Dental care is an integral part of human health. A general dentist provides primary care for oral health needs, including preventive education, diagnoses, treatment, and management. The most common dental conditions include bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, toothaches, mouth sores, and cosmetic needs. So what are the qualifications, specialization, and services of a dentist?  

Dentist Qualification

A dentist must qualify with a degree in Doctor of Dental Medicine or Doctor of Dental Surgery. There is no difference between the two courses as the curriculum requirement for dental studies is standardized. An individual qualifies as a general dentist after undertaking four years of studies at a dental school and at least three years of undergraduate studies. Any dental specialist needs to undergo additional post-graduate training.   

Types of Dental Specialists

Endodontist: This specialist performs root canal treatment and surgical root procedures. The endodontist primarily deals with the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and injuries affecting the dental pulp and tooth nerve.

Oral radiologist: The radiologist uses x-ray data to diagnose and manage any oral or maxillofacial conditions. Thus, the specialist is responsible for processing and interpreting dental x-ray images.

Oral surgeon: As a specialist in oral medicine, surgeons undergo up to eight years of specialized dental training. The surgeon performs different types of surgical procedures in the mouth and jaw regions.

Oral pathologist: A specialist whose primary focus is identifying the causes of diseases affecting the teeth, lips, jaws, or cheeks. Primarily, an oral pathologist provides a diagnosis of the tissue originating from dental caregivers.  

Orthodontist: A dental specialist who offers health care diagnosis, prevention, and management of malocclusion. The term malocclusion refers to the dental condition of missing, crowded, extra teeth, and mal-aligned teeth formation. Ideally, the orthodontist straightens the teeth through braces and corrective appliances like tooth retainers. 

Periodontist: Specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of gums and jaws that support the teeth. Thus, they treat gum and bone diseases.  

Dentist Services 

Dentists provide teeth cleaning and whitening services. Typically, cleaning involves removing residue from the teeth surface to prevent tooth decay, while whitening removes stains for aesthetic reasons. Also, dentists conduct dental examinations and x-rays to diagnose teeth diseases. Dentists replace missing teeth through dental implants and dentures. These replacements help to restore tooth function.

People with mal-aligned teeth can seek orthodontics services to regain their self-esteem. Patients suffering from sleep apnea can get oral appliances from dentists to help control their breathing at night. Lastly, dentists offer prevention care advice on dental conditions through oral hygiene, nutrition, and drug avoidance. 

Dentists are essential in managing oral problems. Maintain oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are vital steps in managing dental conditions. More so, learning about dental services and specialists can go a long way in getting proper oral health care. 

Contact a company like Signature Smiles Greenville to learn more.