Did you know that not all dentists are qualified to do the same treatments?
While all dentists complete a preliminary degree in dentistry, the similarities end there. Not only are there nine different specialties they can choose from, but there are other treatments, such as dental implants, which aren’t official specialties, yet they require years of extra schooling. Discover why it’s important to choose a dentist that’s qualified for the treatment you need and how you can ensure that yours is the right one for you.
The Role of a General Dentist
Without dental specialties, a dentist can perform the essential dental cleanings that everyone needs to remain healthy. General dentists can also provide a lot of the common treatments that patients often need, including:
- Fillings
- Bridges
- Crowns
- Dentures
- TMJ Treatments
- Bonding
- Root Canal Treatment
But what happens when you need a procedure that goes beyond the scope of general dentistry? Luckily, with a little research and the right questions, you can find a dentist whose expertise matches your needs.
Finding Out if They’re Qualified
If you need one of the treatments listed above, your search will be easy – there are general dentists in nearly every city who can provide the care you need. But when you need to treat your sleep apnea so you and your partner can sleep again or Invisalign for your teen whose teeth are a bit crooked, you’ll need a dentist with special training and qualifications. These tips should help you find the perfect dentist for your needs:
- Check their website – Do they promote the service they specialize in?
- Read their qualifications – Most dentists list their background on their site.
- Check their LinkedIn account – It often details their professional timeline.
- Call or meet them to ask them about their experience in person.
- Research and read reviews on sites like Yelp.
- Check for testimonials from other patients who’ve had similar procedures.
Three Treatments That Require Special Training
When you’re missing teeth and need dental implants, no ordinary dentist will do. You’ll need a dentist with the qualifications to do the job right. Here are some examples of treatments that require extra, specialized training, and the dentists who perform them.
Invisalign Treatments Require an Orthodontist
While many dentists may want to be respected providers of the ever-popular Invisalign treatment, it falls under the category of orthodontics. The path to going from general dentist to orthodontist isn’t easy, and only 6% of dentists successfully make the change. To be selected for orthodontics study is a highly-competitive effort, and the dropout rate is high for those who attempt it without the necessary preparations.
Finding an Experienced Invisalign Provider
Orthodontics is the study of occlusion, which pertains to the bite and alignment of the teeth. While braces are traditionally the main treatment given by orthodontists, many have switched their focus to the extremely popular Invisalign treatment. One such specialist in Miami, Florida is Dr. Stephen Grussmark. With over 150 successful Invisalign placements, he’s one of the few dentists who’s earned the coveted Diamond Plus designation as a provider.
Some Dentists Can Treat Your Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a disorder that can sap your ability to get a good night’s sleep – as you might imagine, this has wide-reaching effects that can disrupt your entire life. When bed partners get tired of their loud snoring and sleepless nights, they may suggest a visit to a sleep specialist to diagnose the sleep sufferer’s condition. Some dentists can treat sleep apnea as well and there’s no specialization for it, so it’s just a matter of choosing to include sleep treatment in their practice.
You’ll Need a Dentist Who Offers Effective Sleep Treatments
If you suffer from sleep apnea, you’ll have to search for a dentist who provides sleep treatments like CPAP and oral appliances. One such dentist who focuses on sleep treatments is Dr. Kellye Rice in Brentwood, TN. While numerous dentists provide basic treatments, Dr. Rice is one of the few who offers the most modern and effective treatments for sleep apnea.
Only 10% of Dentists are Qualified to Place Dental Implants
For people who are missing teeth, a lot of complications can arise and they can take a toll on your health. From indigestion to your remaining teeth becoming overcrowded, it’s recommended that you replace your missing tooth as soon as possible to avoid bigger problems.
Not All Restorations are the Same
When it comes to restoring your smile, one treatment is vastly better than all other options. This procedure is dental implants, and there are numerous reasons why it’s become the gold standard in natural-looking, restorative treatments. From its ability to keep your jawbone from shrinking to allowing you to eat the foods you want, no other tooth-replacement compares.
Where Can You Find the Dental Implants You Need?
To be qualified as an implant dentist, a general dentist must undergo extra training, therefore it’s important to assess the qualifications of the dentist you choose. One dentist who has vast experience providing dental implants is Dr. Nicholas Sager in Waco, TX. Experience matters significantly when choosing an implant dentist – it can affect numerous factors including the success rate and amount of time the procedure takes.
Many Different Dentists for a Wide Range of Treatments
If you need a basic cleaning or standard procedure then any general dentist will do, but when the treatment you need requires a specialist, it’s important to know who to go to and why. This simple understanding can help you determine the type of dentist you’ll need to treat your unique problems. Next time you have a specific dental concern, save yourself time and money by going straight to the most qualified professional for the job.