ADA Recognized Dental Specialties

On occasion, a referral to another dentist in the Wellesley area may be necessary in order to provide you with the best treatment possible. We work very closely with all the specialists to which we refer patients, and carefully monitor your entire treatment process. Below are some definitions of dental specialists we utilize:

What is a Prosthodontist?

A prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the esthetic restoration and replacement of teeth. Prosthodontists receive two or three years of additional training after dental school earned through a hospital- or university-based program accredited by the American Dental Association. Graduate programs in prosthodontics include classroom lectures and seminars, laboratory and clinical training in esthetics/cosmetics, crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays, complete and removable partial dentures, dental implants, TMD-jaw joint problems, traumatic injuries to the mouth’s structures, congenital or birth anomalies to teeth, snoring, sleep disorders, and oral cancer reconstruction and continuing care. Prosthodontists are masters of complete oral rehabilitation who can restore optimum function and appearance to your smile.

What is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dentists specializing in the care for patients with problem wisdom teeth, facial pain, and misaligned jaws. They treat accident victims suffering facial injuries, place dental implants, care for patients with oral cancer, tumors and cysts of the jaws, and perform facial cosmetic surgery. Their advanced training in anesthesia allows them to provide quality care with maximum patient comfort and safety in the office setting. 

What is a Periodontist?

Periodontists are dentists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease. They have had extensive training with two additional years of study after dental school. As specialists they devote their time, energy and skill to helping patients care for their gums. A periodontist is one of the nine dental specialists recognized by the American Dental Association.

Why is your dentist referring you to a Periodontist?

Your dentist has determined that your gums require special attention. The periodontist and dentist work together as a team to provide you with the highest level of care. They will combine their experience to recommend the best treatment available to you while keeping each other informed on your progress. By referring you to the specialist, your dentist is showing a strong commitment to your dental health.

What is an Endodontist?

Endodontists are dentists with at least two additional years of advanced specialty education in diagnosis and root canal treatment. Because they limit their practices to endodontics, they treat these types of problems every day. They use their special training and experience in treating difficult cases, such as teeth with narrow or blocked canals, or unusual anatomy. Endodontists may use advanced technology, such as operating microscopes, ultrasonics and digital imaging, to perform these special services.

What is a Pediatric Dentist?

A pediatric dentist has at least two additional years of training beyond dental school. The additional training focuses on management and treatment of a child’s developing teeth, child behavior, physical growth and development, and the special needs of children’s dentistry. Although either type of dentist is capable of addressing your child’s oral health care needs, a pediatric dentist, his or her staff, and even the office décor are all geared to care for children and to put them at ease. If your child has special needs, care from a pediatric dentist should be considered.

What is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist prevents and treats mouth, teeth, and jaw problems. Using braces, retainers, and other devices, an orthodontist helps straighten a person’s teeth and correct the way the jaws line up. Orthodontists treat both kids and adults for many problems, including having crowded or overlapping teeth or having problems with jaw growth and tooth development.

So why would you go to the orthodontist?

Your dentist or one of your parents might recommend it because they see a problem with your teeth or jaws development. Some children don’t like the alignment of their teeth and may ask to see an orthodontist. Many adults seek orthodontic correction for long standing dental problems.

What is an Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologist?

The oral and maxillofacial pathologist identifies and manages diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions and investigates the causes, processes and effects of these diseases. They are clinical practitioners, researchers, educators and microscopic diagnosticians who collaborate with other dental and medical professionals to advance oral health care. Oral and maxillofacial pathologists are uniquely trained to efficiently address both diagnosis and treatment of oral disease, rapidly and reliably establish the critical connection between oral disease and systemic disease, and combine expertise in histopathologic diagnosis, clinical diagnosis and treatment.