Emergency Care
Anesthesia
Common Problems
Treatment Options
Good Dental Care
Infection Control
Dental Specialties
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DENTAL SPECIALTIES
Endodontics
Endodontists save teeth with root-canal therapy, which involves the soft inner tissue (pulp) of the teeth. They diagnose the causes of sensitive or painful teeth and may use non-surgical and surgical techniques to treat them. They also treat teeth that have suffered traumatic injuries, like cracks, or that have been knocked out (evulsed).
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Oral and maxillofacial pathologists identify disorders that affect the mouth and facial region. They research and diagnose conditions using clinical, radiographic, microscopic, biochemical or other examinations.
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
Oral and maxillofacial radiologists assist general dentists and other oral-health specialists in the diagnostic assessments of a range of diseases in the head and neck. Oral and maxillofacial radiologists also use enhanced imaging techniques for other diagnostic purposes, such as locating tumors, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, infectious diseases of the jaw, and in trauma cases. They also provide advice in regulatory compliance to state agencies, as well as to the dental profession, in the uses and advances in radiologic technology.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Often called oral surgeons, these specialists have a diverse role. They remove teeth, including wisdom teeth, and place dental implants. They perform surgery that involves the functional and aesthetic aspects of the facial bones, jaws and overlying soft tissues. They use intravenous sedation or general anesthesia in either a hospital or office setting.
Oral surgeons also treat injuries to the head, jaws and facial areas. They diagnose and treat oral and facial lesions, which often include cancer. They are the primary providers of orthognathic surgical procedures (aligning upper and lower jaws). They also treat temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ or TMD).
