Why Do I Need a Dental Specialist?

It is common knowledge that whenever you encounter any issues related to your teeth or gums, you should visit a general dentist immediately. They usually manage to take care of your oral health and can cover all the basic issues you may have.

However, sometimes you may need assistance for which your dentist isn’t fully qualified for. This is where you need a dental specialist.

Who is a Dental Specialist?

A dental specialist is a general dentist who goes for additional post-graduate training. After completing two to three years of schooling post-graduation, a dental specialist is qualified to deal with major issues related to their chosen area.

When are They Needed?    

A dental specialist likely won’t be handling the issues a general dentist would. Instead, you would only go to a dental specialist if you have a very specific issue. In fact, sometimes, your dentist may recommend you to visit a dental specialist if they know that the issue you are facing requires extra expertise and care.

For instance, if you need root canal therapy, your dentist may recommend visiting an endodontist. An endodontist deals mostly with the dental pulp – the soft tissue between the tooth’s enamel and the dentin.

While a general dentist may still be able to perform a root canal, an endodontist has better experience and expertise for it. It is estimated that a general dentist completes an average of 2 root canals per week. In comparison, an endodontist completes an average of 25 root canals in the same period of time.

Other dental specialists include pediatric dentists, oral surgeons, orthodontists, periodontists, and prosthodontists. It is a good idea to be aware of at least one of each type of dental specialist in case you ever end up needing them in an emergency.

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