Do you understand the distinction between a general dentist and a dental specialist? By learning who is the best dentist in Louisville, KY, to consult with regarding your concerns, you may take better care of your dental hygiene.
Many people need clarification about the distinction between a general dentist and an oral specialist. While they work in the same field, their services and approaches differ. Find out more about these dental specialties, what they can offer, and how they differ from one another.
Let's explore more!
# What Is A General Dentist?
A general dentist provides comprehensive oral health care, including gum care, root canals, fillings, crowns, veneers, and bridges, as well as preventive education and treatment of oral disorders. The fact that general dentists offer primary care services to people makes them dental specialists who are comparable to physicians.
# What Is A Dental Specialist?
A general dentist who has completed additional post-graduate training is a specialist. After graduating from dental school, a specialist completes two to three years of in-depth training in a particular discipline. As a result, they provide specialized care for particular operations within their area of expertise.
Let's explore the different types of dental specialists and their fields!
- Endodontists:
Problems with the pulp or interior structure of a tooth are diagnosed, prevented, and treated by dental specialists. The blood vessels and nerves of the tooth are located in the pulp. Root canal therapy is an endodontic treatment that endodontists are trained and experienced to undertake. If you have severe tooth decay, they may recommend that you see an endodontist.
- Orthodontist:
After graduating from dental school, orthodontists take an additional 2-3 years of residency training in preventing, detecting, and treating abnormalities of the jaws, bite, teeth, and face. They provide orthodontic procedures like Invisalign and braces.
- Pediatric Specialist:
Pediatric dentists, as opposed to general dentists, have special training to put kids at ease and quiet during dental procedures. After dental school, pediatric dentists undergo an additional two years of training to manage the oral health of kids, babies, teenagers, and people with special needs. Children's teeth, gums, and biting issues are tracked and treated by them.
- Oral Surgeons:
After dental school, oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete an additional four years of residency training in surgical procedures. They are qualified to identify and treat oral abnormalities, wounds, and illnesses affecting the head's mouth, teeth, gums, jaw, and other soft tissues.
- Periodontists:
They have received specific training in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of illnesses and abnormalities of the tissues supporting the teeth. Gum disease is treated and diagnosed by periodontists (gingivitis and periodontitis). Regular dental checkups, cleanings, implant placement, scaling and root planing, gum contouring, gum flap surgery, and soft tissue grafts are among the procedures they carry out.
- Prosthodontists:
Dental crowns, bridges, and dentures are just a few damaged teeth that prosthodontists can repair and replace. They are also experts in creating artificial tissues to replace damaged oral and maxillofacial tissues. Additionally, prosthodontists treat jaw joint issues, snoring and sleeping difficulties, mouth trauma, and post-oral cancer reconstruction.
It's generally best to consult a local general dentist in Louisville, KY, first because diagnosing your precise issue and its severity can be difficult. The general dentist will identify your issue, and if they lack the necessary training to assist, they will direct you to the appropriate specialist.
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