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How Do I Look for a Dentist?
A good place to start is by asking for a referral from people you trust — your friends, family, acquaintances, work associates, pharmacist or family doctor. Ask them how long they've gone to their dentist, how comfortable they feel asking questions, what type of dentist they go to (general or specialist). It is important that you find a dentist with whom you feel comfortable.
Other ways to find a dentist include:
- Calling your local dental society for a list of recommended dentists in your area. Your local dental society can be found in the Yellow Pages under "dentist."
What Kind of Dentist Should I Look for?
General dentists are trained to do all types of treatment. If you have difficult or unusual problems, your dentist may refer you to one of the following specialists:
- Endodontists diagnose and treat diseased tooth pulp and perform root canal work (many general dentists also perform root canals).
- Prosthodontists specialize in crowns, bridges and dentures.
- Oral pathologists use laboratory procedures to diagnose diseases of the mouth. They also specialize in forensic dentistry.
- Oral/Maxillofacial surgeons perform surgical treatments, such as removing cysts, tumors and teeth. They can correct fractures or other jaw problems that require surgery, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ). They also use methods similar to those of plastic surgery to treat cosmetic problems of the jaw and face.
- Orthodontists correct improperly positioned teeth, using braces and other appliances to move teeth into a better position.
- Periodontists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease.
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