Dental Specialties
Learn about the specialty areas of dentistry. Call our Columbia office for more information, or to make an appointment with Dr. Ruggiero: Crescent Prosthodontics Office Phone Number 803-851-3950.
Prosthodontics | Periodontics | Oral Surgery | Endodontics | Pediatric Dentistry | Orthodontics
What Is A Prosthodontist?
Prosthodontics is one of the 9 specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.It pertains to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation, and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance, and health of patients with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues. A prosthodontist is a dentist who has completed dental school plus three additional years of advanced training and education. They specialize in treating and handling dental and facial problems that involve restoring missing tooth and jaw structures. A prosthodontist is highly trained in cosmetics, dental implants, dental crowns, dental bridges, dentures, temporomandibular disorders (TMJ/TMD), and more.
Prosthodontists complete an additional three years of dental training for many reasons. They want to up-to-date on all procedures, techniques, and technology. The prosthodontic residency is largely considered the most rigorous training in dentistry. Due to the Prosthodontist being the “Architect” of the dental team, they must study all aspects of dentistry, including aspects of all the 9 specialties. Furthermore, Prosthodontists have a strong background in dental biomaterials as well as laboratory procedures, to ensure everything that is used in the oral cavity is the best for their patients.
Why is your dentist referring you to a Prosthodontist?
Your general dentist has determined your restorative needs are more complex than their team can properly handle, and has referred you to ensure the best possible outcome of restorative, cosmetic, and implant treatments. By referring you to a specialist, your restorative dentist is showing a strong commitment to your dental health. After your treatment concludes, you will be referred back to your general dentist for continuing hygiene and preventive treatments.
For assistance or appointment, please call our Prosthodontics office: Crescent Prosthodontics Office Phone Number 803-851-3950.
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What is a Periodontist?
Periodontists are dentists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease. They have had extensive training with two additional years of study after dental school. As specialists, they devote their time, energy, and skill to helping patients care for their gums. A periodontist is one of the eight dental specialists recognized by the American Dental Association.
Why is your dentist referring you to a Periodontist?
Your dentist has determined that your gums require special attention. The periodontist and dentist work together as a team to provide you with the highest level of care. They will combine their experience to recommend the best treatment available to you while keeping each other informed on your progress. By referring you to the specialist, your restorative dentist is showing a strong commitment to your dental health.
What is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (OMS)?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dentists specializing in surgery of the mouth, face, and jaws. After four years of dental school, surgeons receive four to seven years of hospital-based surgical and medical training, preparing them to do a wide range of procedures including all types of surgery of both the bones and soft tissues of the face, mouth, and neck.
What is an Endodontist?
The Endodontist examines, diagnoses, and treats diseases and destructive processes, including injuries and abnormalities of dental pulps and periapical tissues of the teeth.
Endodontists examine patients and interpret radiographs and pulp tests to determine pulp vitality and periapical tissue condition. They evaluate their findings and prescribe a method of treatment to prevent loss of teeth.
What is a Pediatric Dentist?
A pediatric dentist has at least two additional years of training beyond dental school. The additional training focuses on management and treatment of a child’s developing teeth, child behavior, physical growth and development, and the special needs of children’s dentistry. Although either type of dentist is capable of addressing your child’s oral health care needs, a pediatric dentist, his or her staff, and even the office décor are all geared to care for children and to put them at ease. If your child has special needs, care from a pediatric dentist should be considered.
What is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist prevents and treats mouth, teeth, and jaw problems. Using braces, retainers, and other devices, an orthodontist helps straighten a person’s teeth and correct the way the jaws line up.
Orthodontists treat kids for many problems, including having crowded or overlapping teeth or having problems with jaw growth and tooth development. These tooth and jaw problems may be caused by tooth decay, losing baby teeth too soon, accidents, or habits like thumb sucking. These problems can also be genetic or inherited.
So why would you go to the Orthodontist?
Your restorative dentist might recommend it because they see a problem with your tooth alignment, esthetics, or jaws.