Dentistry is not just limited to cleaning teeth or filling cavities. It is a wide field with many specializations. After completing a basic dental degree like BDS or DDS, some dentists start working right away, while some choose to study further to become specialists in a particular area.
Some specializations in the dentistry field are explained below in simple words.
General Dentistry
A general dentist is the first person you visit when you face any oral issue. They provide care such as cleaning teeth, filling cavities, treating minor gum problems, and doing simple tooth extractions.
They also guide people on how to keep their teeth healthy. General dentists can handle many basic dental problems, but if a case is complex, they refer the patient to a specialist.
Orthodontics
Orthodontics is the field that specially deals with correcting bite problems and straightening teeth. An orthodontist uses aligners, braces, and other devices to move teeth into the correct position.
People with problems like crooked teeth, gaps, overbite, underbite, or jaw alignment issues usually visit an orthodontist. Treatment may take months or even years, depending on the case.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral and maxillofacial is the surgical field in dentistry. Surgeons perform procedures related to the mouth, jaw, and face. They perform jaw correction surgery, dental implants, and treat facial injuries.
They are also the specialists who commonly perform wisdom teeth extraction, especially when the tooth is impacted. This field requires extra years of training and skills.
Periodontics
Periodontics is the specialization that deals with the gums and the bone that supports the teeth. A periodontist treats gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
A periodontist provides treatment when gums swell, bleed easily, or if there is bone loss around the teeth. A periodontist helps you to keep your gums healthy as it can affect your overall health.
Endodontics
Endodontics deals with pulp, which is the inside part of the tooth. An endodontist specializes in root canal treatment. Endodontists are experts in managing tooth pain and treating deep infections.
When a tooth causes severe pain or becomes infected, a root canal treatment is provided using a special tool to remove the infected pulp and save the tooth.
Prosthodontics
Another specialization is prosthodontics, which focuses on replacing damaged or missing teeth. A prosthodontist makes crowns, bridges, dentures, and veneers.
If someone loses a tooth due to decay or injury, a prosthodontist can replace it to restore function and appearance. They also handle complex cases where multiple teeth are missing.
Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric dentistry is the branch that specially deals with children’s dental care. A pediatric dentist treats babies, children, and teenagers. They also teach children about good oral hygiene habits.
Pediatric dentists treat issues related to baby teeth, early cavities, and growth of teeth and jaws. They are trained to handle children patiently and make them feel comfortable during treatment.
Oral Pathology
Oral pathology focuses on diagnosing diseases of the mouth. An oral pathologist usually works in laboratories and helps identify serious conditions.
Oral pathologists study infections, abnormal tissues, and oral cancer. They play a very important role in detecting diseases early and guiding proper treatment.
