Periodontists are specialists when it comes to treating a variety of different conditions related to the gums. In most cases, they treat cases of gum disease, which is an infection caused by inadequate oral care. With treatments such as root scraping and straightening, gum flap surgery and gum grafting, periodontists can help treat cases of disease. A periodontist focuses on treating the structures that support the teeth and placing dental implants. They have experience with gum disease, which is often the underlying cause of unhealthy or missing teeth.
Your periodontist can diagnose and treat gum diseases, such as gingivitis and also periodontitis, a disease of the gums and bones. A prosthodontist specializes in restoring or replacing teeth using implants, veneers, crowns, bridges, and other methods. Prosthodontists must complete at least three additional years of graduate training after dental school in an ADA-accredited prosthodontic program. They use bridges, crowns, veneers, dentures, dental implants, and inlays to restore missing teeth. Some specially trained prosthodontists can replace missing parts of the face and jaw with prosthetic devices. It can be difficult for patients to know which dentist does what.
Orthodontists and endodontists are two other specialties within dentistry. Orthodontists specialize in straightening teeth while endodontists specialize in root canals. Like prosthodontists, they can perform oral surgery, but they focus on a different area, such as managing diseases affecting the gums and bones around the teeth, as well as dental implants. Knowing the difference between a periodontist and a prosthodontist will do a lot of good in finding the right dentist for you. For more information about the different specialties of an endodontist, a periodontist and a prosthodontist, contact Kennewick Dental.
