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The dental specialist in his/her particular area of expertise has at least two,
and often more, years of formal advanced training beyond the doctorate level.
These specialists are available to treat many of the more challenging,
difficult patients whose dental needs may best be met under their care. The
following is a list of the dental specialists along with an explanation of what
they do for their patients.
Dental Specialties
Endodontist
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Pediatric Dentistry
Periodontics
Prosthodontics
Dental Public Health
Endodontist
Dentists who practice this specialty are called endodontists. They are
specialists in the treatment of dental pulp, the interior tissue and nerves of
a tooth. Endodontists perform root canals, the removal of nerve tissue within
teeth and other procedures related to the treatment of the dental pulp.
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Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Dentists who practice this specialty are usually referred to as oral surgeons.
They are specialists in the surgical treatment of the oral cavity and the bones
within the face. Typical procedures they may perform include:
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Simple extractions
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Complex extractions involving removal of soft tissue or overlying bone or
remaining roots
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Impacted teeth (especially wisdom teeth) involving removal of soft tissue
and/or overlying bone
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Soft tissue biopsies
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Removal of tumors in the oral cavity
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Implant placement
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Complex jaw realignment surgeries (orthognathic surgery) involving facial or
bite discrepancies
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Jaw or facial fracture stabilization (repair of fractured cheek or jaw bones)
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Repair of soft tissue problems (cleft palate or lip)
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Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Dentists who practice this specialty are called oral pathologists. These
specialists diagnose biopsies and investigate the causes and treatments of
disease of the oral cavity and internal structures of the face.
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Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
Dentists who practice this specialty are called oral radiologists. They are
specialists in the production and interpretation of X-rays of teeth, the oral
cavity and the bony structures of the head.
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Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Dentists who practice this specialty are called orthodontists. They are
specialists in the movement of teeth or the adjustment of relationships between
and among teeth and facial bones. They accomplish this through the use of
bands, wires and other devices to align the teeth to assure proper bite and to
improve the smile of patients.
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Pediatric Dentistry
Dentists who practice this specialty are either called pediatric dentists or
pedodontists. They are specialists in providing dental care and treatment to
infants and children through adolescence.
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Periodontist
Dentists who practice this specialty are called periodontists. They are
specialists who diagnose and treat diseases of the supporting and surrounding
tissues of the teeth. Periodontists may perform procedures such as:
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Simple and deep pocket cleanings
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Root planing
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Crown lengthening procedures
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Soft tissue and/or bone grafting
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Gingival or flap procedures
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Soft tissue recontouring or removal (gingivoplasty or gingivectomy)
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Hard tissue recontouring (osteoplasty)
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Implant placement
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Prosthodontist
Dentists who practice this specialty are called prosthodontists. They are
specialists in the treatment of missing teeth or the restoration of natural
teeth. Prosthodontists may perform the following procedures:
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Crowns
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Bridges
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Partial or full dentures
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Implants
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Veneers
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TMJ [temporomandibular joint] treatments
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Dental Public Health
Dentists who practice this specialty are called public health dentists. They
are specialists in the prevention and control of dental diseases, the promotion
of overall dental health through organized community efforts and the education
of the general public about dental health.
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