Dentistry is a complex profession that has a lot of specializations under it. Just like with medical training, many dentists will choose to focus their work on one or two types of dentistry to fully master them. Finding a dentist in Towson, MD, can be tricky if you don’t know what it is you’re looking for. Going to the wrong type of dentist can waste your time and maybe even your money. Knowing ahead of time what kind of work you need done can help you determine where you need to go.
Finding a Dentist in Towson, MD
For most dental needs, your first stop will likely be at a general dentist. A general dentist, much like a general practitioner, can help diagnose specific problems. If they are unable to treat those problems themselves, they can often help recommend you to a trusted dental specialist for further treatment. If you are ever unsure of what dental issue you have or if you need help finding the right dentists to treat you, a general dentist can be extremely beneficial.
Prosthodontist
At some point in your life, you may need a dental restoration. Restorations are needed when your teeth suffer extreme cases of decay or damage. Restoration dentistry is designed to help preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible. But if you are missing teeth or need an extraction, restorations can help provide replacements that improve your smile and bite. If you need a dental restoration, a prosthodontist is often your best bet for high-quality and natural-looking treatment.
Endodontist
Many cases of dental pain can be treated with restorations or general dentistry. However, there are times when the dental infection spreads to the inner pulp of your tooth. When your pulp becomes infected, it’s common to experience high levels of pain and sensitivity. If this happens, you’ll likely need a root canal treatment to help remove the infected pulp and relieve discomfort. Endodontists are trained specialists that deal primarily with the root canal of your tooth. If you have an infected pulp, your general dentist will likely recommend you to an endodontist for treatment.
Oral Surgeon
While many dental treatments can be non-invasive, there are times when surgery may be required. The most common reason you may need to see an oral surgeon is if you are getting a dental implant. Implants can help restore missing teeth but need to be placed first by a trained oral surgeon. While some prosthodontists are also trained in implant placement, many dental offices will coordinate with an oral surgeon for treatment. Oral surgery may also be required for jaw disorders or other extreme dental problems.
At Sweet Tooth Dentistry, we provide general, cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry in the comfort of our Towson, MD, office. If you have a dental problem, give us a call at 410-449-7656 to schedule a consultation. After examining your mouth, Dr. Welinsky can create a personalized treatment plan just for you. And if we discover a problem we can’t treat, we’ll help refer you to a specialist for further treatment.