- Prosthodontists specialize in oral rehabilitation, including complex surgeries and tooth replacement options like implants, bridges, and dentures.
- Orthodontics corrects misaligned teeth and jaws using treatments such as braces, Invisalign, and lingual braces.
- Endodontics targets tooth pulp and nerve issues through procedures like root canal therapy, specification, and root end surgery.
- Dental implants offer a permanent, low-maintenance solution that closely mimics the appearance and function of natural teeth.
- Invisalign provides a more comfortable, nearly invisible alternative to traditional braces for correcting teeth alignment.
Maintaining good dental hygiene is the key to having healthy teeth and a sparkling smile. It is essential to visit the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings, but what happens when you need specialized dental care?
Comprehensive dental care is the foundation of a healthy mouth. It includes routine checkups and cleanings, fillings, extractions, and more. A general dentist can provide most of these services, but some patients may require specialized dental care.
For example, you may need to see an orthodontist if you have a misaligned bite or severe teeth grinding. Similarly, you’ll see an endodontist if you need a root canal. Understanding the different dental fields can help you find the right specialist.
This blog post will explore different dental fields and their unique specializations. Depending on your needs, you may require the skills of a specific type of dentist.
Prosthodontist
A prosthodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses, rehabilitates, and maintains oral function, comfort, health, and aesthetics using scientific principles. A prosthodontist can replace missing teeth, restore damaged teeth, and perform complex dental surgery.
Missing teeth can cause many health and lifestyle issues. However, the good news is that there are tons of modern tooth replacement options to choose from. These options include:
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a top choice for many patients because of their permanence and natural look. A titanium post is surgically implanted in the jawbone, and a custom-fitted crown is placed on top.
Implants look and feel like natural teeth, and with proper care, they can last a lifetime. They also do not require any additional maintenance or special cleaning instructions, just good dental hygiene practices.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are another option for replacing missing teeth. They are artificial teeth attached to the remaining natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap.
Bridges can be made from various materials, such as porcelain or metal, and can last up to fifteen years with the proper care. Bridges are a good solution for people who want a less invasive procedure than dental implants.
Dentures
Dentures are another option for those with missing teeth. They come in two types: complete dentures and partial dentures. Full dentures replace all the teeth, while partial dentures only replace a few missing teeth.
Dentures are removable and must be cleaned regularly, making them less convenient than dental implants or bridges. The cost of dentures varies depending on the type and material used to create them.
Orthodontics
Orthodontics focuses on the correction of misaligned teeth and jaws. Misaligned teeth can lead to problems such as TMJ disorders, gum disease, and tooth decay. Correcting misaligned teeth and jaws can lead to better oral health. Below are the popular orthodontic treatments.
Braces
Dental braces are the most common treatment for misaligned teeth. Braces are fixed appliances attached to teeth and adjusted periodically to create more pressure to move the teeth slowly into their correct position. Braces can be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to adjust a person’s teeth without using metal brackets and brackets. A custom-made aligner is created based on the patient’s dental impression. Invisalign aligners are more comfortable and less noticeable than traditional braces.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are another type of braces that are attached to the back of the teeth. Thus, lingual braces are invisible from the outside. This work similarly to traditional braces and can be made of metal or ceramic. Lingual braces are an excellent option for people with cosmetic concerns with traditional braces.
Endodontics
Endodontics involves the diagnosis and treatment of tooth pulp and nerve problems. Below are some standard endodontic procedures.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is the most popular endodontic procedure. The procedure involves removing the infected or inflamed dental pulp inside a tooth. After this, the root canal is thoroughly cleaned and filled with gutta-percha—a rubber-like material. By doing so, the tooth is saved from extraction and potential infections.
Apexification
Apexification is an endodontic procedure that focuses on inducing a calcified barrier at the tip of the root. This is done to seal off the dental pulp and protect it from bacterial infections. Apexification can be done on young permanent teeth that have not matured properly.
Root End Surgery
Root End Surgery, or apicoectomy, is performed on teeth that have developed an infection around the root tip. The root tip is removed during the surgery, and the root end cavity is filled with a suitable filling material. Root end surgery can help save teeth that need to be extracted.
Different dental fields cater to various oral health problems. Whether it’s prosthodontics, orthodontics, or endodontics, each category requires professional expertise. By seeking specialized dental care, individuals can receive the specific treatment they need for optimal oral health.
Keeping up with routine dental checkups is vital to maintaining good oral health. With the aid of specialized professionals from different dental fields, everyone can have a happy and healthy smile.
