MONTREAL, March 20, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - In Quebec, almost one in three Quebecers has no idea of the existence of dental specialists. Moreover, the lack of knowledge is such that one out of two people mistakenly believes that a referral from a general dentist is needed to consult a specialist. These findings are the result of a recent Leger survey conducted for the Federation of Dental Specialists of Quebec.
The survey also revealed that 63% of Quebecers also mistakenly believe that implantologists are dental specialists, whereas implantology is not a specialty recognized by the Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ). Lastly, it appears that the majority of respondents have no idea of what an endodontist, periodontist or prosthodontist are, to name but a few, neither do they know when they can consult them.
Know your options
In light of the results of this survey, the Federation of Dental Specialists of Quebec and its 447 members are launching an information campaign to raise awareness about dental specialties and inform Quebec citizens of their options.
"Dental specialists work closely with general dentists. Whether you consult a specialist directly or your dentist refers you to an endodontist, for example―who specializes in root canals―it's as if you were to consult a cardiologist for a heart problem," explains Dr. Véronique Benhamou, President of the Federation of Dental Specialists of Quebec. "Dental specialists devote 100% of their practice to their speciality and we want Quebecers to know the options available to them when it comes to their oral health."
Who does what?
Every problem has its solution. Here are the dental specialists to consult, depending on the problem to be treated.
Root canal = ENDODONTIST
Treats diseases affecting the inner tooth, where the nerve and blood vessels are located. He is the dental specialist who performs a root canal in order to save the tooth.
Crowns, bridges and dentures = PROSTHODONTIST
Restores or replaces natural teeth with custom-made veneers, crowns, bridges and dentures. The prosthodontist is the architect of the mouth and the dental specialist qualified to install fixed dentures (on implants).
Gum disease = PERIODONTIST
Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of gum diseases, including gum grafts, the bone that supports the teeth and the placement of dental implants.
Braces and dental appliances = ORTHODONTIST
Corrects the position of teeth with fixed or removable corrective appliances (braces, aligners and others). He also treats anomalies in the growth of jaws.
Specialized care for children = PEDIATRIC DENTIST
Treats children and teens with special needs (mental and physical disabilities, behavioural problems) or medical conditions that make dental care more complex.
Wisdom teeth and jaw surgery = ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEON
Treats diseases, wounds and anomalies of the mouth, jaws and surrounding structures. This specialist is consulted to have wisdom teeth removed, dental implants installed, corrective jaw surgery or a facial reconstruction.
Analysis of oral tissue = ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL PATHOLOGIST
Specializes in the clinical diagnosis of mouth diseases by conducting a microscopic examination of oral tissue to identify the cause of a lesion or disease.
Analysis of medical imaging = ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL RADIOLOGIST
Specializes in interpreting X-ray images obtained by dentists.
Mouth diseases = SPECIALIST IN ORAL MEDICINE
Treats oral diseases: suspicious wound, unexplained bleeding, dry mouth, burning sensation, presence of a lump, an ulcer that doesn't heal. This specialist also diagnoses and treats chronic facial pain and jaw joint problems.
The Federation recommends consulting a dental specialist:
- to get a second opinion on a proposed treatment
- when the complexity of the treatment requires one or more specialized techniques
- when the attending dentist recommends it.
To learn more: www.yourdentalspecialists.com
About the Federation of Dental Specialists of Quebec
Founded in 1972, the Federation of Dental Specialists of Quebec has 447 member dentists who are part of nine dental specialties recognized in Quebec.
SOURCE Fédération des dentistes spécialistes du Québec
Isabelle Verge, [email protected], Office: 514 667-0196, ext. : 425, Cell: 514 701-7223; Christine Geoffrion, [email protected], Office: 450 515-1445, Cell : 514 424-4269
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