A Guide to Specialty Dentistry

The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes nine specialties of dental medicine. This overview is intended for consumers to give them an overview of each dental specialty and for those seeking specialty dental treatment, including orthodontists in Pearland.

Public Health Dentistry is generally concerned with preventing health problems associated with poor oral hygiene or lack of adequate dental care in large populations. These non-clinical specialists may visit schools or prepare governmental reports about the incidence of dental-related illness in given communities.

Endodontics focuses on the care and treatment of the pulp and the root of the tooth. Endodontists most typically perform root canals, although they also deal extensively in tooth trauma, such as cracked teeth.

Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologists are dentists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and diseases of the mouth and gums. These include: salivary gland disorders, fungal infections, canker sores, halitosis, herpes simplex and cancer.

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology is the dental specialty that deals with the interpretation of diagnostic imaging. X-ray, CT scan, cone imaging, MRI and ultrasound are some of the tools utilized by these specialists.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are always dentists; they are often medical doctors as well. They specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the mouth, face, neck and jaws, including severely impacted teeth, diagnosis and treatment of cancers, reconstructive surgeries, surgeries to correct malformations including cleft palate and surgical procedures to treat disorders of the jaw, such as TMJ.

Orthodontics deals with malocclusions, or improper bites, caused by jaw misalignment, irregular teeth, or both. Orthodontic treatment has both cosmetic and health benefits. Although orthodontists specialize in creating beautiful smiles, poorly aligned teeth wear unevenly, sometimes leading to pain in the bone or muscle, or even tooth loss. Crowded teeth are difficult to clean properly and can promote tooth decay. When necessary a general dentist may refer patients to a Pearland orthodontist for a consultation.

Pediatric Dentists specialize in the care and treatment of developing children. In an effort to promote lifelong dental health, they also strive to make dental visits fun and non-threatening. For this reason, many pediatric dentists have extensive training in child psychology.

Periodontics is the specialized field of dentistry that deals exclusively with the diagnosis and treatment of the diseases of the gums. Untreated gum disease can ultimately lead to bone loss, and is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States.

Prosthodontics is the dental specialty concerned with restoring lost teeth. Prosthodontists are trained to fit and place dentures, bridges, crowns, implants and veneers.

General Dentists are licensed to practice in all areas of dentistry. They typically perform a complete examination of the teeth and soft tissues, including diagnostic radiography to determine the patient's overall dental health.

Bio: Charles Banach has been involved in health care around Houston for over 20 years. He writes for a number of websites on various health issues including such things as orthodontics in Pearland, Texas as well as other dental issues concerning the citizens of Greater Houston.