Understanding Different Dental Specialties: Who Does What?

One of the most common misconceptions about dentists is that many people think their job is limited to getting their teeth fixed, cleaned, or whitened. But the field of dentistry is much broader than that, thanks to the ever-changing needs of society. In today’s article, we’ll discuss the different dental specialties and how they can improve our overall oral health.
Who does what? Understanding the different kinds of dentists and what they do.
As mentioned above, different specialties in the field of dentistry deal with specific problems and concerns. Here are some of them:
General dentist. Starting the list is the dentist we run to whenever we have problems like toothaches or possible cavities. They offer comprehensive oral healthcare services to patients of all ages. Many of us refer to general dentists like Balwyn Dental Clinic for our regular dental checkups and preventive care; simply put, they’re the go-to dentists of many, known for being some of the best in the field of dentistry.
Orthodontist. Many facial concerns stem from dental problems; crooked teeth can lead to misaligned jaws, further making one’s face shape change. This is where orthodontists step in: they help address these concerns by using certain oral devices like braces or clear aligners.
Oral surgeon. Most people suffer from the pain of an emerging wisdom tooth during their teenage years, while some have it well into their adulthood. While some are lucky enough not to have this, many of us need to get our wisdom teeth surgically removed to prevent oral concerns. Oral surgeons are the professionals we run to so we can have them surgically removed and healed without a hitch.
Pediatric dentist. Dental anxiety and fear are real, and many of them stem from childhood. This is why it’s important to have a pediatric dentist check and monitor your child’s developing molars to ensure that they grow nicely. Pediatric dentists also look out for potential oral problems that could devolve, nipping the bud before they have any chance to grow.
Periodontist. Your teeth aren’t the only concern of dentists; they also check your jaws and gums, among many other things. Speaking of gum, the possibility of one developing gum disease is slim but never zero; they creep up on you, and before long, you realize you’re making frequent trips to the periodontist. These are the dental professionals who handle anything related to gum disease, like bleeding or receding gums.
Prosthodontist. Tooth loss is more common the more people age, which is where prosthodontists come in: they specialize in providing dental implants, dentures, and crowns to replace a person’s missing tooth.
Endodontist. Some people have the misfortune of suffering inflammation in their dental pulp—the innermost layer of your tooth. This delicate portion is the very thing that makes your tooth alive, which is why it’s crucial to safeguard it from bacteria and cavities. In case you feel pain and inflammation of your dental pulp, your concern will be addressed by the endodontists.
Why is it important to choose the right dentist according to my dental concern?
Although it’s usually safe to visit your general dentist whenever you’re having oral issues, your resident dentist may refer you to a specialist in case it needs complex procedures. At the end of the day, it’s best to go to the appropriate dentist so patients can be assured that their concerns will be addressed properly, achieving optimal oral health and maintaining a healthy smile.