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What’s the deal with all of these different types of dentists? How do you know what it all means and who you should visit? Not to worry, we’re here to help make sense of the different types of dentists what it means for you as a patient.

General Dentistry –  
Most often when you go to the dentist, you are seeing your general dentist who treats your overall oral health care needs. This includes diagnosing and treating problems such as gum disease, cavities, root canals, crowns, and bridges as well as preventative care, hopefully allowing you to avoid the need for our next types of dentists – the dental specialists.

Orthodontist –
A patient is referred to an orthodontist when a general dentist notices misalignments with the jaw and/or teeth of both children and adults. If there are extra teeth, missing teeth, or teeth are crowded, an orthodontist will treat the patient with solutions like braces, Clear aligners, and/or retainers. Don’t be surprised if your child is referred to an orthodontist as early as the age of seven.

Pediatric Dentist –
The types of dentists who work exclusively with children are called pediatric dentists or pedodontists. Much of their additional training focuses on building a positive association between children and their dentist and is based in child psychology. They work with children to build a base line for good oral health care and many work with patients who have special needs.

Oral Surgeon –
an oral surgeon specializes in the surgical treatment of disease, injuries and esthetic or functional areas of the mouth. They are the ones who remove wisdom teeth, handle dental implants, and biopsy suspicious spots in the mouth. They also have additional training in anesthesia to ensure the comfort of the patient when surgery is required.

While it may seem like an inconvenience to visit a dental specialist, it is in your best interest to to do so when referred.

Remember, your general dentist will always be your primary point of contact to help you with your oral health care needs. Do you need a new general dentist?

When your tooth is infected or diseased, it may seem like pulling it is the easy choice, especially if you’re in pain. But not so fast! Having that tooth pulled may be the easy choice, but it may not be the best choice. Most people are unaware of the benefits of saving your natural teeth. The choice to pull your tooth or save it is ultimately yours to make, but make sure you know all the facts before making that big decision.

What exactly are the benefits of saving your teeth? 
Natural teeth are stronger. Natural teeth are stronger, function better than artificial ones, and are easiesr to care for. While technology and materials are better than ever, fabricated teeth still don’t have the same strength that natural teeth do.
Avoid shifting of teeth. When a tooth is pulled, it creates a gap in your smile, allowing the surrounding teeth to shift. This shifting takes time and can eventually cause problems with chewing and bite alignment. These problems can create a domino effect of pain, poor nutrition, and reduced quality of life.

Maintain your youthful appearance. When teeth are pulled, the roots that support the jaw are pulled as well. When there is a gap in the bone, the surrounding bone will collapse in often making people appear older than they are.

No loss of confidence. If the tooth to be pulled is visible when you smile, the resulting gap can have a negative impact on your self-confidence. Time and again we see patients who have lost their joyful smile because they are embarrassed about their teeth.

Pull Your Tooth or Save It
Less pain. After a tooth is pulled, most patients report several more days of pain, especially if they experience dry socket. When the tooth remains in place through a root canal, the pain is addressed immediately when the infection is eliminated, and there is no chance of dry socket.

Fewer visits to the dentist. After a tooth has been pulled, a dentist may consider a crown, implant, bridge or other dental device to eliminate the problem of shifting teeth. This can mean more dental visits, more expense, and sometimes more pain.

Fewer costs. While you may think that pulling a tooth is cheaper than fixing it, the truth is that replacing the tooth costs more time and money. And choosing to not replace it will likely have physical and emotional costs.

Not only do you save your natural tooth, a root canal eliminates the pain and the recovery time is very brief.

While it is always preferable to save a tooth, there are times when extraction is a better option. When a tooth is cracked, especially if it is cracked below the gumline, or in several places, an extraction may be required. If the tooth is too weak to be restored, it may also be best to have it pulled.

You may have heard of teeth whitening services at your dentist office. No doubt, you’ve looked at your teeth and noticed they may not be as white as you would like them to be. You likely have an idea how to “fix” it, but do you know what causes teeth staining and how to prevent it? Our professional dental team is here to answer these, and more, of your questions about teeth staining.

What causes teeth staining?
There are a few reasons for tooth discoloration including: food, drinks, smoking, stain-causing particles within the tooth enamel, and even simply aging.

How can I prevent teeth staining?
Prevention is pretty easy when it comes to stained teeth. Avoid certain foods and beverages that stain your teeth, quit smoking, and keep up with good oral care routines including brushing twice daily, rinsing with mouthwash and flossing daily, chewing sugar-free gum between meals, and seeing your dentist at least twice a year.

What foods stain your teeth?
Foods that are bright or bold in color are the most likely to stain your teeth. Red pasta sauces, berries such as blueberries and raspberries, and bright curries all can contribute to teeth staining.
Picture of berries that cause teeth staining

What drinks cause teeth staining?
Like foods, drinks with bold colors are most likely to cause teeth staining. Avoid red wines, coffee and tea, and even dark sodas. Daily consumption can darken your smile.

