Find a Dental Specialist in Niles, IL: Which One Do You Need?

Dental Specialists of Niles • June 17, 2021

If you're unsure about which dental specialist can help you best with your issue, don't worry. Learn about the different dental specialists in Niles, IL, here.

In the United States, 42% of people don't go to the dentist as often as they would like. This may be because finding a dental specialist can be stressful, especially if you don't know what to look for.

Do you want to know how you can find a dental specialist near me to help with any of your dental services? Keep reading to learn about the different dental specialists in Niles, IL.

General Dentist

First and foremost, there are general dentists. These are the primary dental care providers and they offer many different types of treatment. Because they are less specialized, you can often meet with a general dentist for less serious dental problems.

For example, general dentists often focus on preventative dentistry. This includes dental education, teeth cleanings, and more. They can also do dental procedures for root canals, crowns, and more.

Visiting a general dentist is a great way to get quick treatment and manage your oral health.

Endodontist

If you need a root canal, you may need to visit an endodontist. This dental specialty focuses on diagnosing the cause of tooth pain as well as treating root canals.

The root of your tooth is generally what causes tooth pain. It is inside your teeth and has sensitive pulp and nerves inside of it. If there is decay on your teeth that reaches to this pulp, it needs to be repaired.

In a root canal, your dentist will remove the infected or damaged part of your pulp and will fill the empty space. After, there is a crown placed on your tooth to protect it from further damage.

If you have extreme tooth pain, you may need to visit an endodontist.

Orthodontist

The next type of dental specialty is orthodontics. Most people assume orthodontists only help with braces, but they really help you align any part of your mouth.

People with misaligned teeth and jaws need to see an orthodontist. Whether you have an overbite or an underbite, these can cause problems with your teeth in the future as well. Orthodontists can use braces, aligners, expanders, and other tools to help align your mouth and straighten your teeth!

Pediatric Dentist

If you have children that need to see a dentist, they will be visiting a pediatric dentist. This is a specialty of dental work that focuses on children's oral health.

Oral health is vital to maintain and protect in children. In fact, it is recommended that you take your baby to the dentist soon after their first tooth comes through their gums or sometime before their first birthday.

A pediatric dentist will teach your children about the importance of good oral health and can help them develop good habits throughout their lives. While most dentists can treat children, pediatric dentists are more kid-friendly and age-appropriate.

Oral Surgeon

An oral surgeon is a dental specialty that performs procedures and surgeries on the soft tissues in your mouth and jaw.

These procedures include tooth extractions, jaw surgery, and even surgery to repair cleft palates. Patients will remain under sedation during each of these surgeries.

Periodontist

While many people associate dentists only with teeth, gum health is vital to maintaining good oral health as well! A dentist who specializes in gum health is also known as a periodontist.

A periodontist will help patients prevent, diagnose, and treat any type of gum disease. Because gum disease can result in serious infections, lost teeth, and bone damage, it is vital that you take care of your gums!

Meeting with a periodontist can help you treat your gum disease and may even perform gum surgery when necessary. By taking care of your gums and getting treatment for gum disease, you will help improve the rest of your oral health!

Prosthodontist

Finally, the last type of dental specialty is a prosthodontist. This is a dentist that specializes in tooth replacement. When you have missing teeth or have damaged teeth, it is important that you get them repaired.

First, replacing missing teeth will prevent other issues with your mouth. For example, having a missing tooth may lead to your other teeth moving and causing gaps or crooked teeth. Missing teeth can also mess up the bite of your jaw.

Especially if they are teeth that you use to chew, it can cause jaw pain and more.

Not only is it vital that you replace your missing teeth to help maintain your oral health, but it can also give you a more aesthetically pleasing smile. Missing teeth can make you feel self-conscious about your smile, but they can be easily replaced by a prosthodontist.

A common prosthodontist service is dental implants. These go in the place of missing teeth and are often topped with a crown to restore your natural smile.

Even if you don't have missing teeth, a prosthodontist can help you enhance your smile! For example, many people with worn down or stained teeth get veneers. These are porcelain caps that go over your teeth and make your smile look fresh and new.

Regardless of why you need restorative dental work, a prosthodontist can help!

Find the Right Dental Specialist Today

Finding the right dental specialist for your needs can be overwhelming. However, after learning about each of the specialties in the dental field, you can learn what services are performed by which type of dentist. If you are looking for a dental specialist in Niles, IL, the Dental Specialist of Niles, P.C. can help!

Contact our team today to learn more about our services, to request an appointment, or to get a virtual consultation!

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