subject: The Difference Between Dentists [print this page] It might come as a surprise to you to learn that there are actually many different kinds of dentists currently working in the field. Because there are so many different types, each with unique specialties, it is important that you take care in choosing the right type of dentist for your specific needs.
General dentistry is the area of practice that most people think of when they think of dentistry. This describes your local dentist who offers basic checkups, diagnoses problems, and performs minor procedures, like filling cavities or ensuring you get a good cleaning. While such a dentist is usually well-rounded and capable of doing many different things within the field, he or she may not often have an area of specialization and, thus, if a specific problem arises may refer you to a specialist.
There are several different kinds of dental specialists. Cosmetic dentists, for example, are some of the most sought-after. These are the dentists whose job it is to make you look good. If, for example, you have spaces in your teeth that can't be fixed by braces but that don't cause you any medical or health complications, you would visit a cosmetic dentist to get them taken care of. Generally, any issue that you are dealing with in an effort to be more visually appealing is one that should be taken care of by a cosmetic dentist.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, you have your very serious problems, like those that occur in the mouth's sensitive nerves and tissues. For problems like these, you may need to see an endodontist. Generally, patients do not seek out these professionals. Instead, they usually go to general dentists with their problems and are referred to one of these highly specialized professionals for the help that they need. The same is true for those who need to visit periodontists, dentists who specialize in diagnosing and treating gum and bone disorders and diseases.
Another specialized type of dentist is an oral surgeon, which is simply a dentist who performs surgery. However, many dentists practice both general dentistry and oral surgery, so it's not always necessary to look for a specialist when it's time to operate.
These, of course, are just a few of the many types of dentistry professionals working in the industry today. As you might imagine, if you have a lot of varied issues with your oral health, you could spend all your time rushing from one dentist to the next! This is why it is strongly advisable to find a good dentist who is skilled in a wide range of dentistry related areas. While you may not be likely to find one who can do absolutely everything (nor would that be advisable!), you should go with someone who can perform all the basic services and then some. At the very least, you want a dentist with strong ties to other industry professionals who can provide you with a good referral when the need may arise. The only way to make sure you select the right kind of dentist is to do your research beforehand.
