Don't Let a Missing Tooth Hold You Back in Life

Which Dentist Is Right For You?

by Wyatt Morgan

Dentists are important for helping prevent and treat many oral complications. If you haven't been to the dentist in a while, you may have a lot of questions, including which dentist you should choose. If you would like to know more, keep reading.

General Family Dentist

Your general family dentist is your best ally in the fight for good oral health for the whole family. Naturally, general family dentists provide preventative care, such as examinations, cleanings, and X-rays. However, they also provide many restorative procedures, such as fillings and gingivitis treatments.  

Thanks to the growing demand for cosmetic dentistry, many general family dentists also provide some common cosmetic dental procedures, such as:

  • Teeth whitening
  • Dental crowns/veneers
  • Dental bridge
  • Invisible braces

On top of that, a general family dentist sees patients of all ages, which means they have the skills and knowledge to care for children, teens, adults, and seniors. This is incredibly important because your oral needs and concerns change as you age. For example, older patients are more prone to gum disease and advanced tooth loss.

Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric dentists only treat children, giving them a lot of knowledge and experience in treating kids. In turn, this can better help your and your child protect their oral health now and in the future. Pediatric dentists may provide:

  • Sealants
  • Fluoride treatments
  • Extraction of stubborn baby teeth

In addition, they can also provide the same preventative and restorative procedures as a general family dentist. Depending on the pediatric dentist, they may also provide orthodontic treatments, including treatments to prepare for braces, such as palatal expanders.

Specialists

There are many types of dental specialists, including:

  • Cosmetic dentists
  • Orthodontists
  • Endodontists
  • Periodontists

Cosmetic dentists may provide more advanced cosmetic procedures, such as porcelain crowns and dental implants. They may also have more education and training, giving them an upper hand in correcting other cosmetic dental procedures. Similarly, an orthodontist can help improve your smile with various types of braces.

If you have severe oral health concerns, you may also need a specialist. Endodontists treat problems with the tooth's pulp. As a result, they largely perform root canal treatment. A periodontist, on the other hand, treats major issues with the gums. They may provide surgical treatments for advanced gum disease.

For the most part, your general family dentist and pediatric dentist can protect your entire family's oral health. However, your dentist may refer you to a specialist for more complex treatments and complications. For more information, contact a dentist near you.

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