Dental Specialties

Your dentist may have determined that your care requires special attention from Dr. Kopecky, a prosthodontist. 

What is a Prosthodontist?

A prosthodontist is an expert in the esthetic restoration and replacement of teeth – the architect who restores optimum function and appearance to your smile.  This specialty requires two to three years of additional training after four years of dental school.  The prosthodontist is often described as the “quarterback” of the dental team as he/she coordinates treatment with other dentists, dental specialists and health care providers.  Prosthodontists are masters of complete oral rehabilitation utilizing state-of-the-art procedures and techniques to provide:

  • Cosmetic dentistry
  • Crowns and bridges
  • Dental implants
  • Removable complete and partial dentures
  • Temporomandibular disorder (“TMJ”) – muscle, joint and headache problems
  • Special needs of geriatric patients
  • Restoration from traumatic injuries to the face, jaw or teeth
  • Rebuilding worn teeth and bites

Definitions of Recognized Dental Specialties

Dr. Brueggeman or Dr. Kopecky may involve one or more specialists in your dental treatment to achieve a comfortable, functional and esthetic smile.  This team approach brings you the highest level of care and offers the best chances for success.  Here is a brief description of the commonly utilized dental specialists as listed by the American Dental Association.

Approved by the Council on Dental Education and Licensure, American Dental Association

Dental Public Health: Dental public health is the science and art of preventing and controlling dental diseases and promoting dental health through organized community efforts. It is that form of dental practice which serves the community as a patient rather than the individual. It is concerned with the dental health education of the public, with applied dental research, and with the administration of group dental care programs as well as the prevention and control of dental diseases on a community basis. (Adopted May 1976)

Endodontics: Endodontics is the branch of dentistry which is concerned with the morphology, physiology and pathology of the human dental pulp and periradicular tissues. Its study and practice encompass the basic and clinical sciences including biology of the normal pulp, the etiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries of the pulp and associated periradicular conditions. (Adopted December 1983)

Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology: Oral pathology is the specialty of dentistry and discipline of pathology that deals with the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. It is a science that investigates the causes, processes, and effects of these diseases. The practice of oral pathology includes research and diagnosis of diseases using clinical, radiographic, microscopic, biochemical, or other examinations. (Adopted May 1991)

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology: Oral and maxillofacial radiology is the specialty of dentistry and discipline of radiology concerned with the production and interpretation of images and data produced by all modalities of radiant energy that are used for the diagnosis and management of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral and maxillofacial region. (Adopted April 2001)

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Oral and maxillofacial surgery is the specialty of dentistry which includes the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects involving both the functional and esthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region. (Adopted October 1990)

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics: Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics is the dental specialty that includes the diagnosis, prevention, interception, and correction of malocclusion, as well as neuromuscular and skeletal abnormalities of the developing or mature orofacial structures. (Adopted April 2003)

Pediatric Dentistry: Pediatric Dentistry is an age-defined specialty that provides both primary and comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health care needs. (Adopted 1995)

Periodontics: Periodontics is that specialty of dentistry which encompasses the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth or their substitutes and the maintenance of the health, function and esthetics of these structures and tissues. (Adopted December 1992)

Prosthodontics: Prosthodontics is the dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes. (Adopted April 2003)