Many people do not realize that there are many types of dentists that someone can go to for different issues. This is why it is important to be careful when someone is searching for a dentist near me. Hill-n-Dale residents who are looking to get help with one specific issue would not want to go see a dental professional who does not handle them. One way for individuals to avoid this is becoming more knowledgeable about the different types of dental professionals that work in their community. Here are some common types of dentists that people can go to.
General Dentists
A general dentist is oftentimes the dental professional that people want to see when they are searching for a dentist near me. Hill-n-Dale residents should know that these dental professionals are the ones who provide regular teeth cleanings and dental exams to their patients. If there is a severe issue, such as a teeth alignment issue, a general dentist may refer their clients to another dental professional that would be better suited for the task.
Orthodontists
Many people distinguish a general dentist from an orthodontist because they do not do the same type of work, but they are both dental professionals. This is why when someone is searching for a dentist near me, Hill-n-Dale residents might actually get referred to an orthodontist by mistake. Orthodontists are dental professionals that specialize in teeth and jaw alignment.
Oral Surgeons
There are some instances of oral diseases that a general dentist cannot handle on their own with their skills and knowledge. If someone has a severe case of something, they may be referred to an oral surgeon to correct the issue, which is a highly specific kind of dentist. When someone is searching for a dentist near me, Hill-n-dale residents should be made aware that they get results for oral surgeons, even though their skills and knowledge are not going to be applicable to most people. They are trained to perform surgery and may work closely with ear, nose, and throat specialists.
*Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Anchor Dental Care*