Dental Specialists

What is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS)?

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dentists specially trained to preform surgical procedures on the mouth, jaws, face and neck. They handle complex issues such as: 

• Tooth extractions (especially wisdom teeth)
• Dental implants
• Jaw surgery (to correct alignment)
• Treatment of facial trauma
• Removal of tumors or cysts
• Biopsies for oral cancers 

What is a Periodontist?

Periodontists are dentists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease. They have had extensive training with two additional years of study after dental school. Periodontists preform procedures such as: 

• Deep Cleanings (Scaling and Root Planing)
• Gum graft surgeries
• Bone grafting
• Pocket Reduction surgery

Why is your dentist referring you to a Periodontist?

Your dentist has determined that your gums require special attention. The periodontist and dentist work together as a team to provide you with the highest level of care. They will combine their experience to recommend the best treatment available to you while keeping each other informed on your progress. By referring you to the specialist, your dentist is showing a strong commitment to your dental health.

What is an Endodontist?

An Endodontist is a dentist who specializes in diagnosing and treating problems inside the tooth, particularly involving the dental pulp (the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels). Their primary focus is root canal therapy, but they also treat traumatic dental injuries and preform procedures to save natural teeth whenever possible. Endodontists preform procedures such as:

• Root Canal treatments (and pretreatments)
• Endodontic surgery (like apicoectomy)
• Diagnosing tooth pain that is hard to pinpoint
• Treating cracked or injured teeth
• Managing complex dental infections

What is a Pediatric Dentist?

A pediatric dentist has at least two additional years of training beyond dental school. The additional training focuses on management and treatment of a child’s developing teeth, child behavior, physical growth and development, and the special needs of children’s dentistry. Although either type of dentist is capable of addressing your child’s oral health care needs, a pediatric dentist, his or her staff, and even the office dcor are all geared to care for children and to put them at ease. If your child has special needs, care from a pediatric dentist should be considered.

What is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating problems related to the alignment of teeth and jaws. Their main job is to straighten teeth, fix bite issues (like overbites, underbites, and crossbites), and ensure proper jaw alignment to improve oral function and appearance. Common  treatments they provide include:

• Braces (metal, ceramic, or clear) to straighten teeth
• Clear aligners (like Invisalign)
• Retainers to maintain teeth position after treatment
• Jaw growth modification in children and teens
• Surgical orthodontics in severe cases

They complete additional training after dental school to specialize in these areas. 

So why would you go to the orthodontist?

Your dentist or one of a parents might recommend seeing an orthodontist because they see a problem with your teeth or jaws. A child or an adult who doesn’t like the way his or her teeth look might ask to see an orthodontist.