General Dentist Vs Specialist – Who Should You See?

If you’re like most people, you know that general dentists and specialist are different, but you don’t know why. Let’s take a look at the differences between the two so you know which one is right for your next appointment.

By now you’re probably familiar with who your general dentist is. As your go-to provider, your general dentist manages your oral health and takes care of most your dental needs, which may include: dental exams, preventive care, fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges and root canals.

But what about specialists? Who are they and what do they do exactly? A specialist is a general dentist who has completed additional post-graduate training. By completing extensive training in their chosen area, they focus primarily on performing these specific procedures. Types of specialists include: Endodontists, pediatric specialists, prosthodontists, oral surgeons, periodontists and orthodontists.

4 Oral Health Concerns That Call For You to Seek the Services of a Dental Specialist

#1 You Want to Save Your Natural Teeth

Sometimes your teeth may have infection or disease and will need additional care. When possible, you should always consider treatments to save your teeth. You may think, why not have a tooth pulled, especially if no one can see it, but you will know your tooth is missing and it will negatively impact your quality of life.

Don’t get a tooth pulled because you think its easier or more cost-effective. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift, affect your ability to properly chew and ruin your smile. Tooth extraction often is more painful than the infection itself, and replacing an extracted tooth with an artificial one requires additional dental visits that can quickly add up.

#2 You Don’t Want to Wear Dentures

For some of you, the time has passed to save your natural teeth and thus you need a solution that will restore your smile and oral function in the best way possible. Once again only a dental specialist can be of assistance.

For one, the good news is that there are alternatives to getting complete dentures. While implant supported overdentures and dental bridges may be options for you, there is no better solution than dental implants. The advantages of dental implants are numerous. They look more natural than the alternatives. They don’t compromise the health of your adjacent teeth. They require normal daily oral hygiene and maintenance. They feel and function like natural teeth, and lastly, they are surprisingly very affordable when you factor in the longterm cost of care. Learn more about the advantages of dental implants.

Now your family’s general dentist may have taken a few courses in how to perform dental implants, but prosthodontists have been specifically trained on the procedure. Prosthodontists are certified specialists in the trifecta of smile restoration – implant, cosmetic, and reconstructive dentistry. They are trained on how to both mitigate and manage risks and issues that may arise during surgery, and work from clinics that vastly differ from that of a general practitioners, clinics that provide for the equipment and environment you need for optimal health, safety, and comfort.

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, only a specialist will do.

#3 You’re Concerned About Gum Disease and Recession

Early stages of gum disease can be eradicated with regular dental checkups and strict adherence to oral hygiene best practices, but if you’re concerned about advanced gum disease and related ailments, you’re going to want to see a specialist.

One of the biggest concerns surrounding gum health, is receding gums, a condition that not only ruins your smile, it sets the table for tooth loss. Some general dentists may recommend gum grafts as a solution to gum recession, but most patients fear all that comes with this invasive procedure. Thankfully, advances in modern specialized dentistry have delivered an alternative to gum grafting – pinhole surgical technique (PST). PST is a procedure that involves the use of specialized instruments to make a small hole in your receding gum and add collagen to stabilize the area of gingival recession. The case for PST over grafting is strong, given that it is non-invasive, allows for the treatment of multiple areas of recession in one session, results in minimal side effects with faster recovery, and delivers a near immediate improvement in your smile. PST is performed by a periodontist, a dentist who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease.

#4 You’re Worried About More Concerning Oral Diseases

If gum disease is something you’re worried about, then take steps to keep your mouth clean, healthy, and happy. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, affects many adults living in the United States. Most of these adults are over the age of 30. Without the right dental care and tips, you may also be at risk for the disease.

Gum disease develops when plaque infects your gums. The disease also occurs in stages, which includes gingivitis. Untreated gingivitis can gradually change into periodontitis or advanced gum disease. Advanced gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other health problems.

Schedule An Appointment With Lomita Torrance Dental Office, Torrance

We value your trust in us as part of your family’s total healthcare team and look forward to getting to know each of you as the wonderfully unique individual that you are. Each one of us loves what we do and we believe at Lomita Torrance Dental Office that it shows in the quality of our work and our patient interactions and it is one of the reasons why Lomita Torrance Dental Office is the clear choice for the dental patients in the surrounding neighborhood.

About Your Torrance, CA, Periodontist Dr. Teboul:

We look forward to providing families with exceptional care and advanced treatment options. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Teboul contact our Torrance, CA, dental office today by calling (424) 201-2885. Our office welcomes new patients in and around Torrance, CA, including Lomita, Lawndale, Carson, Redondo Beach, West Carson, Gardena, Alondra Park, Manhattan Beach and the surrounding Los Angeles County communities.