Dental Specialties

Advanced deterioration of a patient's teeth usually creates issues besides loss of tooth or tooth structure which can be addressed by our office. Often, periodontal (or osseous) surgery is necessary to reposition bone and gum tissue to lay a new foundation for the restorations (bone and gum grafting). Additionally, orthodontics may be needed to move the teeth into a more favorable position to allow the anchoring of new teeth. Many teeth we treat at our office may have had root canal therapy, and if they show signs of failing, may need retreatment by an endodontist (root canal specialist).

This wide range of treatments may seem overwhelming, however, once completed, they will facilitate the very best dental environment for rehabilitation.

Our doctors and staff will always recommend the best local specialist to treat any additional issues we may come across.

What is a Periodontist?
Periodontists are dentists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. They have had extensive training with two additional years of study after dental school. As specialists, they devote their time, energy, and skill to helping patients care for their gums. A periodontist is one of the eight dental specialists recognized by the American Dental Association.

What is an Endodontist?
The endodontist examines, diagnoses, and treats diseases and destructive processes, including injuries and abnormalities of dental pulps and periapical tissues of the teeth.

Endodontists examine patients and interpret radiographs and pulp tests to determine pulp vitality and periapical tissue condition. They evaluate their findings and prescribe a method of treatment to prevent loss of teeth.

What is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a specialist dentist who prevents and treats mouth, teeth, and jaw problems. Using braces, retainers, and other devices, an orthodontist helps straighten a person's teeth and correct the way the jaws line up.

Orthodontists treat children (and adults!) for many oral problems, including having crowded or overlapping teeth, or problems with jaw growth and tooth development. These tooth and jaw problems may be caused by tooth decay, losing baby teeth too soon, accidents, or habits like thumb sucking. These problems also can be genetic or inherited.

Your dentist or one of your parents might recommend seeing an orthodontist if they notice a problem with your teeth or jaws. A person who doesn't like the way his or her teeth look might ask to see an orthodontist.

What is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (OMS)?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dentists specializing in surgery of the mouth, face, and jaws. After four years of dental school, surgeons receive four to seven years of hospital-based surgical and medical training, preparing them to do a wide range of procedures including all types of surgery of both the bones and soft tissues of the face, mouth, and neck.

What is a Pediatric Dentist?
A pediatric dentist has at least two additional years of training beyond dental school. The additional training focuses on management and treatment of a child’s developing teeth, child behavior, physical growth and development, and the special needs of children’s dentistry. Although either type of dentist is capable of addressing your child’s oral health care needs, a pediatric dentist, his or her staff, and even the office décor are all geared to care for children and to put them at ease. If your child has special needs, care from a pediatric dentist should be considered.