For the average individual, a dentist is a dentist, right? Wrong! A majority of people are accustomed to routine cleanings, exams, and occasional fillings that are mostly conducted by a general dentist. But sometimes you will be referred to a specialist for smile restoration or surgery. Dentistry Phoenix AZ has several specializations that we will deconstruct in this piece.
General dentistry
Every dentist must have been a general dentist at some point before specializing. General dentistry focuses on promoting dental health and preventing or controlling dental infections. Practices include fillings, routine exams, and check-ups.
Orthodontics
This branch specializes in correcting the position of your jaws and teeth. Orthodontists realign crooked or misaligned teeth using tools such as braces and Invisalign.
Pediatric dentistry
Kids need specialized dental treatment due to their delicate nature. Pediatric dentistry focuses on children’s oral health and development.
Oral and maxillofacial pathology
As the term may suggest, it is a specialty that looks into diseases affecting the jaws, mouth, and adjacent structures such as perioral skin, salivary glands, and facial muscles. Mostly, the specialist will focus on laboratory examination and management of particular diseases.
Prosthodontics
This branch of dentistry Phoenix AZ restores and replaces severely damaged or lost teeth. Prosthodontists have a precise understanding of everything that goes into a functional, attractive, and natural-looking smile and teeth alignment.
Endodontics
The branch covers root canal specialists who focus on the tooth’s pulp. Root canal treatments aim at saving the tooth through removing the infected pulp, cleaning the tooth, and sealing it.
Oral and maxillofacial surgery
This dentistry practice in Phoenix AZ specialty treats issues affecting the soft and hard tissues located on the jaw, face, and mouth. These surgeons focus on complex oral surgical procedures such as tooth extractions and cleft lip or palate restoration.
As discussed above, dentistry holds many branches, with each holding an aim. Each division requires intensive further study and practice.
