormalities of the developing or mature orofacial structures. Using braces, retainers, and other appliances, an orthodontist helps to realign a patient’s teeth and correct the way the jaws line up. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening by age 7.
Orthodontists treat children and adults for many conditions, including crowded or overlapping teeth and problems with jaw growth and tooth development. These tooth and jaw problems may be the result of tooth decay, early loss of baby teeth, accidents, or habits such as thumb sucking. These problems can also be genetic (inherited).
What is a Pediatric Dentist?
A pediatric dentist has completed at least two additional years of training beyond dental school. The additional training focuses on the management and treatment of a child’s developing teeth, child behavior, physical growth and development, and the special requirements for the treatment and care of a child’s teeth. A pediatric dentist, the office staff and even the office décor are all geared to put children and parents at ease. Parents of special needs children should strongly consider a pediatric dentist for the care of the patient’s dental needs.