The first difference between a specialist and a general dentist is that the general dentistry course is six years. After the end of this period, some dentists take part in three- to five-year resident specialist courses, and after passing them, they become specialists in one of the relevant fields.
As a dentist at an emergency dental clinic in Oakville explains, the second difference between a specialist and a general dentist is that specialists approved by the Ministry of Health and the Medical System Organization include “specialists” in their medical seal. Specialized fellowships also need to pass the entrance exam and complete a course of 12 to 18 months.
After completing this course and having a specialized board, specialists have the scientific rank equivalent to super specialist, which is included in their medical license. Dentistry is a branch of medicine.
Which Dentist Should We Visit for Which Problem?
In this part of the article on the difference between a specialist and a general dentist, we want to discuss this point to see which is more suitable for your oral and dental problems: a specialist or a general dentist.
First of all, you need to know who should solve your problem. Most dentists who have only completed a general dentistry course can solve many problems related to the mouth and teeth. In many cases, which are not within their scope of treatment, patients are referred to the relevant specialist.
The general dentists we mostly deal with can perform wisdom tooth surgery, tooth filling, tooth extraction, etc. They must have the expertise to perform more specialized work on the mouth of patients, such as root canal treatment or dental implant placement. Of course, there is no doubt that experience is more important than expertise.
Root Canal Specialist (Endodontist)
An endodontist is a pain specialist in dentistry. He specializes in root canal treatment and denervation of hard teeth. Re-treatment of teeth that have previously had unsuccessful nerve extraction, root canal surgery, tooth extraction of special and sensitive patients, and complex pains in the jaw and face are also among the duties of a root canal specialist.
Complications of not treating the root/abscess, pain, severe infection, and finally, if not treated, can lead to tooth loss. Implant is also one of the tasks assigned to the endodontist or endodontist. The specialization period in this field is three years.
Gum Disease Specialist (Periodontist)
Another specialty is dentistry, and specialists in this field can correctly diagnose and treat the symptoms of gum disease and tooth-supporting tissue after completing their three-year specialization. Gum surgery, diagnosis, and treatment of gum-related diseases due to aging or diseases such as diabetes, tooth crown lengthening surgery, and gum grafting surgery are within the scope of treatment of a periodontist.
Failure to diagnose and treat these diseases in time may cause the loss of teeth. Jawbone transplant surgery and implant surgery are also specialties related to periodontists.
The Need to See a General Dentist
Visiting the dentist regularly and every six months is necessary and important to have a beautiful smile and ensure the health of the mouth, teeth, and gums. A general dentist can examine and treat all oral and dental problems and gum and jaw bone health. The dentist will give you the best advice on treatment options and teach you how to take care of your mouth and teeth.