Do braces stain your teeth?
Sometimes mild stains are visible once braces are removed, but it’s not the braces, it’s the way the teeth were taken care of while the braces were on. Follow the other suggestions for preventing stains, and avoid using whitening products while wearing braces so you don’t over whiten the area of your teeth surrounding the brackets.

Are all types of tooth stains reversible?
There are three primary ways teeth are stained: surface stains; under the surface stains; and age-related stains. All three can benefit from teeth whitening processes.

How do I know if I need teeth whitening?
If you feel your teeth could be more white, talk to your dentist about whether or not they recommend the treatment. The condition of your teeth, as well as the cause of the stains, will help your dentist determine your best options.

Is teeth whitening permanent?
No, teeth whitening processes are not permanent. You may need additional future treatments, or can choose to limit the cause of your stains to prolong the whitening effects and prevent stains.

Are there any side effects to teeth whitening?
Some patients may experience sensitivity with their teeth after a treatment to reverse teeth staining. Over or misuse of whitening products can damage enamel and cause permanent discoloration.

What are Removable Orthodontic Appliances?
Removable Orthodontic Appliances are used in correction of Malocclusion cases which are mild as the amount of force exerted by the appliances are not heavy and not constant as seen in Fixed Braces. So an Orthodontist plans for Removable Orthodontic appliances in selected cases and it comes with many limitations which have to be kept in mind before giving a removable appliance. Removable Orthodontic Appliances are given in three scenarios, pre-treatment ( habit breaking appliances), mid-treatment and post treatment (Hawley’s) to maintain the change achieved with fixed treatment. They are also used solely in mild cases, like mild rotation of single tooth where fingerprint etc can be used.

What are the Advantages of Removable Appliance?
• Easy for cleaning
• Relatively simple, can be handled by general practitioner
• Control is less complex
• If there is a problem, the appliance can be removed by patient
• Time required by clinical to active an appliance is less
• In case of unbearable pain or situation, you could remove them temporarily.
• In case of socially sensitive occasion, you could take them out.
• They are less conspicuous.
• They are easy to use and a general practitioner with adequate training can undertake them.
• Less expensive

How long is the Duration of Removable Orthodontic Treatment?
The length of treatment depends on the type of malocclusion, its severity, teeth crowding, jaw alignment, and so forth. In some cases, fixed and removable braces are used together. The orthodontist estimates the approximate treatment time in the initial appointment

What do we suffer from Bad breath?
Bad breath, medically called halitosis, can result from poor dental health habits and may be a sign of other health problems. Bad breath can also be made worse by the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits.If you don’t brush and floss teeth daily, food particles can remain in your mouth, promoting bacterial growth between teeth, around the gums, and on the tongue. This causes bad breath.

What Can I Do to Prevent Bad Breath?
Bad breath can be reduced or prevented if you:

• Practice good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush teeth after you eat (keep a toothbrush at work or school to brush after lunch). Don’t forget to brush the tongue, too.
• Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months or after an illness. Use floss or an interdental cleaner to remove food particles and plaque between teeth once a day. Dentures should be removed at night and cleaned thoroughly before being placed in your mouth the next morning.
• See your dentist regularly — at least twice a year. He or she will conduct an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning and will be able to detect and treat periodontal disease, dry mouth, or other problems that may be the cause of bad mouth odor.
• Stop smoking and chewing tobacco-based products. Ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit.
• Drink lots of water. This will keep your mouth moist.
• Keep a log of the foods you eat. If you think they may be causing bad breath, bring the log to your dentist to review.
• Similarly, make a list of the medications you take. Some drugs may play a role in creating mouth odors.

What is the Treatment for bad breath?
• The best method to reduce halitosis is good oral hygiene. This ensures that cavities are avoided and reduces the likelihood of gum disease.
• It is recommended that individuals visit the dentist for a check-up and cleaning twice a year.
• The dentist may recommend a toothpaste that includes an antibacterial agent or an antibacterial mouthwash.
• Alternatively, if gum disease is present, professional cleaning may be necessary to clear out the build-up of bacteria in pockets between the gums and teeth.

What is Denture relining?
If you’re a denture wearer, and your dentures have begun to fit less comfortably than in the past, you may wish to consider having them relined. Denture relining is a simple and affordable procedure that reshapes the underside of a denture to make it more comfortable as it rests against your gums. Relining dentures adds material to the inner plate that hugs your gums, either to conform to any changes in the underlying hard and soft tissue in your mouth or to repair and replace lost or broken parts of the denture.Your dentist will often be able to reline your dentures in the office if only a small adjustment is necessary. You dentist may also take impressions of your mouth. Big changes to the fit of the denture might require mailing it to a laboratory to perform the relining. This would mean living without dentures for several days.

