Endodontics: Treatment of the pulp tissue (nerve, blood
& lymph vessels) of the tooth.
Endodontist: Specialist who performs root canal therapy
or endodontic therapy. This is done when the tooth is in danger
of being lost because of infection or exposure of the pulp. RCT
(root canal therapy) or endodontics is performed by removing the
nerve and other pulpal tissue from the interior chamber root canal
of the tooth. Since this tissue has been removed, the chamber
or canal is cleaned and sterilized. It is then sealed with an
inert material.
Oral Surgery: The removal of teeth and repair of the bones
of the face.
Oral Surgeon: Performs any service requiring surgical intervention
in the mouth, including correction of congenital bone deformities,
growth and cyst removal, root resections in conjunction with endodontic
therapy (root canal treatment) and repair of soft tissue lacerations.
Orthodontics: Branch of dentistry dealing with malocclusion
and its correction.
Orthodontist: The dentist who puts "braces" on
the teeth to correct malocclusions or "bad bites." This
is most commonly done by application of wires, bands and elastics
to the teeth themselves in order to move them into proper alignment.
Pedodontics: Dentistry for children.
Pedodontist: Specialist who treats children only. Requires
intricate knowledge of the growth and development of the teeth
and bone.
Periodontics: The specialty concerned with the supporting
structures of the teeth, including the bone and gingiva (gum tissue).
Periodontist: Diagnoses and treats periodontitis and gum
disease or gingivitis. Procedures include prophylaxis, scaling
and root planing, curretage and bite adjustment. Surgery to remove
diseased gum tissue and reshape the supporting bone may also be
done.
Periodontal Disease: When the supports for a tooth are
diseased and in poor condition. Also know as pyorrhea.
Prosthodontics: Reconstruction type of dentistry.
Prosthodontist: Specialist who works with crowns (caps),
bridges and dentures (both complete and partial removable). Must
be well-versed in the principles of occlusion, tooth form and
the forces brought to bear in chewing.