Dentist

Teeth problems may be many and varied. Some of the teeth problems handled by dentists are:

• Removal of tooth decay
  
• Filling of teeth cavities with gold, silver, amalgam or cement with fused porcelain inlays
  
• Removal of teeth (extraction)
  
• Removing the nerves of teeth or root canal treatment
  
• Replacement of teeth with bridges and dentures or dental plates
  
• Examine x rays
  
• Place protective plastic sealants on kid's teeth
  
• Straighten teeth and repair fractured teeth
  
• Dentists also perform corrective surgery on gums and supporting bones to treat gum diseases.
  
• Dentures are constructed by dentists by making models and measurements of extracted teeth.
  
• Dentists render advice on dental care.
  

Most dentists handle general teeth and gum-related issues. Some dentists do specialty practice. Orthodontist is a specialist who straightens teeth by applying pressure to the teeth with braces and retainers. This is the largest practicing group in dentistry. Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons are the next largest group and they operate of the mouth and jaws. Periodontist treats gums and bones supporting the teeth, prosthodontist replaces missing teeth with permanent fixtures, endodontist performs root canal therapy, and public health dentist promotes good dental health and prevents dental diseases in the community level. An oral pathologist studies oral diseases and oral and maxillofacial radiologist diagnoses diseases in the head and neck through the technique of imaging.