DENTAL HEALTH…DENTAL SPECIALTIES

May 29, 2016 News

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By Dr. Neromini Fagu
Ever wonder what is meant by endodontics, orthodontics or periodontics? Well wonder no more. This week

we will talk about the various specialties in dentistry as recognized by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) and American Dental Association (ADA). You may be surprised to know that some areas you might think are specialties are in fact not. Before we begin I would like to talk a bit about a General Dentist.
When you go to your family dentist, chances are that you are visiting a general dentist. General dentists have a wide array of knowledge in all areas of clinical dentistry including preventative, restorative, and surgical treatments. In basic terms, a general dentist is comparable to a Family Doctor.
But, if something is wrong with your heart there is only so much your family doctor will be able to do before referring you to a heart specialist, a Cardiologist.
Some general dentists choose to obtain additional training in a dental specialty. This training can take anywhere from two to six years. These specialists are focused on one specific area and often would have more knowledge in that specific area. This is not to say that your general dentist is not as capable in those specific areas but only that they might refer complicated cases to a specialist. The following are the nine areas of specialty, with the year they were recognized by the ADA in brackets.
Dental Public Health (1976): This specialty focuses on preventing and controlling dental diseases and promoting dental health through organized community efforts.The concept of public health dentistry is that communities are treated as a whole, rather than individuals as patients. Public health dentists persuade communities to adopt better oral health policies, for example water fluoridation.
Endodontics (1983): This specialty is concerned with the dental pulp (nerve) and periradicular tissues. It focuses on root canal techniques and procedures in greater depth.Endodontists are dentists who specialize in maintaining teeth through endodontic therapy. Your dentist may refer you to an endodontist if there is severe curvature of the roots of your tooth that needs a root canal or for other complicated cases.
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (1991): Oral and maxillofacial pathology refers to the diseases of the mouth, jaws and related structures such as salivary glands, temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and facial muscles. This specialist investigates the causes, processes, and effects of these diseases. If your dentist suspects that you have a disease, he or she might send out your x-rays and a biopsy of the suspected tissue to an oral pathologist.
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (2001): Oral and maxillofacial radiologists analyze radiographic images (x-rays) for issues of the maxillofacial area.They are experts in viewing radiographs and interpreting them. Their eyes are trained to find the slightest discrepancies from the norm, and diagnose abnormalities in the facial structures.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (1990): You might better know the oral and maxillofacial surgeons as the dentists that normally remove complicated wisdom teeth. However, oral surgeons also perform surgery on the jaw, face, and gums,surgically remove tumors in the facial area, perform reconstructive and cosmetic surgery of the face after you’ve been in a traumatic accident, as well as do TMJ surgery.
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (2003): If you want to straighten your teeth, you need an orthodontist. They are the people who are specialized in putting in braces. Dentofacial orthopedic specialists correct facial deformities using many of the same types of appliances used in teeth straightening therapy.
Pediatric Dentistry (1995): Pediatric dentists provide specialized care for infants, children and teenagers. They are trained to recognize and treat dental problems that are specific to children.
Periodontics (1992): This is the specialty that deals with the health of the structures around the tooth: the gingiva (gums) and bone. If you start developing gum disease, a periodontist can help you get back to having healthy gums. They also perform gum surgery and gum grafts.
Prosthodontics (2003): Prosthodontists make prosthetic (artificial) teeth. They are specialists in making crowns, bridges, partial dentures, and dentures. Many general dentists do all of these procedures and refer the more difficult cases out to prosthodontists.
Unfortunately, in Guyana there are not very many dental specialists. However, many local general dentists are constantly upgrading their skills by travelling overseas to take hands-on continuing education courses. These courses in a condensed period of time impart to the dentists the skills for various dental procedures.

For more information contact OMNI DENTAL at 295 Quamina Street, Georgetown Tel: 227-0025, Parika Tel: 260-3133 or send emails to [email protected].

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