The American Dental Association recognizes and approves several specialties in the field of dentistry, all of whom help maintain your oral health and give you the smile you’ve always wanted. Collaborating with your general dentist, the highly experienced team at Advanced Endodontics and Advanced Oral & Facial Specialists have the expertise to diagnose and treat your teeth, gums and everything in between. Depending on your circumstance, you might need an orthodontist, endodontist, periodontist or oral surgeon. But what does all that mean? Here is a quick guide to the dental specialists who want to improve your oral health.
ORTHODONTIST: Many people use the terms dentist and orthodontist interchangeably, but that’s not entirely accurate. The two professions are similar, but orthodontia is a specific type of dental care. The priority of an orthodontist is the alignment of teeth. An orthodontist diagnoses and treats misaligned teeth and jaws, overbites, occlusions and overcrowded mouths.
ENDODONTISTS: While all endodontists are dentists, less than 3 percent of dentists are endodontists. Endodontists, including Dr. Shawn Velez, focus on diagnosing tooth pain and using root canal treatment and other procedures relating to the interior of the tooth. A diseased tooth often can be saved with endodontic treatment. Advanced Endodontics is proud to offer the GentleWave procedure, a less-invasive method that provides better cleaning of the root canals.
ORAL SURGEON: Oral surgeons, such as Dr. Jennibeth Robles-Velez, also are known as oral and maxillofacial surgeons. They have advanced training in surgery of the mouth, teeth, jaws and face. Oral surgeons are perhaps most well known for removing wisdom teeth, but they also focus on dental implants, corrective jaw surgery, facial trauma surgery, tooth extractions and much more. Dr. Robles-Velez understands that having oral surgery can be intimidating. Depending on the recommended treatment, she provides different levels of anesthesia to maximize patient comfort during and after the procedure or surgery.
PERIODONTIST: Periodontists mostly diagnose and treat gum disease, but they perform other tasks, too. Periodontists place dental implants when natural teeth cannot be saved. They also monitor the implants to make sure that they’re properly doing their job. Periodontists also correct gum recession and cover exposed root surfaces that can be unsightly and sensitive to hot and cold.
PROSTHODONTIST: A prosthodontist is a dentist who has completed dental school plus at least three additional years of advanced training and education in an accredited prosthodontic graduate program. They specialize in treating the most complex dental and facial problems that involve restoring missing tooth and jaw structures. A prosthodontist is highly trained in cosmetics, dental implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, temporomandibular disorders (TMJ/TMD) and more.
Advanced Endodontics and Advanced Oral & Facial Specialists work together with your general dentist to “Save it or Replace It!” Dr Shawn Velez, of Advanced Endodontics specializes in saving your existing teeth. If he cannot save your tooth or thinks the best treatment is to replace it, he and your general dentist can send you next door to his wife, Dr. Jennibeth Robles-Velez, at Advanced Oral and Facial Specialists, who can provide expert replacement options, including permanent implants. Contact us today for an expert consultation on all of your dental needs.