Dental Specialists and What They Really Do

Everyone knows what a dentist looks like as portrayed in TV shows and films. They are health professionals who sit or stand infront of a dental chair, wear scrub suits under their white lab coats, and use latex or vinyl gloves when they treat their patients. Though they're easy to recognize when they're in their offices, it's difficult to know the difference between an orthodontist and a periodontist. Here are some dental specializations you need to be familiar with so you'll now who can best treat your tooth and gums.

     * Endodontists – perform root canals and treat diseases of the tooth nerves and pulp 

     * Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons – treat mouth and jaw defects and injuries, often perform complex tooth extractions 

    * Oral Pathologists – looks into diseases of the mouth; examines, diagnoses, and treats them

        * Orthodontists – realign crooked teeth, design corrective and supportive braces

       * Pediatric Dentists – care for the dental health of children, from infants to adolescents, expertly handle first visits 

        * Periodontists – treat gums and diseases of the teeth 

      * Prosthodontist – fit replacement teeth like dentures, bridgework and implants; designs and makes them

It's important that you visit your dentist at least once a year for cleaning and checkup. If your teeth need specialized care, go to the specific dentist who can give you appropriate treatment.