Dental Specialties
What is a Prosthodontist?
Dr. Sharifi is a prosthodontist. A prosthodontist is a specialist dentist who has completed three years of additional education to become highly trained in cosmetics, veneers, dental implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, temporomandibular disorders (TMJ/TMD), and much more. They specialize in treating and handling dental and facial problems that involve restoring missing tooth and jaw structures. 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. Dr. Sharifi completed his prosthodontic training right here in Chicago at Northwestern University.
What is an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon (OMS)?
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.
Dr. Sharifi will refer you to an oral surgeon for extractions of failed teeth or placement of dental implants. We also use our oral surgeon partners for diagnosis and biopsy of lesions that are suspicious of oral cancer. They provide you with their time and expertise to ensure the highest treatment outcome possible.
What is a Periodontist?
Periodontists are dentists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease. As surgical denstists they are also involved in the placement of dental implants. 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.
Dr. Sharifi will refer you to a periodontist if your gums require surgical intervention or with surgical support for dental implants. The periodontist and dentist work together as a team to provide you with the highest level of care. They will combine their experience to recommend the best treatment available to you while keeping each other informed on your progress.
What is an Endodontist?
An endodontist is a dental specialist who completes root canal therapy. In addition, they examines diagnose and treat diseases and destructive processes of dental pulps and periapical tissues of the teeth. Today, with the advent of three-dimensional radiographs, endodontists examine patients and interpret these 3-D radiographs to assist in diagnosis of previously unseen fractures and complications to decrease the risk of unsuccessful treatment. Endodontists have diagnostic skills to use and interpret radiographs and pulp tests to determine pulp vitality and periapical tissue condition. They evaluate their findings and prescribe a method of treatment to prevent loss of teeth.
Dr. Sharifi will refer you to an endodontist for conventional root canal therapy. In addition they may be tasked to clarify or create a diagnosis for unconventional findings should they occur. Root canal therapy has a very high success rate; however, causes for failures may be hard to identify. The endodontists we work with will use their knowledge, technology and experience to ensure we come to the most accurate diagnosis before your complication is treated in order to improve your chance for success.
What is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist helps straighten a person’s teeth and correct the way the jaws line up. Their treatment helps prevents and treats mouth, teeth, and jaw problems. Using braces, retainers, and other devices, an orthodontist can correct congenital crowding, acquired defects or traumatic complications.
Dr. Sharifi may refer you to an orthodontist to improve more than just the esthetic outcome of our smiles. They are working with us to create more space in the mouth for the development of a proper airway resulting in so many positive health benefits.
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 to specifically address your child’s oral health care needs . Regardless of your child’s needs, care from a pediatric dentist is always recommended. Dr. Sharifi will likely only see your child when they have adult dental problems such as malformed enamel, missing teeth or have suffered some esthetic trauma. Let’s hope that’s not the case.