Patients may be referred to an oral surgeon when their dental issue is beyond the scope of a general dentist's experience. Oral surgeons are trained to perform simple and complex tooth extractions, including wisdom teeth extractions, as well as provide care for accident victims who need reconstructive dental surgery. Our talented team of specialized orthodontists offers a wide variety of invisible, removable, and hidden orthodontic appliances. Orthodontic therapists work with dentists or specialist orthodontists to perform routine orthodontic treatments. This is a relatively new role and most of the training takes place in practice, where students are supervised at every appointment.
Upon completion of their training, therapists receive a Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy. Once qualified, they work according to the prescription of a dentist or orthodontist and can only carry out reversible, non-invasive treatments. Specialist orthodontists treat and prevent tooth and jaw irregularities using fixed, removable, and even invisible orthodontic appliances. Specialized orthodontic training lasts a minimum of three years and includes both theoretical and practical learning. Some orthodontists work for the NHS and provide treatment to those who need it for dental health reasons (mainly those under 18), while many also provide private treatment to adults seeking cosmetic improvements.
Specialized orthodontists may also work with other specialists, such as oral surgeons, to treat the most complex cases. A periodontist is a dental specialist who treats the bones, gums, and connective tissues that support the teeth. After graduating as dentists, specialist periodontists undergo an additional three years of training in periodontics. Their role in the dental team is to diagnose and treat periodontal diseases, usually when the cases are more advanced. The first signs and symptoms of gum disease are usually detected and treated by your dentist or dental hygienist. If no action is taken, gum disease can lead to loss of bones, gums, and even teeth.
In fact, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. A specialist prosthodontist is a dentist who focuses on restoring teeth after having completed three years of specialized training in prosthodontics. Their daily job involves restoring damaged or missing teeth with crowns, bridges, veneers, implants, and dentures. These treatments can also be offered by general dentists; however, prosthodontists are likely to have more experience and knowledge in treating complicated cases such as complete oral restorations. It's common for prosthodontists to work closely with other dentists and specialists such as endodontists and oral surgeons. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dentists who have received four years of specialized training to treat problems affecting the head, face, neck, jaws, and teeth.
Treatments performed by an oral surgeon in a hospital usually include jaw surgery, cleft lip and palate surgery, and the removal of impacted wisdom teeth (wisdom teeth that don't have enough room to come out). Other procedures may include placing dental implants and performing associated bone grafts. Oral surgeons also help diagnose and treat certain forms of oral cancer. The differences between a dentist and an orthodontist can be confusing for patients; this blog will explain the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist.
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