San Francisco Cosmetic Dentist, Orthodontist and Periodontist

A pediatric dentist specializes in the dental treatment of children only, unlike a general dentist who treats adults as well as children. This specialist has completed 4 years of dental school with an additional 2 to 3 years specializing in the oral health of children. The focus on children is to teach good dental habits at an early age through prevention. Early detection prevents dental disease as they age. As in a general dentist’s office, the pediatric dental staff comprises the dentist, dental hygienist, dental assistant, and office personnel who are all trained in the importance of pediatric dentistry. Sometimes pediatric dentist performs work with other San Francisco Cosmetic Dentist as well.

Orthodontist

An orthodontist is a dentist who, after dental school, must successfully complete another 2- to 3-year accredited residency program in orthodontics, the area of dentistry that specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing dental irregularities. Braces are not just for children anymore. Many adults are fitted with braces that are worn for 2 to 3 years, depending on age, how well the treatment plan is followed, and the desired outcome as set forth by the orthodontist and the patient. Most likely, a patient is referred to the orthodontist by the patient’s dentist for treatment of a malocclusion (misaligned teeth) through braces or other procedures. In addition to straightening teeth, braces can correct overbites, underbites, or correct jaw alignment.

Periodontist

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases of the gums and bones around the teeth. Periodontists must complete 4 years of dental school followed by 3 years of specialty training. Periodontal disease (periodontitis) is a severe, chronic gum disease that causes bone loss and is permanent. Affected teeth are often lost to the disease, resulting in the person having to wear dentures or having tooth implants. Periodontitis is the late stage of gingivitis that has been left untreated. Other factors that may affect the gums and cause the disease are smoking or tobacco use of any kind, genetics, stress that causes clenching or grinding of the teeth (especially during sleep), some medications, diabetes, and pregnancy. A poor diet can worsen already diseased gums. Periodontitis, if left untreated, can increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes. Periodontitis can be corrected at an early stage with removing plaque around the teeth by scaling. At a later stage, treatment is usually with periodontal surgery when the periodontist determines that the gums cannot be cared for with non-surgical treatment. For aesthetic surgery, the perioddontist might take help from the San Francisco Cosmetic Dentist.

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