You may think that all dentists do the same thing, but it turns out this isn’t true! There are many types of dentists that focus on a variety of treatment areas. This blog will help inform you about some of the different types of dentists and guide you on how to find the right one.
General Dentists
General dentists are what you are probably the most familiar with; they are known as family dentists who take care of your oral health on a regular basis. The majority of their work includes preventative oral care, including dental cleanings, X-rays, and at-home oral care education. They also work with restorative oral care such as tooth decay, cracked or chipped teeth, and whitening services. General dentists will also treat oral and root issues caused by gum disease. If needed, they can help guide you with getting braces, mouth guards, false teeth, and other treatments.
Even if you have a specific need, you don’t always need to go to a specialist! General dentists are trained in many different areas and may choose to further their experience and education in a specific dentistry area. We recommend asking your family dentist if they’ve trained in other areas; this is the best way to find out!
Specialty Dentists
As the name implies, specialty dentists specialize in certain aspects of dental health. For example, orthodontists (who install braces) focus on fixing misaligned teeth, jawbones, and other facial structures for cosmetic and functional reasons. Maxillofacial surgeons work with the hard and soft tissues in and around the mouth. They specialize in more invasive surgeries such as surgical jaw corrections, reconstructive surgeries, cancerous tissue extraction, and setting the foundation for false teeth. Periodontists work to prevent and treat various gum issues, including extreme gum inflammation, gum disease, skin grafting, and dental implants.
No matter what your dental situation is, the easiest step is to visit your general dentist first. They can assess the situation and determine if you need to go to a specialist or not. Some dentists, like Dr. Carmichael, can take care of a variety of needs, and some dentists prefer to coordinate treatment plans with others. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Carmichael, or if you have any questions, please contact us today!
