Dental Specialties

Wateree Family Dentistry believes in interdisciplinary care for our patients. We have dedicated and caring specialists that we work with to provide you and your family with the best possible care.

What is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMFS)?

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dentists specializing in surgery of the mouth, face and jaws.After four years of dental school, surgeons receive four to seven years of hospital-based surgical and medical training, preparing them to do a wide range of procedures including all types of surgery of both the bones and soft tissues of the face, mouth and neck.

We work closely with our oral surgeons on cases that involve implant placement and extractions, especially extractions of third molars.

What is a Periodontist?

Periodontists are dentists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. They have had extensive training with two additional years of study after dental school. As specialists they devote their time, energy and skill to helping patients care for their gums. A periodontist is one of the eight dental specialists recognized by the American Dental Association.

If we refer you to a periodontist, we have determined that your gums require special attention. The periodontist and general dentist work together as a team to provide you with the highest level of care. We will combine our experience to recommend the best treatment available to you while keeping each other informed on your progress.

A periodontist not only treats periodontal disease, but is also trained in procedures that include implant placement, crown lengthening, gingival recontouring, etc.

What is an Endodontist?

The Endodontist diagnoses and treats injuries and infections of dental pulps (the inside of the tooth where the nerves and blood supply reside) and tissues at the end of the tooth’s root.  They specialize in root canals and surgeries required to retain a natural tooth.

What is a Pediatric Dentist?

A pediatric dentist has at least two additional years of training beyond dental school. The additional training focuses on management and treatment of a child’s developing teeth, child behavior, physical growth and development, and the special needs of children’s dentistry. A pediatric dentist, his or her staff, and even the office décor are all geared to care for children and to put them at ease. If your child has special needs or we feel a referral will better ensure a positive future result, care from a pediatric dentist may be considered.

What is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist prevents and treats mouth, teeth, and jaw problems. Using braces, retainers, and other devices, an orthodontist helps straighten a person’s teeth and correct the way the jaws line up.

Orthodontists treat children for many problems, including having crowded or overlapping teeth or having problems with jaw growth and tooth development. These tooth and jaw problems may be caused by tooth decay, losing baby teeth too soon, accidents, or habits like thumb sucking. These problems also can be genetic or inherited.

An orthodontist can correct crowding and spacing of your teeth, make changes that can improve how your teeth function, and can move teeth to get better esthetic and restorative results!

What is a Prosthodontist?

The prosthodontist examines and diagnoses disabilities caused by loss of teeth and supporting structures. They formulate and execute treatment plans for the construction of corrective prostheses to restore proper function and esthetics of the mouth, face, and jaw. They specialize in more complex restorative cases.