So you’re having some dental problems, but you’re not sure who to see. It’s no surprise--there are many different branches of dentistry and unless you make a study of each specialist’s résumé you might have a hard time telling them apart.
General/Family Dentistry
You are likely most acquainted with a general or family dentist. This is the person that you see every six months to clean your teeth and take routine x-rays. They apply treatments like fluoride or sealant. When cavities need to be filled, a general or family dentist can do this. Also, they can do basic tooth pulls should one need to be removed.
Prosthodontics
Prosthodontists get into more serious repair work. If teeth have been broken or removed, the replacement work to fix them is applied by prosthodontists. This may consist of bridgework or veneers.
Cosmetic work can also fall under prosthodontics. The same skills they apply to repairing broken or injured teeth can be used to cosmetically improve teeth. Veneers to whiten and straighten the look of your teeth can be applied cosmetically by a prosthodontist.
Orthodontics
You may know an orthodontist from your adolescent braces. They work with moving teeth into the correct positions. They use braces, retainers and other orthodontia to achieve this.
Periodontics
Periodontists care for your gums. They can care for diseases like gingivitis and gum disease. If surgery is needed to replace part of the jaw bone due to gum disease, periodontists perform this.
Endodontics
If you’ve ever needed a root canal, you saw an endodontist. They specialize in preserving teeth after severe decay by removing the inflamed root. They work in tandem with general dentists or prosthodontists who will place a crown over the preserved tooth after the root canal is done.
With some dental issues, you may find yourself needing to see several specialists in a row to get all of the repair work done. For example, your general dentist might find a deep cavity that is in danger of a root canal. He may send you to an endodontist. After taking advanced x-rays, she may perform the root canal. Then you might be referred to a prosthodontist who can place a cap or crown on the tooth with the root canal. Specialists across different branches are willing to work together. They will often share x-rays and records to make sure your transition of care is seamless.
If you need the care of a prosthodontist, Advanced Prosthodontics is here for you. Give us a call (610) 865-4222 to make an appointment today.