DENTAL HEALTH

• Oral Hygiene
• Dentistry and your Children
• Dental Dictionary
• Periodontal Maintenance
• Dental Specialties

Dental Specialties

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (OMFS)

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dentists specializing in surgery of the mouth, face and jaws. After four years of dental school, surgeons receive four to seven years of hospital-based surgical and medical training, preparing them to do a wide range of procedures including all types of surgery of both the bones and soft tissues of the face, mouth, and neck.

Periodontist

Periodontists are dentists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease. They have had extensive training with at least two additional years of study after dental school. As specialists they devote their time, energy, and skill to helping patients care for their gums. The periodontist and dentist often work together as a team to provide you with the highest level of care. By referring you to a periodontist, your dentist is showing a strong commitment to your dental health. 

Endodontist

Endodontist are dentists who specialize in root canals. They have had an additional 2-3 years of training after dental school. As specialists, they examine, diagnose and treat diseases and destructive processes, including injuries and abnormalities of dental pulps and periapical tissues of the teeth. Endodontists examine patients and interpret radiographs and pulp tests to determine pulp vitality and periapical tissue condition. They evaluate their findings and prescribe a method of treatment to prevent loss of teeth.

Prosthodontist

The prosthodontist examines and diagnoses disabilities caused by loss of teeth and supporting structures. They formulate and execute treatment plans for the construction of corrective prostheses to restore proper function and esthetics of the mouth, face, and jaw.

Pediatric Dentist

A pediatric dentist has at least two additional years of training beyond dental school. The additional training focuses on management and treatment of a child's developing teeth, child behavior, physical growth and development, and the special needs of children's dentistry. Although either type of dentist is capable of addressing your child's oral health care needs, a pediatric dentist, his or her staff, and even the office décor are all geared to care for children. If your child has special needs, care from a pediatric dentist should be considered.

Orthodontist

An orthodontist prevents and treats mouth, teeth, and jaw problems. Using braces, retainers, and other devices, an orthodontist helps straighten a person's teeth and correct the way the jaws line up.

Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologist