Do you remember the last time you called the wrong doctor’s office?
How did it make you feel?
It’s harmless, but it’s an annoyance. You don’t want to waste time choosing a dentist from a list on Google only to call the wrong office for yourself or a loved one.
Seeing a dentist doesn’t have to be a confusing chore. Keep reading to learn about the different types of dentists and save yourself some time today.
General Dentist
You can think of your general dentist as the quarterback for your teeth. Like any other coach, you schedule regular check-ins, receive progress reports, and plan for the future together. A practice like Bardill Dental provides a shining example of what to expect from these kinds of dentists.
Your general dentist handles the health of your teeth and can refer you to specialists in your area. 80% of the dentists in the United States fall into this category.
Reasons to Call a General Dentist
As the name suggests, a general dentist can care for most of your needs. Services from your friendly neighborhood dental practice will include:
- Dental examinations
- Dental cleanings
- Cavity fillings
- Dental X-rays
- Simple tooth extractions
Orthodontist
An orthodontist specializes in correcting teeth and jaw alignment for patients.
You may hear this referred to as malocclusion treatment. The more familiar terms include maladies like an underbite or overbite.
Reasons to Call an Orthodontist
Your general dentist may provide a referral after an examination. If you’re interested, call about these treatments:
- Braces
- Retainers
- Palate expanders
- Space maintainers
Endodontist
When you or a loved one have a nerve problem with your teeth, call an endodontist. Your general dentist will perform around 2 – 3 root canals per week, but this type of dentist averages 25 per week.
Most people see this type of dentist when they need the dreaded root canal. Your doctor has specialized training to provide care for the nerves, tissues, and vessels surrounding a tooth.
Reasons to Call an Endodontist
If someone hasn’t rushed you to an endodontist because you’re going through incredible pain, call this type of dentist for:
- Root canals
- Pain management
- Advanced radiology
Periodontist
A periodontist specializes in treating problems with your gums. Most people receive a referral from their general dentist after discovering gum disease.
When necessary, a periodontist office lengthens your dental crowns or installs dental implants.
Reasons to Call a Periodontist
You can call a periodontist for:
- Preventative treatment for gum disease
- Repairing damage from progressive gum disease
- Treating oral inflammation
Need More Types of Dentists?
The most common types of dentists anyone needs to call can be found in this article. Didn’t see what you needed on this list? Go to the American Dental Association’s website for a comprehensive list of the different types of dentists.
Did you find this article useful? Come back tomorrow for more posts that keep you healthy like this one.
