
DENTISTS are a priceless group of dental physicians that diagnose, prevent, and treat teeth and tissue problems. By removing decay, filling cavities, studying x-rays, placing protective sealants on children's teeth, straightening teeth, repairing fractured teeth; dentists also do surgery on gums and bones to correct and treat gum diseases.
Dentists are also talented mold makers, as they create models and measurements for dentures. Prescribing adequate instruction on dietary intake and oral hygiene, dentists can also provide prescriptions for antibiotics and other medicines.
There are a vast amount of dentists who practice in the field; depending on specialty. One type of dentist is an orthodontist. These dentists specialize in straightening teeth by applying pressure to the teeth with braces or retainers. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons, two more types of dentists, actually perform surgery on the mouth and even the jaws. The remaining group of dentists and their specialties are: pediatric dentists (children's dentistry), periodontists (dentists that treat the gums and bones surrounding the teeth), prosthodontists (dentists who replace missing teeth with permanent fixtures -- crowns, bridges, dentures, etc.), endodontists (dentists who perform root canals), public health dentists (dentists who enhance and promote dental health care within the community), oral pathologists (dentists who study oral diseases), and finally -- oral and maxillofacial radiologists (dentists who diagnose disease and injury in the head and neck through imaging techniques).