When is Denture Relining Indicated?
Re-lining is a temporary solution for ill fitting dentures

• loss of retention
• instability
• food trapping
• abused mucosa
• as a temporary measure to maintain function of an immediate denture
• Whenever the denture loses or has poor adaptation to the underlying tissues WHILST all other factors and denture base material satisfactory

When is Relining of Dentures not enough?
• Worn out dentures
• loss of vertical dimension greater than 7mm
• significant mucosal inflammation
• poor denture aesthetics
• denture related speech problems

What is Tray Whitening?
When it comes to tooth-whitening, you’ve got two options: in-office-based teeth bleaching, or at-home care. With theTray-based tooth bleaching systems, a mouth guard-like tray is filled with a peroxide-based bleaching gel or paste and placed over the teeth for one to several hours a day for up to four weeks.
Generally, the longer you keep a stronger solution on your teeth, the whiter your teeth become. However, the higher the percentage of peroxide in the whitening solution, the shorter it should be applied to the teeth. Keeping the gel on longer will dehydrate the tooth and increase tooth sensitivity.

What are the benefits of Tray Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a safe, life-enhancing process that can have positive effect on both your physical appearance and psychological health. Here are 4 benefits of teeth whitening:
1. Teeth whitening boosts your self confidence
With teeth whitening, your self-confidence will skyrocket. Whiter teeth are also an indication to others that you take care of yourself and care about your appearance.

2. Teeth whitening enhances your appearance
You might have the healthiest teeth and straightest smile but you’re not immune to the damage that everyone faces from everyday food and drink. Teeth whitening will help combat stains from your everyday food and drink.

3. Teeth whitening minimizes the look of wrinkles
Instead of focusing on wrinkles, people are more likely to focus on your bright white smile.

4. Teeth whitening doesn’t break the bank
Teeth whitening doesn’t cost as much as a plastic surgery! A touch-up kit after an in-office treatment will be enough to prolong the effect of your teeth whitening.

How Often Should I Whiten my Teeth?
Whitening your teeth too often increases the risk of negative side effects, such as tooth sensitivity and damage to tooth enamel and gums. But there’s no official guideline for how often whitening can be done safely. That’s why it’s important to get your dentist’s recommendation and always follow product instructions. Some people notice that the whiteness fades after just one month, while others can go a year before needing another whitening treatment.

What is Teeth/Crown lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a procedure to address an excessive gingival display, otherwise known as a gummy smile.A person with a gummy smile appears to have short teeth. Their teeth are actually the typical size, but excess gum tissue partially covers them.
The crown is the part of the tooth that is visible above the gumline. Some people request crown lengthening for cosmetic purposes, while others need the procedure to expose decayed or broken areas of teeth.A periodontist — a gum specialist — may perform a crown lengthening to expose more tooth structure before they can fit a bridge or perform another restorative dental procedure.

Why is a Teeth Lengthening procedure recommended?
Dentists may perform crown lengthening procedures to:

address cosmetic concerns
expose cavities beneath the gumline
expose fractured areas of tooth
expose more tooth structure before they can fit a device such as a bridge

What happens during a crown lengthening procedure?
Your periodontist will perform the crown lengthening during an outpatient procedure. This means you can go home afterward. Most people receive local anesthesia and may receive a sedative as well. The periodontist cuts the gums to pull them away from the teeth, exposing the roots and bone. In some cases, only the gum tissue needs to be removed. The surgeon then washes the surgical area with salt water before suturing. They suture the gums back together, sometimes placing a bandage over the area for additional protection.

What is Brush Abrasion?
Abrasion is the abnormal wear of a tooth. It is usually caused by a toothpaste that is too abrasive or gritty or by aggressive brushing with a hard bristled brush.Toothbrush abrasion is the damage and wear that is caused by brushing your teeth and gums too hard. You’ll usually see it near the gum line

What are the Symptoms of Abrasion?
Common symptoms include increased sensitivity to heat. For example, your gums may burn when drinking hot drinks. Some people also report an increased sensitivity to cold. Your teeth may seem to sting when eating cold foods such as ice cream. If allowed to progress, abrasion can lead to the erosion of tooth enamel.

What are the steps to Prevent Abrasion?
• You should use the least abrasive toothpaste possible, i.e. toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
• You should use a soft toothbrush. Brush with a circular, not back and forward, motion.
• Brush gently. Plaque is soft and is easily removed, so there’s no need for you to use excessive pressure. Remember to “brush,” not scrub!
• Reducing the frequency of drinking carbonated drinks and fruit juices with high levels of acidity is the key to preventing erosion of the teeth