Different Types of Dental Specialists: Which One Do I Need?

When it comes to dental care, people are usually familiar with the work of a dentist. Performing routine cleanings, filling cavities, applying sealants, and caring for minor trauma to the teeth are all work that’s done in a general dentist’s office. But when it comes to other teeth specialists, you may not be quite as aware of which services they offer. Here is a rundown of the differences between the different types of dental specialists, and what they can do for you.

Pediatric Dentist

As the name suggests, a pediatric dentist offers the same basic services that a general dentist does but specializes in treating children and adolescents. In fact, a pediatric dentist is as much a kid specialist as a teeth specialist! Pediatric dentists often have kid-friendly decor and equipment in their offices, and they focus on helping children feel at ease during their visits. This can be especially helpful for children who are nervous about seeing the dentist, or to help prevent them from developing an aversion in the first place.

Orthodontist

This dental professional specializes in the treatment of misaligned teeth. An orthodontist can identify issues such as overcrowding, overbite or underbite, crossed teeth, and misalignment of the jaw. Then they will design a treatment plan to address these issues, using such tools as braces, clear aligners, headgear, and palate expanders. The different types of dental specialists may refer their patients to an an orthodontist if they observe misalignments, and an orthodontist will do the same if the work needed lies outside of their scope.

Endodontist

An endodontist is a teeth specialist who focuses on treating problems with the pulp — the nerve and blood vessel tissue that is found inside the tooth. When there are issues with the pulp, usually caused by an infection or trauma, a dentist may refer a patient to an endodontist for treatment. This is often a root canal, which removes the pulp and cleans the space (or canal) in which it was found. This is done to save the tooth and eliminate any infection.

Prosthodontist

Prosthodontists perform complex tooth replacement procedures, for both aesthetic and functional restoration. This includes crowns, fixed bridges, dentures, implants, and porcelain veneers. This type of dental specialist dedicates work to replacing missing teeth or jaw structures for optimal function and cosmetic appeal.

Periodontist

Patients with gum disease who need more treatment than a dentist can provide may be referred to a periodontist. This is a surgeon who specializes in treating gums. Periodontists are trained in gum surgery, bone grafts, and dental implants. They also perform root planing and scaling to combat the progression of gum disease.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

This specialist performs surgical reconstruction of the face, mouth, and jaw. They are trained in complex surgical procedures, including the removal of wisdom teeth and diseased teeth, dental implants, bone grafts, reconstruction after trauma, and reconstructive surgery of cleft lip and cleft palates. Of all the different types of dental specialists, the oral and maxillofacial surgeon undergoes the most post-dental residency training, 4- 6 years. All the other listed specialties require between 2 and 3 years of training after dental residency.

At Peak OMS, Dr. Haeman Noori is a highly skilled and qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Along with the professional Peak OMS staff, Dr. Noori provides a wide range of reconstructive treatments, making him one of the more well-versed teeth specialists among the selection. His experience with the different types of dental specialties allows him to offer various services including pediatric oral surgery, facial reconstruction after trauma, and cosmetic procedures.

Dr. Noori studied oral and maxillofacial surgery at Indiana University, where he received comprehensive training, emphasizing maxillofacial trauma and reconstruction, oral pathology, dentoalveolar surgery, and implantology. As a chief resident, he worked at the two busiest Level I trauma centers in the state to help cover facial surgery cases. As well as completing the rigorous certification process by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Noori is a Fellow of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

If you are seeking a teeth specialist, and more specifically find yourself in need of the services of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, please contact the oral surgery team at Peak OMS for more information. Dr. Noori and the Peak OMS staff offer the highest level of care.