It seems like everyone’s afraid of the dentist for one reason or another. Maybe you just don’t like the pain, maybe you’re worried that the dentist will know that you haven’t been taking care of your teeth, or maybe you’re just worried about the cost. Whatever the reason, it’s important to realize that there are different types of dentists out there, and each type of dentist can offer something unique.
One type of dentistry that you may not have considered is specialty dentistry. This is actually a kind of dentistry that is commonly overlooked, but what does this type of dentist do?
If you’re unfamiliar with the dental world you may have no idea what a specialty dentist is, and that’s okay. This article will explain everything you need to know about specialty dentists, and why they just might be the best option for you.
A Brief Rundown of Dentistry as a Whole
If we’re going to begin at the beginning, we’re going to have to take a look at dentistry as a medical discipline in general. You probably already know what dentistry is, but did you know that it’s actually a pretty broad field? Dentists can specialize in different areas, which we’ll get into later on. For now, let’s just take a look at some of the basics.
Dentists work together with you to treat and prevent disease in your mouth. This actually covers a few very specific areas, for example:
- Teeth:
- This is the most obvious one. Dentists clean your teeth, fill cavities, and extract teeth if necessary.
- Gums:
- Your gums are just as important as your teeth, and dentists can treat diseases of the gum tissue.
- Jaw:
- The bones in your jaw can be affected by dental problems, so dentists also work to keep these healthy.
- Throat:
- Many dental problems can actually affect the throat, so dentists also focus on this area.
Dentistry has come a long way in recent years, and there are now more options than ever before when it comes to treatment. For example, there are now more pain-free options available for those who are afraid of the dentist. There are also a variety of new technologies that can make dental procedures quicker and easier.
Of course, with all of these new advancements comes an increased cost. Dentistry is not cheap, and it’s important to be aware of that before you schedule an appointment. However, many people find that the cost is worth it when they consider how important their oral health is.
Dental insurance can also be an option if you’re looking for help subsidizing the cost of dental care. Many employers offer dental insurance as part of their benefits package, so it’s definitely worth looking into if you’re concerned about the cost.
Care credit could also be something worth looking into if cost is your only concern. With Care Credit, you can make monthly payments toward your dental care. This can be a great option if you don’t have dental insurance or if your insurance doesn’t cover the entire cost of the procedure.
Specialty Dentistry: Going Above and Beyond
Now that we have the proper foundation laid out, let’s take a look at specialty dentistry. As we mentioned before, specialty dentistry is a type of dentist that is often overlooked but can actually be very beneficial.
There are several different types of specialty dentists, and each one offers something unique. For example:
- Endodontists:
- Endodontists focus on the inside of the tooth. They treat problems such as root canals and dental pulp diseases. This type of dentist is able to treat conditions such as:
- Dental caries:
- This is the scientific name for cavities. Endodontists can fill cavities and prevent them from getting worse.
- Gum disease:
- This is a common problem that can lead to tooth loss if it’s not treated properly. Endodontists can treat gum disease and help you keep your teeth.
- Oral cancer:
- Oral cancer is a serious condition that can be deadly if it’s not caught early. Endodontists are trained to identify oral cancer and refer patients to the proper specialists for treatment.
- Dental caries:
- Endodontists focus on the inside of the tooth. They treat problems such as root canals and dental pulp diseases. This type of dentist is able to treat conditions such as:
Endodontics is one of the most popular types of specialty dentistry, but there are several others worth considering as well. Let’s take a look at some of the other options:
- Oral surgeons:
- Oral surgeons focus on surgical procedures such as dental implants, wisdom tooth extractions, and cleft palate repair. They also treat conditions such as TMJ disorders and oral cancers.
- Orthodontists:
- Orthodontists straighten teeth with braces or other devices such as aligners or headgear. They also work with patients who have jaw problems such as overbites or underbites.
- Pediatric dentists:
- Pediatric dentists focus on the dental care of children from infancy through adolescence. They provide preventive care, diagnosis, and treatment of dental problems for children.
- Prosthodontists:
- Prosthodontists focus on the replacement of missing teeth with artificial replacements such as dentures, bridges, or implants. They also treat patients who have facial deformities or who have had injuries to the face.
Each of these specialties is important in its own way, and each offers something unique that can benefit patients. For example, endodontists are able to treat conditions that other dentists may not be able to treat. Oral surgeons are trained to perform complicated procedures such as dental implants.
Orthodontists can straighten teeth with braces or other devices. Pediatric dentists focus on the dental care of children from infancy through adolescence. And prosthodontists focus on the replacement of missing teeth with artificial replacements such as dentures, bridges, or implants.
The bottom line is that specialty dentistry can make a big difference in your oral health. If you have a specific problem that needs to be treated, it’s important to see a dentist who specializes in that area. Not only will they be able to provide the best possible care for you, but they’ll also be able to answer any questions you may have about your condition or treatment options.
How Does One Become a Specialty Dentist?
So, what really separates a specialty dentist from a normal dentist? Let’s take a look at the process of becoming a specialty dentist.
It’s easiest to look at it in the form of steps, so here’s the step-by-step for becoming a specialty dentist:
- Finish your normal schooling:
- Everyone in the United States must finish kindergarten through 12th grade in order to move on to college except for in very specific circumstances, so this is the first step.
- Get a bachelor’s degree:
- The next step is to get a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. This is the minimum requirement for getting into dental school.
- Complete dental school:
- After you’ve finished your undergraduate studies, the next step is to complete four years of dental school at an accredited institution.
- Get licensed:
- In order to practice dentistry in the United States, you must be licensed in the state in which you plan to practice. Each state has its own requirements for licensure, so it’s important to check with your state board of dentistry for specific requirements.
- Complete a specialty program:
- The final step is to complete a two- to three-year specialty training program at an accredited institution. After you’ve completed the program, you’ll be a board-certified specialist.
So, as you can see, becoming a specialty dentist takes quite a bit of time and effort. However, it’s important to remember that this type of dentist can offer something unique and beneficial that other dentists may not be able to provide. If you have a specific dental problem or concern, it’s definitely worth considering seeing a specialist.
Of course, with all of this extra schooling comes an increased cost. Specialist programs can be expensive, and they often require students to take out loans in order to cover the cost of tuition. However, many people find that the investment is worth it when they consider how much better their oral health will be after completing the program.
There are also scholarships available for those who are interested in pursuing careers in dentistry or any other medical field. These scholarships can help offset some of the costs associated with becoming a dentist, so it’s definitely worth looking into if you’re concerned about affording dental school.
We felt this information was important to share because we realize that some people feel a bit more comforted when they know all the details. We want you to be as informed as possible before making any decisions about your oral health, and we hope that this article has helped you do just that.
Getting the Best Possible Care for Your Teeth
Even though the dentist might be scary for some people, it’s important to realize that there are different types of dentists out there. No matter what issues you might be having with your teeth, it’s important to find a dentist who can help you.
Making sure your mouth is healthy is important for your overall health, so it’s definitely worth considering seeing a specialist if you have any concerns. The bottom line is that you deserve the best possible care for your teeth, and we hope that this article has helped you understand why specialty dentistry makes a difference.
