Most people don't think about the branches of dentistry until our dentist refers us to one. We believe that our regular dentist can cure all of our dental issues, but that's not always the case.

Similar to medicine, dentistry also has its own set of specialists. While a general dentist is knowledgeable enough to address most basic dental issues, they may not be qualified to treat the more complex ones. This is when they may refer you to a specialist.

Types of Dental Specialists

A dental specialist takes 2 to 3 years of specialty training after dental school to become qualified enough for the job. Depending on your needs and dental issue, your dentist will likely refer you to one of the following specialists.

• Endodontist: This is the specialist that can give most people anxiety, as an endodontist specializes in root canals. With the advancement in dental technology, a root canal is nearly not as painful as people expect it to be. And with a good endodontist, the experience can be much more pleasant than you believe.
• Periodontist: The gum and bones around your teeth are as crucial to your oral health as the teeth themselves. A periodontist specializes in the maintenance of your gums and bones and the treatment of any disease that may affect them, including gum recession and periodontal disease.
• Orthodontist: If you have any alignment issues in your teeth or jaws and need braces and retainers, your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist. This is the least scary dental specialist, and most people seek an orthodontist themselves in order to correct issues such as crossbites, crowding, missing teeth, etc.

If you aren't sure whether you need to visit a general dentist or a specialist and live in Windsor, Greeley, Eaton, Ault, Fort Collins, or Pierce, head over to Severance Dental for a consultation today.