You’re happily chewing away on your food when suddenly, sharp pain in your mouth jars you and makes you wince in pain. You stop chewing, but the pain is still there. Your appetite is gone and you decided to go to your dentist.
That’s a common scenario and one that plays out all over at least several times a day. A simple headache or maybe a back pain will hardly stop anyone from going to work. But a painful tooth, regardless of how old or young or strong you are, will bring you down.
A few minutes with your dentist, and he tells you what to do and where to go. Your dental concern needs to be handled by a dental specialist.
In the dental world, there exist a variety of specializations. An experienced endodontist in Lone Tree, Colorado shares mo information about these.
The General Practitioner
Also known as a family dentist, this is the one you see for regular cleaning; the one you first introduce to your kids when they’re preparing for a dental checkup. Most general dentists can treat simple and common dental conditions.
The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
If it involves the hard and soft tissues in the mouth, then you go to this dental specialist. Conditions involving the gums, cheeks, hard and soft palate, tongue, and even facial tissues and lips are areas that this doctor can do invasive procedures on.
Orthodontist
If you asked your mom for braces and she gave it to you, then you would have met an orthodontist. Orthodontists are commonly associated with braces, but it’s more than just that. They also treat misaligned teeth or jaw bones, whether for cosmetic or functional reasons.
Prosthodontist
Damaged or decayed or missing teeth—these are the dental issues that prosthodontists address. They are mainly responsible for providing patients with oral prostheses, false teeth that may include bridges, tooth implants, dentures, veneers. Teeth loss may occur due to traumatic injuries. The prosthodontist will take measurements of the patient’s oral cavity and work closely with the lab supplier for a proper fit of oral prosthetics.
Periodontist
Gum diseases are a fairly common issue and neglecting to address these would lead to more serious health problems, such as heart attacks or type 2 diabetes. That’s where the periodontist comes in. They diagnose and treat various gum diseases and advise patients on the best preventive methods to avoid getting gum diseases.
Endodontist
Our teeth have an inner part called the pulp. This is located within the gum line and is protected by the hard enamel of the tooth and an inner layer of dentin. Decay or traumatic injury can cause damage to the pulp, in which case the endodontist will recommend the best course of action.
Dentists don’t come in one size, fits all category. Just as our mouths are complex, these partners for oral health work constantly to give you that beautiful smile. Be sure you visit the right practitioner when you have a dental problem.
