Types of Dentists and Their Specialties

When considering a visit to the dentist, it's important to recognize that there are various types of dental professionals, each with unique expertise. These specialists concentrate on different areas of oral health to ensure your teeth, gums, and jaw remain healthy and aesthetically pleasing. The most common type of dentist is a general dentist, whom you may have visited for routine check-ups and basic dental care. In addition to general dentists, there are specialized practitioners, such as oral surgeons and orthodontists. These specialists undergo additional education beyond that of a general dentist, allowing them to concentrate on specific branches of dentistry and provide advanced treatment options.

Here’s a simple guide to help you understand the various kinds of dentists and why you might need to see each one.

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1. General Dentists: Your Primary Oral Healthcare Provider

When you mention going to the dentist, most likely you are visiting a general dentist. These dentists have a good overall understanding of your teeth and gums and how they relate to your overall health. During a typical visit for a check-up and cleaning, you’ll usually see a general dentist at the end to check for any problems. They handle various procedures like fixing cavities, performing root canals, and putting on dental crowns. If there’s an issue that requires special care, they can refer you to a specialist. Dr. Moini of Keys Dental Specialists, is a general dentist and is available to see new patients in the Key West area.

It’s important to know that general dentists are not the same as dental hygienists. Hygienists don’t have the same level of training as dentists. They mainly focus on cleaning your teeth, checking for basic issues, and taking X-rays during your visit. However, they cannot diagnose any diseases or provide treatments for them.

Reasons To See a General Dentist

You would visit a general dentist for regular dental check-ups and cleanings. They can also help with common issues, like fixing cavities, doing root canals, or putting in crowns. If you have other dental concerns, a general dentist can assess your situation and refer you to a specialist if needed.

2. Orthodontists: Braces and Clear Aligners

Orthodontics is a part of dentistry that deals with bite problems, specifically when teeth don't fit together properly, known as malocclusion. When your teeth are not aligned correctly in your jaw, orthodontists help by providing treatments to straighten them. Proper alignment of your teeth can lower the chances of getting cavities, gum disease, and wearing away your tooth enamel. Orthodontists are specialized doctors who have spent an extra two to three years in training after finishing dental school. Unlike regular dentists, they don’t perform procedures like crowns, bridges, or fillings.

Reasons To See an Orthodontist

If you have issues with your teeth, you would visit an orthodontist. They provide treatments to help straighten your teeth and improve your smile. Common options include braces, clear aligners, and retainers. These treatments can help with problems like teeth that are too close together, overlap, or misalignments like underbites and overbites. They can also help if some teeth are stuck and can’t come in properly.

3. Endodontists: Root Canal Experts

Endodontists are dental specialists who focus on treating tooth pain and performing root canals. After completing dental school, they spend an additional two to three years training in this area. While general dentists can often help with root canals, there are situations where the damage to a tooth is too serious for them to handle. Endodontists have the advanced skills and techniques needed to save your natural teeth, helping you avoid the need for tooth extraction. Dr. Gittess, of Keys Dental Specialists, is a endodontist, and is an expert in complex root canal surgeries.

Reasons To See an Endodontist

You might need to see a specialist called an endodontist if you have a serious tooth problem that needs more than just a regular root canal treatment. They can also help if you're experiencing tooth pain but aren’t sure why it’s happening. An endodontist can figure out what’s causing the pain and recommend the best way to treat it.

4. Periodontists: The Gum Specialists

Periodontists, who are often called gum specialists, are dentists who focus on problems with the gums. Many people are sent to a periodontist when they have serious gum issues that a regular dentist can’t handle on their own. Gum disease, which includes conditions like gingivitis, can seriously impact your oral health. You might notice signs of gum problems if your gums bleed, feel swollen, or if you have loose teeth or pain in your gums.

Periodontists can help treat these gum issues, but they also perform dental implant procedures. Dental implants are a way to replace teeth that are missing or have been taken out. They are placed directly into the jawbone through the gums, which is why people often go to a periodontist for this kind of treatment. Dr. Perez, of Keys Dental Specialists, is a periodontist and is available to see new patients in the Key West area.

Reasons To See a Periodontist

If your gum disease is very serious and can't be treated by a regular dentist, you might be sent to a periodontist. This is a special type of dentist who focuses on treating gum issues and helping with dental implants. They also offer other treatments to keep your gums healthy, like deep cleaning and surgeries to improve the look of your gums, such as gum grafting.

