Which Type of Dentist Should You Choose?

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type of dentist should you choose

When choosing a dentist in Livonia, you must choose an individual you feel you can trust with you and your family’s dental needs and that you know will provide you with the best dental care available. Our team at Majestic Dentistry has put together a guideline for those looking for the best type of dentist for their needs. 

What is the Difference Between DDS and DMD?

If you have been searching for a dental office near you, you may have noticed that the letters after the dentist’s name either read DDS or DMD. 

Most of the time, when you visit the dentist, you will be visiting a general dentist. A general dentist can either hold a DDS or DMD. One who holds a DMD holds a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry, and a dentist who has a DDS has a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. To have earned either of these credentials, your dentist will have completed their undergraduate studies and another four years of dental studies. 

There is no major difference between a DMD or DDS. In fact, they are virtually the same, the name differing based on the university that they attended and how the university prefers to title them. Both are considered general dentists and function as primary oral healthcare providers who diagnose and treat problems such as tooth decay and gum disease and provide preventative care. 

Dental Specialists

Depending on your dental needs, you may require a specialist. Dental specialists have completed extra training in a specific branch of dentistry. The most common types of dental specialists include: 

  • Pediatric dentists: if you have children, you will want to visit a pediatric dentist in Livonia. These dentists are specially trained to work exclusively with children and understand how children’s teeth should develop in a healthy way that sets them up for a lifetime of optimal oral health. 
  • Oral surgeon: if you require surgical treatment for oral disease, injury, or aesthetic purposes, you will be referred to an oral surgeon. They work to remove wisdom teeth and biopsy suspicious spots in your mouth. 
  • Periodontist: these dentists specialize in caring for your gums and the supporting structure around your teeth. Most of the time, your general dentist will refer you to a periodontist to help treat gum disease. 
  • Orthodontist: orthodontists specialize in misaligned bites and realignment. If you have overcrowded teeth, crooked teeth, or missing teeth, an orthodontist can help treat you with devices such as braces and Invisalign. 
  • Endodontist: these specialists are trained to help address tooth pain and save natural teeth by performing root canal therapy. 
  • Prosthodontist: these specialists help patients restore and replace lost teeth through restorations such as dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures. 

Your general dentist will always be your first point of contact regarding your oral health needs, so you must choose a general dentist near you that you can trust with all your oral health needs. 

Visit Majestic Dentist

If you are searching for a dental office with a warm and welcoming environment and a plethora of dental services, Majestic Dentistry may be right for you. Our team of dedicated dental professionals is here to answer any questions or concerns that you may have about your oral health. We prioritize preventative dental care as the first line of defense against oral health issues, and our team is happy to direct you to the services you require to maintain optimal oral health. Please contact our clinic to book a consultation today!