The Specialties of Dentistry
Dentists are highly trained professionals who specialize in various aspects of dentistry, including oral surgery, braces, dental implants, and more. If you’re in need of any dental services, it’s important to seek out a dentist who specializes in the specific service you need.
By doing so, you can be sure that you’re getting the best possible care. Check out the different specialties offered by dentists below to find one that’s right for you.
Table of Contents
Specialties of Dentistry
The 10 most common specialties of dentistry are all extremely important to the dental field. Each has specific procedures, treatments, and goals for its dental patients. It’s very common for several of the specialties of dentistry listed below to work together on a daily basis to accurately diagnose and treat their patients.
The scientific field of dentistry is made up of various specialists, much like in other forms of medicine. Here are the 10 most common specialties of dentistry that make up the dentistry field as a whole.
Restorative General Dentistry
Dentists who practice in the field of general dentistry are concerned with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of conditions that affect the function and appearance of the teeth. This includes everything in the mouth like the teeth, gums, tongue, and lips. Common subspecialties of general dentistry include:
- Cosmetic Dentistry: These doctors focus on the aesthetic appearance while maintaining the health and function of the teeth. They specialize in repairing, reshaping, and whitening the teeth to improve the smile.
- Geriatric Dentistry: Dentists who specialize in caring for the elderly work with patients who have more medical disorders and take many medications that affect their oral health. This specialty’s goal is to improve their patient’s oral health while maintaining their quality of life.
Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric dentistry is the branch of dentistry that deals with the dental care of infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric dentists undergo special training to ensure that they are able to provide the best possible care for their young patients.
They are familiar with the unique challenges that come with caring for children’s teeth, including cavities, gum disease, and tooth development.
In addition, pediatric dentists are also experts in behavior management, which can help to make dental visits more enjoyable for both children and parents. As a result, pediatric dentistry is an essential part of keeping children’s teeth healthy and strong.
Periodontics
Periodontics is one of the specialities of dentistry that deals with the treatment and prevention of diseases involving the gums. These doctors perform surgical procedures to maintain the health of the gums as well as maintenance through routine and deep cleanings. Most periodontists will also perform implant surgery.
Our article Treating Gum Disease has more information on periodontal disease.
Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology
The field of dental radiology has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the late 1800s, and today it plays an important role in providing accurate diagnoses and delivering effective treatments.
Common dental x-rays include bitewings, panoramic, full mouth series, cephalometric, and CT cone beam images.
Dental and maxillofacial radiology is one of the specialties of dentistry that deals with the production and interpretation of diagnostic images and radiographs. These images are used for diagnosing and treating diseases, disorders, and abnormalities affecting the teeth, jaws, and face.
Dental radiology is also an important tool for researchers, as it can help to identify new trends in oral health and disease. With the continued advancement of technology, it’s likely that dental radiology will continue to play a vital role in the field of dentistry.
Prosthodontics
Prosthodontists are dental specialists who have completed advanced training in the restoration and replacement of teeth. This is one of the specialties of dentistry that often collaborates with other specialties to provide comprehensive care for patients with complex needs. Their work includes the design and fabrication of dental implants, bridges, dentures, and crowns.
As experts in dental aesthetics, prosthodontists play an important role in helping patients to achieve a natural and healthy smile. With their advanced training and skills, prosthodontists are uniquely qualified to restore function and beauty to the mouth.
Oral Surgery
Oral surgery is a subspecialty of dentistry that focus on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, defects, and injuries of the mouth and jaw.
Oral surgeons are trained to perform a wide range of procedures, including dental implants, tooth extractions, and corrective jaw surgery.
In addition to their medical training, oral surgeons must also complete a rigorous residency program in order to be certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
As a result of their specialized training and experience, oral surgeons are uniquely qualified to provide the highest quality care for patients with disorders of the mouth and jaw.
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Orthodontists and dentofacial orthopedics are dental specialists who diagnose and treat patients with improper alignment of the teeth and jaw. The goal of orthodontic treatment is to achieve proper alignment, which results in a healthier mouth, a more attractive smile, and improved chewing function.
Although orthodontic treatment traditionally has been used to correct problems with the teeth and jaw, recent advances in the field have expanded its scope to include the treatment of other facial and skeletal abnormalities as well.
As a result, orthodontics is now recognized as an important branch of medicine that can improve the health and appearance of patients of all ages. To learn more about orthodontic treatment, check out our Comprehensive Braces Guide.
Oral Microbiology
Oral microbiology is another subspecialty of dentistry, but one that deals with the study of microorganisms that live in the mouth. These microbes can cause disease and affect the health of the oral cavity.
The main goal of oral microbiologists is to understand how these microorganisms interact with each other and with the tissues in the mouth. This knowledge can be used to develop new ways to prevent and treat dental diseases.
Oral microbiologists use a variety of techniques to study microbes, including microscopy, culture methods and molecular techniques. They also work closely with other specialties in dentistry, like periodontists and orthodontists, to provide the best possible care for patients.
Oral Medicine
A very important specialty of dentistry is oral medicine. Oral medicine encompasses a variety of services, including the diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases.
Dentists who practice oral medicine utilize a number of diagnostic tools, including x-rays, biopsies, and oral examinations. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the disease but may include medications, surgery, or radiation therapy.
Oral medicine is a vital specialty in dentistry that helps to keep patients healthy and smiling.
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
This specialty in dentistry focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the mouth, teeth, and facial structures. Oral and maxillofacial pathologists use a variety of techniques to examine tissues and identify abnormalities.
They may also order lab tests to confirm diagnoses. In some cases, they may perform biopsies to remove tissue for further analysis. Treatment plans may include medication, surgery, or radiation therapy.
Oral and maxillofacial pathologists work closely with other members of the dental team to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common specialty of dentistry?
Restorative general dentistry is the most common specialty. They are the doctors you see for routine care and can help treat most dental ailments. You can think of general dentists as the primary care doctors of the dental field.
What is a regular dentist called?
Regular dentists are called general dentists. They take care of your routine dental needs like periodic exams, x-ray diagnosing, and performing restorative procedures.
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