5. Oral Surgeons: Experts in Complex Procedures

An oral surgeon is a dental specialist with advanced training and expertise. They don’t just complete dental school; they also go through an additional four to six years of specialized training called a residency. Oral surgeons perform serious operations that involve the gums, teeth, and jaw. Their work covers a wide range of procedures, including removing teeth (like wisdom teeth), fixing issues after accidents, and treating certain cancers in the head, neck, and mouth. Additionally, they are skilled in giving anesthesia to keep patients comfortable during these procedures and can also identify and treat various oral health problems. Dr. Eberle, of Keys Dental Specialists, is a board certified oral surgeon, and is available to assist you with complex oral surgery procedures. Dr. Eberle is one the leading experts in complex full mouth dental implant cases, All-on-4 Dental Implants, and Zygomatic Implants.

Reasons To See an Oral Surgeon

The most common reason you may see an oral surgeon is to get wisdom teeth extracted, but they can also do simple and complex extractions of any teeth. They also can do reconstructive surgery for dental victims, soft tissue biopsies, tumor removal, jaw realignment surgery, or implant repositioning.

6. Pediatric Dentists: Dentists for Kids

Pediatric dentists, or pedodontists, are dentists who focus on the dental care of children, from infants to teenagers. They use friendly and approachable methods to make dental visits easier for kids, helping them develop good oral hygiene habits early on. These specialists are trained to handle common dental issues that children might face as they grow, ensuring that their teeth and gums stay healthy as they develop.

‍Reasons To See a Pediatric Dentist

You might consider taking your child to a pediatric dentist if they're having difficulty learning the important habits for taking care of their teeth. These dentists are also helpful for kids who feel nervous or scared about visiting a regular dentist. Pediatric dentists know how to handle common dental issues that can affect children, such as thumb sucking or baby teeth that won't come out when they should.

7. Prosthodontists: Teeth Replacement Experts

Prosthodontics is a field focused on creating artificial teeth and dental devices. Professionals in this area design and build things like crowns, bridges, implants, and dentures, which are types of replacements for missing or damaged teeth. These specialists have advanced training that allows them to perform work that general dentists might not be able to handle. Additionally, they also take care of issues related to jaw pain, known as TMJ disorders.

‍Reasons To See a Prosthodontist

If you need dental work like crowns, bridges, or repairs, a general dentist can usually help you out. However, for more complicated situations, you might be referred to a specialist called a prosthodontist. This is also true if you have issues with jaw pain, known as TMJ disorders; your general dentist may recommend seeing a prosthodontist for further assistance.

Do You Need a Referral to See a Specialist?

If you need special dental care, your regular dentist might send you to a specialist who focuses on that type of treatment. However, sometimes you can see a specialist without needing a referral from your dentist. It's a good idea to check with your insurance company and the specialist's office to understand their rules and what you need to do. At our multispecialty dental office in Key West, FL, we have a team of specialists and in most cases, a referral is not needed.

Does Insurance Cover Specialist Dentist Visits?

If you’re dealing with complicated dental problems that your regular dentist can’t manage, it might be a good idea to see a dental specialist. Many dental insurance plans cover two visits to a general dentist each year. However, when it comes to seeing a specialist, things can get a bit confusing. While some insurance providers do cover specialist visits, they often charge higher fees, which can mean a larger payment out of your pocket. You might find that the cost is about double what you'd pay for a general dentist. Additionally, some insurance plans have yearly limits that prevent you from seeing a specialist for certain expensive treatments. The best thing to do is call your dentist and ask if they take your insurance.

How to Know Which Specialist to See

Your general dentist plays a crucial role in your overall dental care by serving as the first point of contact for any oral health concerns. They possess a broad understanding of various dental issues and are trained to thoroughly evaluate your specific situation, whether you are experiencing routine issues like cavities or more complex problems such as gum disease or jaw misalignment. After conducting a comprehensive examination, including diagnostic imaging if necessary, your dentist can identify the need for specialized care. They will then offer personalized recommendations for the appropriate specialist, such as an orthodontist for braces, a periodontist for gum-related treatments, or an oral surgeon for surgical procedures. This collaborative approach ensures that you receive the best possible care tailored to your individual needs.

What is a Multispecialty Dental Office

A multispecialty dental office is rare, but it offers a great advantage. In this type of office, you’ll find not just general dentists, but also a group of specialists who work together to address all your dental needs. This means instead of being sent to different locations for specialized care, you can have all your treatments in one place. This setup is convenient and can save you both time and money. Keys Dental Specialists in Key West is an example of a multispecialty office, featuring a team of general dentists, oral surgeons, gum disease experts, and root canal specialists all under one roof.

Finding the Best Dentist in Key West

If you're unsure which type of dentist you need, start with your general dentist. They can guide you in the right direction and ensure you receive the appropriate care for a healthy, confident smile.

At Keys Dental Specialists, we bring together experts from multiple dental specialties to provide comprehensive care under one roof. Whether you need a routine check-up, orthodontic treatment, or dental implants, our team is here to help you achieve your best smile. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your appointment!