When you think about it, your teeth, gums, and jaws are amazing! As you age, they continue to work, day in, day out. Along the road, you may have an issue or two with your mouth, ranging from cavities to nerve issues and gum disease. There are specialists to fix each issue that you may have in your mouth. We hear our patients say "wait, WHO is the one who does root canals?" To which we say, "endodontists," and provide a referral! So here is a simple breakdown of dental specialists to make it all more clear!
Endodontists
A dentist who specializes in endodontics have a thorough understanding of the inside of the tooth, particularly the dentin (pulp) and root. If a tooth has become infected, you may need a filling, root canal, or another endodontic procedure to save the tooth.
Since the focus of an endodontist is on treating dental pulp, one of the primary methods they use for saving teeth is performing root canals. This removes infected, inflamed, and damaged dentin from inside your tooth while preserving as much of the root and enamel as possible.
You may need to see an endodontist if you experience:
Tooth pain that comes and goes or does not quickly subside
Injury to a tooth that cracks or damages it
Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
Swelling in the gums around the teeth
Swelling on the gums or on your face, especially near a tooth
Excessive bleeding from the gums
If much or all of a tooth needs to be removed, your endodontist can place dental implants that will support a crown or bridge, which replaces the natural tooth. An endodontist does not typically fill cavities or clean your teeth. Your Harte Dental (general) dentist can help you with these issues!
Periodontists:
These specialized dentists focus on your gum health. Periodontal disease is common among American adults, who may not even realize they have a mild gum infection. A periodontist also places dental implants and treats other types of oral inflammation.
Periodontists specialize in treatments including:
Scaling and root planing, which cleans the surface of an infected root
Root surface debridement, where damaged tissue is removed
Surgical procedures for people with severe gum infection or damage
Placing, replacing, or repairing dental implants
Gum graft surgery
Dental crown lengthening
Procedures to regenerate lost bone tissue, like a bone graft
Pocket reduction procedure
Some plastic surgery procedures to adjust the ratio of gum to tooth in your smile
During a visit, your periodontist will look at your dental history and examine your gums for signs of recession (which exposes more surface of the root of your teeth). They will examine how your teeth fit together and determine if any teeth are loose, which is a sign of advanced periodontal disease.
They will also use a probe to measure pockets around your teeth and gums. Larger pockets indicate periodontal disease, while smaller pockets show that your teeth and gums fit together in a healthy way.
Periodontal disease is associated with other types of chronic health problems, including heart disease. Visiting your general dentist at Harte Dental regularly can help to reduce your risk of periodontal disease, but if we see anything, we will send you out to a local periodontist who can help further!
Orthodontists:
These dentists specialize in treating misaligned teeth. Orthodontics are often considered cosmetic or preventative. There are several devices that are implemented to ensure your bite fits together and there are no pressures on your teeth causing damage.
Tooth alignment is not just about having a glamorous smile. Teeth that align properly are less likely to develop pockets where bad bacteria can grow, which can cause plaque and tartar, gum disease, and areas of stress. This may even lead to damaging your teeth.
An orthodontist can also provide treatment for grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism), thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and even sleep apnea. Aligning your teeth and jaw can reduce many complications that can cause pain or lead to other problems, which might require a periodontist or endodontist.
While you will need a referral from your general dentist before getting an appointment with a periodontist or an endodontist, an orthodontist can consult with you without a specialist referral.
Unfortunately, many people put off orthodontics and need consistent visits to endodontists or periodontists because misaligned teeth create ongoing problems with tartar buildup, tooth strain, and infection.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
If your dentist recommends maxillofacial surgery, they are talking about a specialty of dentistry that relates to your face and jaw. Oral surgeons treat disease and injuries of the areas around your mouth. Some of the most common referrals we send out are for complex tooth extractions and wisdom teeth extraction!
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have extra training and education beyond what’s expected for a dentist. Some get a medical degree (an MD) along with their oral surgery diplomas. They put in at least 4 years of training in a hospital-based surgical program alongside medical residents in many different specialties, including anesthesia.
Unlike general dentists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize exclusively in dental surgery. The procedures they perform include:
Wisdom tooth extractions
Basic tooth extractions
Complex tooth extractions
Dental implants
Repair of broken face and jaw bones
Jaw realignment
Impacted teeth. This mostly happens with wisdom teeth, but it can happen in other places in your mouth, too.
Jaw-joint issues
Overbite/underbite
Implants. If you have a missing tooth, the surgeon can imbed a titanium implant into your jaw, then your Harte Dental dentist attaches a crown.
Improve fit of dentures
Sleep and breathing issues
Cancer treatment. Oral surgeons also treat cancers, not just of the mouth, but also of the head and neck, like of the salivary glands, sinuses, throat, larynx, and lips.
Cleft lips and cleft palate surgery
If you have problems with your teeth or gums, talk with your dentist. They might be able to fix it. If not, an oral surgeon can give you the relief you’re searching for.
Your General Dentist Is Your Go-To for Support & Referrals
If you have dental issues that are complex, your Harte Dental general dentist will give you the referral to the right place! If you have concerns about calling and making the appointment, we can even help with that as well!
Call us today at (617) 696-5257 or email ContactUs@Hartedental.com. Come see our award winning team who has been voted Best Dentist in Milton, has a 5 Star Google Rating with over 600 reviews, and Favorite Dentist in Milton in the Milton Scene!