Most Gibsonton area residents probably know how a pediatric dentist differs from an orthodontist. Some Fish Hawk dental patients may even know the unique focus of endodontists. However, few Florida residents probably know that the American Dental Association recognizes nine dental specialties. Today’s post from Your Time Dental looks at the specific disciplines within the fascinating world of dentistry and the years in which they were formally recognized by the ADA. (If you want a challenge, see if you can name all nine before you continue reading this post.)
Endodontics (1983): This area focuses on “the morphology, physiology, and pathology of the human dental pulp.”1 If you need a root canal in Gibsonton, you may require the services of an endodontist.
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (2003): If you want to straighten your teeth, you need an orthodontist. Dentofacial orthopedic specialists correct facial deformities using many of the same types of appliances used in teeth straightening therapy.
Pediatric Dentistry (1995): Lithia pediatric dentists provide dental care for infants, children, and teenagers.
Periodontics (1992): “Periodontics is that specialty of dentistry which encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth or their substitutes.”1 Periodontal specialists perform crown lengthening, pocket reduction, and soft tissue (gum) grafts.
Prosthodontics (2003): Prosthodontists provide restorative dental procedures including dental implants, crowns, bridges, and dentures. They also perform cosmetic dental treatments including porcelain veneers, crowns, dental bonding, invisible fillings, and teeth bleaching.
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (1991): This specialty concerns “the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. It is a science that investigates the causes, processes, and effects of these diseases. The practice of oral pathology includes research and diagnosis of diseases using clinical, radiographic, microscopic, biochemical, or other examinations.”1
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (2001): Oral and maxillofacial radiologists analyze radiographic images (x-rays) for issues of the maxillofacial area.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (1990): Oral surgeons perform surgery on the teeth, jaw, face, and gums. These include facial reconstruction, cleft lip and palate correction, bone grafting, dental implants, and impacted teeth.
Dental Public Health (1976): This discipline focuses on “preventing and controlling dental diseases and promoting dental health through organized community efforts.”1
General and cosmetic dentists in the Gibsonton area are trained in a wide variety of dental procedures. However, sometimes your Tampa general dentist will refer you to a local Tampa specialist, or include a specialist as part of your treatment team.
1Specialty Definitions, The American Dental Association, http://www.ada.org/495.aspx, accessed May 22, 2013
Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:
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SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON
13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B Gibsonton, FL 33534 Call: 813-519-0128
FISHHAWK – LITHIA
5486 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Ste B Lithia, FL 33547 Call: 813-710-9789
