What kind of Dentist do I need?. Finding a dentist you feel comfortable with is quintessential to having a good experience.

Ways to Find a Dentist?

Family, friends and colleagues are a great place to start or if you are new to Boston, open your laptop and check online for local Boston dentists. Check the services they offer, their medical training and reviews.

Which Type of Dentist Do I Need?

You should start with a general dentist. A general dentist will refer you to a specialized dentist for any specific problems that you may have. If you know of a particular dental problem that you have, you can search for that specialist direct.

Children’s Dentist—Pediatric Dentist

This dentist specializes in child’s dentistry. You might choose this because children sometimes have unique dental problems that need fixing. They have been trained specifically to handle a child’s developing teeth. They also have an understanding of how to handle problems specific to children like gum problems and cavities.

Endodontists

An endodontist has received specific training on how to handle diseased pulp chamber and performing root canals. In some cases, you can also find a general dentist who will perform a root canal.

Prosthodontists

These dentists can improve your dental appearance by fixing broken teeth and misshapen or discolored teeth. They improve your tooth structure with the placement of caps and crowns on the teeth. The placement of these veneers has helped to conceal some of the defects.

Oral/Maxillofacial

As an oral surgeon, these are dentists who have a specialization, and they can correct fractures or other jaw problems that require surgery. One of the common surgeries they have been known to treat is called temporomandibular joint or TMJ for short. Oral and maxillofacial dentists have also been known to perform surgeries that have many similarities to plastic surgery related to the face and the jaw.

Orthodontists

An orthodontist can help to correct the improper positioning of the teeth. They will often employ the use of braces to do this or another appliance, which will move the teeth into a straighter position to make them look better.

Periodontists

These are dentists who have a specialization in diagnosing and treating gum diseases. In some cases, they will also add a dental implant when needed. For example, if someone lost a tooth in an accident or chipped it.

What Kind of Degree Does Your Dentist Have?

Specialists and general practitioners will have two types of degrees, depending on the school they graduated from. For example, you have the D.D.S. degree, which stands for doctor of dental surgery. You also have D.M.D., and this stands for doctor of dental medicine. The requirements are almost the same.

What Kind of Services Does a General Dentist Provide?

Normally, a general dentist will cost less than what seeing a specialist costs. In addition, many of the insurance plans will require that you get a referral from a general dentist to see a specialist before they decide to cover it. Because of this, it can be worth having a general dentist who oversees your dental care and coordinates with you.

What Amenities and Services Should a General Dentist Provide?

Before you begin searching, you should first check to make sure that you have found a general dentist who can provide you with the amenities and dental services needed. He provides you with the general care of your teeth, and he will refer you over to a more specialized dentist if the need arises. Some of the treatments and services you might find with a general dentist include:

• Teeth cleaning
• Root canals
• Gum care
• Bridges
• Fillings
• Root canals

They might also perform tooth extractions, x-rays and fillings.

Which dentist you should choose will depend on your individual circumstances, but you should usually start with a general dentist. He can refer you to a more specialized dentist if he sees there are further dental problems that can’t be fixed with a general practitioner of dentistry. A dentist can also take preventative measures to stop you from having issues with their mouth later on. The ultimate goal of any dentist is to keep your teeth as healthy as possible for as long as possible.