Since there are so many different components to oral health, and each component plays a role in overall health, it’s important to have a variety of dental specialties that address specific issues. There are several different types of dentists and, depending on the type of dental issue you’ve encountered, you may require a specialist to get the care you need. Here is more information on dental specialties and who does what.
Table of Contents
Endodontics
Endodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases or injuries to the dental pulp, which is the soft inner tissue of the tooth. Endodontists are trained to perform root canal therapy, which involves removing infected or damaged pulp from the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and then filling and sealing them to prevent further damage or infection. Endodontics also includes the diagnosis and treatment of dental pain and infections, as well as the management of traumatic dental injuries.
Periodontics
Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that affect the supporting structures of teeth, including the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. These structures are collectively known as the periodontium. The most common periodontal diseases are gingivitis and periodontitis, both of which are caused by bacterial infections in the gums and bone surrounding the teeth.
Periodontists, who are specialists in this field, use a variety of treatments to manage and prevent these diseases, including scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), gum surgery, and dental implants. They may also work closely with other dental and medical professionals to manage complex cases.
Prosthodontics
Prosthodontics is a dental specialty that’s concerned with treating more complex dental and facial issues, which include restoring and replacing missing or damaged teeth with artificial solutions. Some of the common devices used by prosthodontists include dental implants, dentures, crowns, and bridges.
Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric dentistry is a dental specialty that is focused on providing dental care for infants, children, and adolescents. A pediatric dentist has been specially trained to prevent, diagnose and treat common dental issues in children and teens, setting them up for a lifetime of good oral health.
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral and maxillofacial surgery sits at the intersection of dental and medical care, specializing in the surgical diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the jaws, mouth, face, and surrounding structures of the neck. Some of the conditions that are treated include impacted teeth, facial injuries, head and neck cancer, deformities of the jaw or face, serious oral infections, and salivary gland diseases.
Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologists work in collaboration with other dental and medical specialists to diagnose and treat various conditions such as dental caries, periodontal diseases, jaw tumours, cysts, and other abnormalities of the teeth and jaws. They use imaging techniques to plan and monitor surgical procedures such as dental implant placement, orthodontic treatment, and jaw reconstruction.
Oral Medicine & Pathology
Oral Medicine and Pathology is a dental specialty that includes the study and understanding of the mechanisms and causes of different oral diseases. This includes diagnosing and managing oral cancers, infections, and other oral pathologies. An oral medicine and pathology specialist is specifically trained to recognize and diagnose a wide range of oral conditions. This is the type of specialist to go to if you’ve been having issues with your oral health and need a diagnosis so you can get the treatment you need.
Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics are dental specialties that deal with the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of misaligned teeth and jaws. The goal of orthodontic treatment is to improve the patient’s oral function, aesthetics, and overall oral health. This is often accomplished with different dental appliances, such as braces and headgear. Many children and teens end up going to the orthodontist if they have a crooked smile when their second set of teeth comes in. Dentofacial orthopedics includes the guidance of facial growth and development, which mostly happens during childhood.
Dental Anesthesiologist
A dental anesthesiologist is a dental professional who specializes in providing anesthesia to patients undergoing dental procedures. They are specially trained to administer various types of sedation and anesthesia, including local anesthesia, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), intravenous (IV) sedation, and general anesthesia. In addition to their clinical work, they may also be involved in research and teaching and may serve as consultants to other healthcare professionals regarding anesthesia management for dental patients.
Dental Public Health
Dental Public Health refers to the art and science of preventing and controlling dental diseases in a particular community. Dental Public Health professionals also promote oral health through organized community efforts and are more concerned with serving the entire community as a whole rather than the individual. Most dental public health efforts also include education of the public, administration of group dental plans, and applied dental research.
Some examples of dental public health initiatives include community water fluoridation, school-based oral health programs, and oral health surveillance and epidemiology. Dental Public Health also addresses some of the social factors of oral health, such as access to dental care, poverty, and cultural factors, and works to reduce those issues to make treatment available for all.
Working with Li Family Dental
Finding the right specialty dentist for your needs is a critical component to getting the help you deserve to maintain your oral health. At Li Family Dental, we offer a range of different dental services and high-quality dental care to give you peace of mind.
Call us today at 416-232-2033 or click here to request an appointment.