Dentists have a much wider scope of care than many people are aware of. They are not only adept at filling cavities and whitening teeth, but did you know that many doctors specialize in certain areas? This allows the general practicing tooth doctors to cater to a broader range of the community's needs. This article will lay out their regular duties, as well as the many specialty areas practiced by them.
Among the office management duties that go along with any business or medical practice, general dentists' duties include educating their patients on proper oral care and oral disease prevention. They also perform routine cleanings, checkups, x-rays and preventive methods, cavity care, sealant application, diagnostics and even some oral surgery.
Years ago, if someone needed braces, they would expect to see an orthodontist. These days, it's possible that your family doctor also specializes in orthodontia. This is one example of how the industry is shifting to create better service and marketability for them.
Below are some of the areas of specialty many practice:
-Endodontics: Focus on root canals and related surgery. These types of doctors deal with tissues surrounding the root of the tooth.
-Orthodontics: These dental practitioner correct improper bites, irregularity and misaligned jaws
-Pediatric Dentistry: Tooth doctors who focus on children's dental care.
-Oral Pathology: They identify and manage the treatment needs of the oral and maxillofacial areas
-Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery: These doctors perform surgery to treat injuries, disease or malformations in the jaw, face and even neck areas as they relate to the bones and tissues of the jaw region.
-Prosthodontics: Doctors who specialize in prosthetics, regarding teeth or bone implants of the oral and jaw area.
-Public Health Dentistry: These dental practitioners work in preventing dental diseases and promoting dental health via the use of organized community efforts.
-Veterinary Dentistry: This area of specialty among oral doctor focuses on the dental needs of animals.
Aside from the above areas of expertise that at least 20% of all dental practitioners specialize in, the vast majority of general practitioners perform cosmetic dental treatment and procedures to improve the look of teeth and enhance the confidence of their patients.
As you can now see, oral doctor are bringing more to the table in terms of treatment and care options available under their roof. If you find yourself in need of any of the above- mentioned areas of care, begin by contacting your family dental practitioner. You may be able to receive the care you need.
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