Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (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, preparing them to do a wide range of procedures including all types of surgery of both the bones and soft tissues of the face, mouth and neck.
Periodontists
Periodontists are dentists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal or gum disease. They have 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 their gums. A periodontist is one of the eight dental specialists recognized by the American Dental Association.
Dentist Referrals to See a Periodontist
Your dentist may determine that your gums require special attention. Periodontists and dentists work together as a team to provide you with the highest level of care. They combine their experience to recommend the best treatment available to you, while keeping each other informed on your progress. By referring you to the specialist, your dentist is showing a strong commitment to your ongoing dental health.
Endodontists
An Endodontist examines, diagnoses and treats diseases and destructive processes, including injuries and abnormalities of dental pulps and periapical tissues of the teeth. An Endodontist examines patients and interprets radiographs and pulp tests to determine pulp vitality and periapical tissue condition. They evaluate their findings and prescribe methods of treatment to help prevent loss of teeth.
Prosthodontists
A prosthodontist examines and diagnoses disabilities caused by loss of teeth and supporting structures. They formulate and execute treatment plans for the construction of corrective prostheses to help restore proper function and esthetics of the mouth, face, and jaw.
Pediatric Dentists
A pediatric dentist has at least two additional years of training beyond dental school. The additional training focuses on management and treatment of children’s developing teeth, child behavior, physical growth and development, as well as the special needs of children’s dentistry. Although either type of dentist is capable of addressing your child’s oral health care needs, a pediatric dentist, their staff, and even the office setting are all geared to care for children and to put them at ease. If your child has special needs, a pediatric dentist should be considered.
Orthodontists
Orthodontists help prevent and treat problems of the mouth, teeth, and jaw. Using braces, retainers, and other devices an orthodontist helps straighten a person’s teeth and correct the ways in which jaws line up. Orthodontists treat children for many problems, including crowded or overlapping teeth, or problems with jaw growth and tooth development. These tooth and jaw problems may be caused by tooth decay, losing baby teeth too soon, accidents, or habits like thumb sucking or grinding. These problems can also be genetic or inherited.
Why Take Your Child to an Orthodontist?
Your dentist or one of your parents might recommend it because they see a problem with your teeth or jaws. Or, a child who doesn’t like the way his or her teeth look might ask to see an orthodontist to help straighten them.
For more detailed information on Specialty Dentistry or to schedule an appointment at our Webster NY dental office, contact the Harborside Dental team today and we’ll be happy to help. We can be reached by phone at 585-671-2720 or via email through our website’s contact page.
