Dentists diagnose and treat a variety of dental issues, including tooth decay, oral cancer, gum disease, and other oral health problems. They also provide basic wellness check-ups and exams, teeth cleanings, and restorative cosmetic procedures.
There are several types of dentists, including general, pedodontists, orthodontics, and periodontists. Each has a unique focus on a specific area of dentistry.
General dentists
Dentists in Arlington AZ provide patients with a range of dental services. They can also provide cosmetic solutions, braces and affordable dental insurance.
This list features five general dentists with a high Google rating and a corresponding number of reviews. They may not be the most expensive or technologically advanced, but they are still worth a look.
The best of the bunch is the Dental Depot in Arlington. The office is designed with the patient in mind and features 13 operatories spread over 5,500 square feet of space.
Pedodontists
Pedodontists, or pediatric dentists, specialize in the care of children’s teeth and mouths. They offer a wide variety of services, including dental exams and cleanings, as well as more complex surgeries and procedures.
They also provide counseling for parents on ways to help their children develop good oral hygiene habits. Dentists teach kids how to brush and floss correctly and how to avoid issues like thumb-sucking, which can damage their teeth and gums later on.
A pedodontist can help your child avoid the need for more expensive oral surgeries and treatments down the road. They can also detect problems early on, so you can take measures to correct them before they become serious.
Orthodontists
Orthodontists help patients improve their smiles and achieve a straighter, healthier mouth and jaw. Their work involves analyzing and diagnosing dental malocclusions, designing and fabricating appliances to realign teeth and jaws, and overseeing treatment.
Orthodontic treatments can correct tooth alignment, improve speech and chewing function, and reduce the risk of developing oral diseases like cavities or periodontal disease. They can also help prevent the development of conditions like TMJ or jaw joint disorders, which can cause headaches and other problems.
Before beginning orthodontic treatment, find an orthodontist you trust and who is comfortable working with you. Choose one who understands the importance of good oral hygiene and encourages you to make regular visits to their office.
Periodontists
Periodontists are specialists in gum disease treatment, bone grafting and dental implants. They have specialized training to work with gums and bones in the mouth, and are able to perform procedures before and after dental implant surgery to ensure that the procedure is successful.
Periodontal (gum) diseases damage the bone surrounding your teeth, resulting in loss of your natural teeth and jawbone degeneration. These problems are more likely to happen if you don’t have regular periodontal exams and maintenance.
Surgical treatments for gum disease such as tissue sculpting or a gum graft can reverse the effects of bone loss, and prevent additional bone loss from occurring in the future. In addition, careful techniques for tooth removal can stabilize your jawbone and make it a better foundation for dental implants.
Endodontists
Endodontists specialize in dental care involving the interior layers of a tooth, including the pulp and root canals. They perform procedures that save teeth that would otherwise be lost to tooth decay or infection.
If you’re experiencing pain and swelling in your tooth, it could be caused by an abscess. These abscesses can enlarge and become infected and cause a lot of discomfort. The best way to treat an abscess is to drain it with a procedure called a root canal or endodontic surgery. General dentists can perform these treatments but an endodontist has the expertise and equipment necessary to deal with more complex cases.
Oral pathologists
Oral pathologists are a crucial component of your oral healthcare team, assisting in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of dental conditions. They can help you avoid serious problems by identifying and treating early signs of tooth decay and gum disease.
Oral pathologists are also trained to perform the more complicated dental surgeries. These include wisdom teeth removal and corrective jaw surgery. In addition, they can help you get the most out of your dental visits by providing information about the latest technology and treatments. Some of these are even covered by your health insurance.
Prosthodontists
Prosthodontists specialize in restoration and replacement of teeth. They help patients maintain oral function, comfort and appearance through the use of prosthetics such as dental implants, crowns, bridges and dentures.
They are dentists with an advanced level of education and training. They must complete an initial four years of undergraduate study and a four-year dental school program before earning a three to four-year residency degree in prosthodontics.