26 Jan 2023 Dentists are medical experts or doctors who treat diseases related to teeth, gums and mouth. We all must have visited a dentist once or twice in our lifetime. There are various diseases that may occur in our mouth, including cavities, gingivitis, gum disease etc. Other problems that can occur in our mouth are irregular teeth, lack of space for wisdom teeth, sores on gums etc. For treating different problems related to the mouth, there are different segments of dentistry. We often think that dentists alone can solve any problem related to tooth and mouth. But just like other fields of medicine, dentistry is also a vast area of knowledge. Let us look at some points that can help us choose the right dentist:-
#1. Getting Referrals: –
We often search for relevant information on any subject on the internet and search for reviews. Apart from this, we might also ask our coworkers, friends, and relatives based on their personal experiences. Similarly, when searching for a dentist we may follow the same. Getting referrals is one of the best options to find the option we are searching for. After you get the referral, do not forget to check the reviews online. If found satisfactory, book an appointment on a date that is suitable for you.
#2. Research on the clinic: –
Check with the board certification of the dentist and the clinic you choose to visit for your dental checkup as it is one of the most important factors that you need to consider when you are choosing a dentist or a dental clinic.
It exactly tells you and informs you whether the dentist has the necessary training, skills and experience to provide healthcare in general dentistry. Additionally, you also need to confirm that the dentist has no previous history of malpractice of any kind or any claims filed against him or disciplinary actions. You can also research and find the dentist’s educational background, training institutes or hospitals, certifications etc.
#3. Consider the dentist’s experience: –
The experience of any doctor matters. Similar is it with a dentist. The experience of the dentist matters. His skills in resolving critical dental problems of patients in the past create his legacy as a dentist and make him more trustworthy. Dentists are of various categories such as orthodontists and endodontists. You may review as to how many patients with critical orthodontic and endodontic procedures has the dentist actually treated and how successful has the treatment been.
#4. Evaluate Communication Style: –
Always try to choose a dentist with whom you can feel comfortable talking and who supports your information needs, without feeling overwhelmed and disgusted. When you first meet the dentist, the first thing you expect is a good response and polite behavior. Ask the dentist a question and observe his or her response. Find yourself a dentist who shows an interest in your problems and who considers your treatment preferences, and who respects your decision-making process, at the same time.
#5. Read patient reviews in the clinic: –
Reading what other people have said about the dentist can provide valuable insight of how the dentist operates and how the patients felt after getting treatment from the dentist. Did their problem get resolved or they are facing the same problem over and over again. If you find that the patients trust the dentist, you can conclude that their problems must have been resolved and they left the clinic happy, after their treatment.
#6. Know your budget: –
Before visiting any clinic, you should consider the cost, whether it is affordable by you and whether your medical insurance covers the expenses required for the treatment.
It is also important that you share your exact problems with your dentist without hiding any aspect of it. Not revealing all your dental problems will only cause problems for you in the future. After all you have come to the dentist for a purpose. Get it resolved at the earliest and complete your treatment.
Just like other fields of medicine, dentistry is also divided into various categories listed as below:-
#1. General Dentist.
#2. Pedodontist or Pediatric Dentist.
#3. Orthodontist.
#4. Periodontist or Gum Specialist.
#5. Endodontist or Root Canal Specialist.
#6. Oral Pathologist or Oral Surgeon.
#7. Prosthodontist.
We may however not be aware of which field of dentistry would work for us and exactly resolve our problems. For this it is best to visit a general dentist first and get the initial checkup done. After that based on the condition of your tooth and gums, your dentist will recommend the treatment that will suit your needs.
What types of dental treatment do dentist specialists provide?
General Dentists
General dentists are the dentists or dental clinics we are used to visit since childhood. They are essentially primary care oral health providers and the most common types of dentists. General Dentists can be visited for teeth cleanings and routine dental exams. A general dentist will first and foremost evaluate your teeth and gums, as well as conduct treatments such as cavity removal, root canals, and dental crowns, depending on your need.
Your general dentist will refer you to other types of dentists, in case you require them and they are not specialized for that field.
Pedodontist or Pediatric Dentists
They specialize in the field of dental care and treatments for children and youth. They are also known as Pedodontist are they treat infants, children and teenagers with their dental problems and oral diseases. They have a child-friendly approach and usually a lot of patience to carry out the treatment of children.
Orthodontists
Orthodontists are dentists who specialize in teeth and jaw alignment, using wires, braces, retainers, and such other dental devices. In case you have an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or misaligned teeth, you may be referred to an orthodontist for correction treatment or measures. It has become very common nowadays.
Periodontists or Gum Specialists
Periodontists or gum specialists treat the diseases of the gums and also helps in repairing them if possible. A general dentist assists in the prevention of gum disease and a periodontist provides the treatment for tissue damaged as a result of gum disease. You may also be referred to a periodontist by your dentist for dental implant procedures.
Endodontists or Root Canal Specialists
Endodontists or root canal specialists deal specifically with issues that affect the nerves of the tooth and the pain and irritation associated with it. They are specialized to perform root canals, as and when they find it necessary due to tooth decay around the tooth’s nerve.
Oral Pathologists and Oral Surgeons
Oral pathologists and surgeons are specialized in the treatment of the oral diseases of our teeth and jaw. The conditions may essentially include problems with impacted wisdom teeth, oral reconstruction, misaligned jaws, and cancers of the mouth, head, and neck. They are trained in performing oral surgery and may work in close connection with the ear, nose, and throat specialists (ENTs) to treat issues such as sleep apnea and facial trauma, due to accident or surgery.
Prosthodontists
Prosthodontists repair teeth and the jaw bones. They are experts who provide cosmetic dentistry, or treatments that help to improve the appearance of the teeth, such as teeth whitening and veneers. They are also suitable for people with dentures, crowns, and bridges.