With a number dental specialties out there (orthodontics, peridontics, endodontics….), it is hard to know what type of dentist you need. The following article provides a brief overview of dentist specialists, and suggests what services and amenities to look for with a general dentist.
GENERAL DENTISTS AND DENTIST SPECIALISTS
General Dentist: Your general dentist (ie family dentist) is your go-to dentist for most routine procedures, including teeth cleaning, check-ups, fillings, crowns, root canals, sealants, and screenings for oral diseases. He/she will have received a 4-year doctorate degree in dentistry, and will be able refer you to a specialist with further training, if needed.
Endodontist: Your general dentist may refer you to an endodontist if you need a root canal. Endodontists work on the inner portion of the tooth, removing infected tissue and refilling the nerve canal.
Orthodontist: Your general dentist may refer you to an orthodontist if you do not have proper bite or facial balance. Orthodontists design and apply braces, retainers, and other corrective appliances to realign crooked teeth.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon: Your general dentist may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon if you need wisdom teeth removed, facial injuries or jaw disorders treated, reconstructive surgery, or dental implants.
Periodontist: Your general dentist may refer you to a periodontist if you have gingivitis or periodontitis. Periodontists treat diseases of the gum and bone.
Pediatric Dentist: Your general dentist may refer you to a pediatric dentist if you have infants, children, or adolescents who need dental work. Pediatric dentists are trained to work with children.
Prosthodontist: Your general dentists may refer you to a prosthodontist if you need tooth replacement implants, dentures, crowns, or bridges. Prosthodontists are trained to design, construct, and fit replacement teeth.
Seeing your general dentist will typically cost less than seeing a specialist, and many insurance plans require a referral from your general dentist before they agree to cover the costs of a specialist. For this reason, it is worth having your general dentist oversee and coordinate your dental care.
WHAT SERVICES AND AMENITIES SHOULD A GENERAL DENTIST PROVIDE?
It is important to find a general dentist that provide the services and amenities that you need and desire. Here at Legacy Dental, we meet both your needs and desires with the latest dental technology, a state-of-the-art facility, and friendly staff.
At Legacy Dental, we provide a range of services, from cosmetic dentistry to TMJ disorder and headache prevention and treatment, saving you from having to make an extra trip elsewhere. In addition to a range of services, we provide technological amenities that you will not find elsewhere. You can watch your favorite DVD or show on screens on the ceiling, detect cavities earlier with the Kavo Diagnodent Laser, and see what we see with the intraoral camera. For a full list of our services and amenities, browse our website at www.legacydental.com/dental-care/.
To schedule your next appointment, call 801-878-0370 or visit http://www.legacydental.com//schedule-dental-appointment. Let us make your next dental visit a good one!
