Caregiving in this area is extremely important, especially as the patient gets older and becomes more susceptible to loss of teeth due to periodontal disease. Endodontists deal with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the tooth pulp and injuries involving the pulp and supporting tissues. Oral pathologists specialize in the interpretation and diagnosis of the changes caused by disease in the tissues of the oral cavity. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons treat diseases, injuries, and defects of the jaw, mouth, and face, using surgery and other treatments. They also perform extractions.
Periodontists specialize in treating disease of the tissues supporting and surrounding the teeth.
Prosthodontists are concerned with the design and fitting of dentures, bridges, and other replacements for missing teeth. Any licensed dentist can practice any area of dentistry, but specialized work should be undertaken by a specialist with the education and background to perform an expert job. Board-certified specialists satisfy requirements of training and experience designed to ensure competence. Each dental specialty program requires two to three years of post- graduate training, while oral surgery requires at least four years.