When you think of a dentist, you probably think of a general dentist, someone who inspects your teeth during routine checkups and who might fill your cavities from time to time. While this is indeed a type of dentist, it’s not the only type of dentist.
There are many different types of dentists out there. Are you wondering what types there are? We’re going to cover the most common kinds of dentists below!
General Dentist
General dentists are the types of dentists that we see for our bi-yearly appointments. They’re jacks of all dental trades but are masters of none. This enables them to assess a patient’s overall oral health accurately.
These dentists can perform various procedures, from cavity fillings to root canals, veneers, and crowns. They’re also trained to read X-rays and visually inspect and assess the teeth and gums.
Some general dentists serve patients of all ages. Some serve children, specifically. There are even some who limit their services to seniors.
Regardless, a general dentist is the person you’ll want to see regarding checkup time. He or she will cover the run-of-the-mill dental work and refer you to another type of dentist if specialized work is needed.
Endodontist
General dentists are capable of facilitating some root canal procedures. However, in cases where these procedures are particularly complex, endodontists are the dentists to see.
Endodontists work specifically with root canals. They’re highly trained in removing tooth pulp and are well-versed in treating infections inside the teeth.
If you crack or damage a tooth in another way, you might be referred to an endodontist. He or she will repair your damaged tooth to preserve its appearance and eliminate any pain that might present itself.
Orthodontist
An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in straightening and realigning teeth. He or she does this with braces, slowly readjusting the positioning of the teeth so that they’re functionally more beneficial and aesthetically more attractive.
Orthodontists can help patients to correct their bites, improve their speech, and enhance their overall aesthetics. They can also help to reduce pain in the neck and the jaws.
These specialists often work with adolescents, as adolescence is the earliest time most people can have their teeth straightened. Note, though, that they sometimes work with adults and young children.
Prosthodontist
A prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in implementing dental prosthetics such as dentures, dental implants, crowns, and bridges. They can help improve the aesthetics of a patient’s teeth and their functionality.
Lose one of your teeth while playing basketball? A prosthodontist will insert an implant for you.
Crack one of your teeth in half during an unexpected fall? A prosthodontist will install a crown.
Maybe your teeth have experienced severe decay over years of neglect. If so, your prosthodontist could help mold you into a set of dentures.
Periodontist
These are dentists who specialize in treating the gums and the bone that exists underneath those gums. They most typically work with those suffering from severe periodontitis, an infection of the gum tissue that leads to decay and bone loss.
One of the most common procedures carried out by periodontists is gum grafting. This is a process in which gum tissue is taken from one part of the mouth and then grown onto another part of the mouth. It’s common in cases where the gumline has receded.
Periodontists might also carry out bone grafting procedures. This involves growing new bone in the jaw so that the teeth have adequate support.
Other responsibilities of the periodontist include setting tooth implants, extracting bad teeth, and assessing X-rays. Click here to view a reputable clinic that can help you to learn more about the periodontist procedures that are available to you and help you to fix any problems that you may have.
Pedodontist
Pedodontists are essentially just general dentists who specialize in treating children. They’re trained to communicate with kids on their level and go to great lengths to help their young patients feel comfortable during dental procedures.
These dentists usually work in specialized offices. These offices usually include child-centric decor, toys, and other items that might help children relax.
As far as responsibilities go, pedodontists are just like other general dentists. They inspect teeth, help clean them, and perform straightforward dental procedures like cavity fillings. They’re also trained to take and assess X-rays.
If you have a young child and are wondering, “How do I find a family dentist in my area?” you’re advised to search for a pedodontist. A pedodontist is the dentist best suited to accommodate your child’s anxieties.
Oral Surgeon
Oral surgeons are responsible for — what else? — surgical and dental procedures. These run the gamut from tooth extractions, jaw realignments, implants, and more.
The most common reason to see an oral surgeon is to have your wisdom teeth removed. However, if you have an overbite or an underbite, for example, your oral surgeon might be able to help you by surgically repositioning your jaws.
Oral surgeons make more money than any other type of dental specialist. So, this could be a viable career if you want to make the big bucks.
There Are All Types of Dentists Out There
As you can see, there are all types of dentists out there. Whether you’re considering becoming a dentist or just looking for a dentist to treat you, research. Dentists are varied in all sorts of ways.
