At Richmond Center for Advanced Dentistry, Dr. Ali Byrd believes great oral health starts with the essentials, routine dental exams and professional dental cleanings. These visits allow us to detect concerns early, prevent issues before they start, and keep your smile healthy at every age. During these appointments, our team evaluates your teeth, gums, and jaw health while reviewing the overall function of your bite.
Sometimes, an exam may reveal a condition that requires the expertise of a dental specialist. To help you understand why a referral may be recommended, and what each specialist does, we’ve put together a clear, parent-friendly guide to the most common dental specialties. Whether you’re navigating care for yourself or your child, this breakdown will help you feel confident about your next steps.
What Is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (OMS)?
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a dentist with advanced surgical training focused on the mouth, face, jaws, and neck. After completing dental school, an OMS completes four to seven additional years of hospital-based medical and surgical training. This prepares them to perform a wide range of specialized procedures involving both bone and soft tissues of the facial region.
Common reasons patients are referred to an OMS include jaw surgery, wisdom teeth removal, dental implant placement, facial trauma, or complex extractions.
What Is a Periodontist?
A periodontist specializes in diagnosing and treating periodontal (gum) disease. After dental school, they complete two additional years of advanced training focused exclusively on the gums and supporting bone structures. Periodontists are one of the eight recognized dental specialists by the American Dental Association.
They help patients manage gum infections, perform deep cleanings, provide regenerative treatments, and support long-term periodontal health.
Why Would Dr. Byrd Refer You to a Periodontist?
If your dental exam shows signs of gum inflammation, bone loss, or a condition that needs specialty care, Dr. Ali Byrd may recommend working with a trusted periodontist. This co-managed approach ensures you receive the highest standard of care, combining your general dentist’s knowledge with the periodontist’s advanced expertise.
The goal is simple: help you restore and maintain healthy gums for life.
What Is an Endodontist?
An endodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases of the dental pulp and surrounding tissues. Their primary focus is saving natural teeth when the inner structures are damaged or infected.
Endodontists:
- Interpret digital X-rays and pulp vitality tests
- Diagnose root and nerve issues
- Perform root canal therapy and related procedures
Their advanced training allows them to treat complex internal tooth problems while preserving your natural tooth whenever possible.
What Is a Prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist specializes in restoring both the function and appearance of your teeth, face, and jaw. They diagnose issues caused by missing teeth or damaged supporting structures and develop detailed treatment plans for long-term restoration.
Prosthodontists create and manage:
- Crowns and bridges
- Dentures and partial dentures
- Dental implants
- Full-mouth reconstructions
Their training focuses on achieving natural aesthetics and comfortable function.
What Is a Pediatric Dentist?
A pediatric dentist receives at least two additional years of training dedicated solely to children’s oral health. This includes growth and development, child-friendly behavior management, and the unique needs of developing teeth.
Their offices, team, and communication style are intentionally designed to make children feel comfortable, safe, and understood. Pediatric dentists are especially helpful for children with special health care needs.
Although general dentists like Dr. Byrd are fully qualified to care for children, some families choose pediatric specialists for certain developmental or behavioral needs.
What Is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist prevents and treats problems involving the alignment of the teeth and jaws. Using braces, clear aligners, retainers, and specialized appliances, orthodontists correct issues such as crowding, spacing, bite discrepancies, and jaw growth concerns.
Common reasons children, teens, or adults see an orthodontist include:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Early tooth loss
- Thumb sucking or oral habits
- Injuries affecting jaw development
- Genetic or inherited bite problems
So, Why Might You Visit an Orthodontist?
Your dentist, like Dr. Ali Byrd, may recommend orthodontic care if they notice alignment concerns during your routine exam or cleaning. Sometimes, patients request an orthodontic evaluation themselves because they want a more confident smile or improved bite function.
Whether the motivation is comfort, appearance, or long-term oral health, orthodontic treatment can transform smiles at any age.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning at Richmond Center for Advanced Dentistry?
During your professional dental cleaning with Dr. Ali Byrd’s team, we focus on preventing problems before they start and keeping your smile healthy at every age. A typical cleaning includes:
- Gentle plaque and tartar removal to prevent gum disease
- Thorough polishing to smooth tooth surfaces and brighten your smile
- Flossing and hygiene guidance tailored to your needs
- Recommendations for at-home care tools or habits
- Early detection of concerns, such as gingivitis or enamel wear
A cleaning helps protect your oral health and keeps routine visits simple, comfortable, and proactive.
What Does a Dental Exam Include and Why Is It Important?
A dental exam is more than a quick check, it’s a complete evaluation of your oral health, performed by Dr. Ali Byrd to catch issues early and support long-term wellness. During a dental exam, we typically:
- Examine teeth and gums for cavities, inflammation, or infection
- Evaluate your bite and jaw function
- Review digital X-rays, if needed, to assess roots and bone health
- Screen for oral cancer and soft-tissue changes
- Check existing restorations, such as fillings or crowns
- Discuss findings openly, with clear recommendations
Regular exams help prevent small concerns from becoming larger problems, and they’re a key part of maintaining a healthy, confident smile for children, teens, and adults.