Dental Specialties
What Is A Periodontist?
Periodontists are dentists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease. They have undergone extensive training, with two or three additional years of study after dental school.
Why Is Your Dentist Referring You To A Periodontist?
Your dentist has determined that your gums require special attention. The periodontist and dentist work together to provide the best treatment available for your gum problems. By referring you to the periodontist, your dentist is showing a strong commitment to your dental health.
Periodontists also surgically place implants and perform crown lengthening procedures.
What Is An Endodontist?
Endodontists are dentists who have completed two or more additional years of advanced training following dental school. They specialize in diseases of the tooth pulp, the part of the tooth containing the nerve and blood supply, and the tissues surrounding the root of the tooth.
If the dental pulp has become diseased or injured, endodontic treatment is required to save the tooth. Endodontists perform all aspects of root canal therapy, including routine as well as complex root canals, re-treatments and endodontic surgery.
What Is An Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon (OMS)?
After four years of dental school, oral and maxillofacial surgeons receive four to seven years of hospital-based surgical and medical training. They are prepared to diagnose and treat defects, injuries and diseases of the mouth, jaw, teeth, neck, gums and other soft tissues of the head.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform a wide range of procedures including extraction of teeth, placement of dental implants, and removal of tumors and cysts.
What Is A Prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist has at least three additional years of training beyond dental school. Prosthodontists examine and diagnose complex dental conditions caused by loss of teeth and supporting structures. They formulate and execute treatment plans to restore proper function and aesthetics of the mouth, face, and jaw. These may include bridges, crowns, implants, complete and removable partial dentures and veneers, alone or in combination.
We are fortunate to have two accomplished prosthodontists, Dr. Anthony Sallustio and Dr. Ashley Azzizian at our office.
What Is An Orthodontist?
An orthodontist has two or three additional years of training after dental school. The 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 their jaws line up.
Orthodontists treat children for many problems, including crowded or overlapped teeth, and problems with jaw growth and tooth development. These tooth and jaw problems may be genetic. They may also be caused by tooth decay, losing baby teeth too soon, accidents, or habits like thumb sucking.
Many adults today seek treatment from an orthodontist to improve the alignment and appearance of their teeth.
What Is A 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 children’s developing teeth, child behavior, and physical growth and development. If your child has special needs, care from a pediatric dentist should be considered.