Not all dentists are created equal. Depending on what kind of treatment you are in need of, seeing a dentist who is a qualified specialist is necessary for receiving the proper care. While many dentists are general dentists that can provide cleanings, routine exams and other general dentistry procedures, the American Dental Association recognizes nine specialties recognizing further education and experience in a specific part of the dental profession. Dr. Ang completed his general practice residency before continuing his education in oral surgery, specifically dental implant placement and orthodontics.
Explore The 9 Dental Specialties
Becoming a qualified dental specialist in a specific area of dental practice requires years of education beyond dental school. These highly specialized programs usually extend two years beyond general dental school. During those two years, candidates will receive advanced training to prepare them for any and all cases they may encounter. Upon completion of a specialized program, many dental specialists will only practice in that specific field. The nine dental specialties recognized by the ADA include:
Dental Public Health: Dental public health is the science and art of preventing and controlling dental diseases and promoting dental health through organized community efforts. The idea of dental public health is to treat the community as a patient rather. Dedicated to educating the public and helping administer group dental care, dental public health is also concerned with the prevention and control of dental diseases in communities.
Endodontics: Endodontics is a branch of dentistry concerned with the dental pulp, or living material inside of the tooth. The study and practice includes the biology of healthy tooth pulp as well as treatment and prevention of diseases and injuries such as cracks or fractures that maybe putting your tooth at risk. If you are in need of root canal therapy, endodontic specialists have the experience and knowledge to provide the procedures you need.
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology: Oral pathology deals with the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. This branch of dentistry involves researching the causes and effects of these diseases using biochemical, microscopic, and other examination procedures to help explore better treatments and diagnosis.
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology: Oral and maxillofacial radiology deals with reading images and data that are taken through the usage of radiant energy such as X-rays. By examining these images they can diagnosis and determine management of diseases, disorders, and conditions of the oral and maxillofacial region.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Oral and maxillofacial surgery specialists diagnose and provide surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects involving all the hard and soft tissue of the oral and maxillofacial region. It deals with complications that can affect both the function and appearance of your smile. This is the only surgical speciality recognized by the American Dental Association.
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics: Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics is the dental specialty that includes the diagnosis, prevention, interception, and correction of issues with the bite and jaw alignment. These specialists also deal with the correction of neuromuscular and skeletal abnormalities of the developing or mature orofacial structures.
Pediatric Dentistry: Pediatric Dentistry is an a specialty that is defined by the age of the patients seen by the dentist. Pediatric Dentists provide primary, comprehensive, and therapeutic oral health care for infants, children, and adolescents including those with special health needs. Treating children requires special training not only in process of treatment but in learning how to deal with young kids who are often scared of dentists.
Periodontics: Periodontics is the specialty of dentistry dealing with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth such as the gums. Periodontics includes the treatment and prevention of gum disease as well as maintaining the health, function, and appearance of these supporting structures and tissues.
Prosthodontics: Prosthodontics is the dental specialty dealing with planning and implementing of replacement treatments for those suffering from missing or severely damaged teeth. The practice of prosthodontics includes dental implants, dentures, and other treatment options that use biocompatible material to restore the appearance and function of your smile.
Why Chose A Qualified Specialist?
Qualified specialists are uniquely trained to deal with situations pertaining to your treatment in that specific area of dental care. If for some reason complications arise during treatment, you have questions, or your case is particularly complicated, a qualified specialists will have the knowledge and experience to deal with these situations. Putting your mind at ease by walking you through each step of the treatment process, qualified specialists understand that anxiety or nerves over dental visits are common. They will be able to reassure that you have made the best choice of procedure.
Visit Amherst Village Dental Today
Whether you are in need of a routine cleaning, cosmetic, or restorative procedure or something in between, Dr. Ang and the team at Amherst Village Dental possess the knowledge and experience to give you a strong and healthy smile. Contact our Amherst office today and see how we can give you a smile you’ll love today!