All dentists are not the same. Here are some brief explanations about the different specialties in the dental field:
1. Endodontics
Endodontists address issues involving teeth’s dental pulp and nerves. These specialists often perform root canals.
2. Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
An oral radiologist looks beneath the surface. Relying on x-rays, these doctors manage diseases, disorders and damage to teeth and facial bones.
3. Dental Public Health
Dentists who specialize in public dental health are concerned with the positive dental well-being of a community rather than for singular patients. Their efforts focus on dental health education, community oral health programs and the overall prevention of dental diseases on a larger scale.
4. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Oral Pathologists focus on the cause behind oral disorders. This type of dental specialist is qualified to perform biopsies for diagnoses.
5. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral surgeons conduct operations including wisdom tooth removal, cleft pallet and lip repair, dental implants and facial reconstruction.
6. Orthodontics
Focusing on the alignment of the jaw and teeth, orthodontists use a variety of methods to treat the bites of children and adults.
7. Pediatric Dentistry
Usually receiving an extra two years of education beyond dental school, pediatric dentists specialize in treating developing mouths.
8. Periodontics
Periodontic dentists focus on the health of the tissues that support and surround teeth, such as the gums. They work to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases or conditions that affect these areas directly.
9. Prosthodontics
Dentists who specialize in prosthodontics are concerned with the function, health and maintenance of biocompatible dental substitutes such as dentures and veneers.