Our mouth is a unique part of our body that is composed of many working parts. It’s no wonder that in the world of dentistry there are many different specialists, focusing on the health and vitality of certain areas. When deciding on the best dentist in Los Angeles it can be difficult to know which to visit or if a specialist is right for you. Below is an overview of the different type of dentists and their unique specializations.
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Periodontist
If you’re experiencing discomfort or issues with your gums, you should see a periodontist. A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the treatment of gum, or periodontal, disease. They must complete the normal course of dental school with an additional two years. Periodontists focus on the diagnoses and treatment of gum disease.
Endodontist
An endodontist is a dentist who deals with the diagnoses, protection, and treatment pertaining to the dental pulp. The dental pulp is the center of the tooth, composed of soft connective tissue and nerves. This area is a soft, gelatinous, and delicate area that needs much protection, which is why both the dentin and enamel surround it. Injuries to the pulp, due to tooth decay for example, can result in the loss of a tooth. If you have severe tooth decay or are in need of a root canal, your dentist will likely lead you to an endodontist.
Pediatric Dentist
A pediatric dentist specializes in the development of a child’s teeth and their overall dental health. A regular dentist is able to assess a child’s teeth as well, but a child dentist has additional years of dental school training focused specifically on the needs of a child’s teeth. They are usually great at dealing with children, helping them to feel safe and comforted during their dental visit, and they have the well-being of the child’s health in mind as they grow. They are able to see and provide the best oral care or practices that will be best for the child as they age.
Orthodontist
An orthodontist deals with correcting the straightness of a person’s teeth and bite. You should see an orthodontist if you have overlapping teeth, crooked teeth, jaw problems, or an off-centered bite. With braces and retainers, an orthodontist can help straighten all the working components in your mouth.
Prosthodontist
A prosthodontist deals with a dental prosthesis which is a way to restore or reconstruct defects in the mouth. This may include missing teeth, missing parts of teeth, or missing certain structures in the jaw and palate. Prostheses can help improve chewing, aid in speech, and add to the overall aesthetics of one’s mouth or smile. The dental prosthesis can be permanent or removable, depending on the need for structure or the patient’s comfort desires. Overall, a prosthodontist aids in the basic supporting structures of your teeth. Here is a more extensive look into why you may want to see a prosthodontist.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
An oral/maxillofacial surgeon focuses on any problems relating to the hard and soft tissues of the mouth and jaw. These surgeries commonly include tooth extractions or corrective jaw surgery. This type of dentist is usually equipped with an anesthesiologist who can administer levels of sedation so that no pain is felt during surgery.
General Dentist
Of course, there is always the general dentist who deals with teeth cleaning and assessment of any serious issues in the mouth. A general dentist will be able to refer you to a specialized dentist if they find you may need one.
Best Dentist in Los Angeles
No matter what kind of dentist you may need, visiting one every 6 months is key to the overall success and health of your mouth. Keeping up with good oral hygiene is great, but sometimes it isn’t enough to keep our mouth healthy. Here at GLO Modern Dental, we have an array of dental options for you to explore. If you are researching the best dentist in Los Angeles, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team today.