Different Types of Dentists
Key Points
- Dentists specialize like doctors, often requiring referrals.
- General dentists handle checkups; specialists manage specific issues.
- Regular visits catch issues early, guiding specialist referrals.
When people think about the word “dentist,” they usually think of the person they go to for teeth cleaning and checking for cavities.
But dentists, much like doctors, can specialize in diagnosing and treating particular conditions.
When they specialize, they are usually given a different job title. These titles are often very long and confusing to lay people, which presents two problems.
One is that when people are referred by their usual dentist to a specialist, they may not know what to expect.
The other is that they might not have needed to see their usual dentist at all, but they did not know what kind of specialist they should have contacted.
Here is your guide to the main different types of dentists and what you might need them for.
General dentist
The most common type of dentist, and the type you see for a checkup at your local dental clinic.
Although they are only one type of dentist, general dentists are what most people need and know.
So, if you search “dentist in Browns Plains” or any other area, the results will show you general dentists.
Oral maxillofacial surgeon
These are specialists who typically complete 4-6 years of school in addition to the requirements to be general dentists.
If you’ve had wisdom teeth extracted, your general dentist probably sent you to one of these.
In addition to extractions, oral surgeons treat traumatic injuries and oral cancers. They also perform jaw surgeries and install implants.
Dental anesthesiologist
You might see these briefly before an oral surgeon gets to work. Anesthesiologists are the ones who put you to sleep.
Orthodontist
Another specialist who many people would have encountered, an orthodontist is the type of dentist who installs braces.
They specialize in diagnosing and fixing misaligned teeth and other problems with spacing and biting.
Endodontist
These specialize in root canal treatment. Although most general dentists are trained to perform root canals, they are complicated procedures that are more difficult to perform on some teeth than others.
This is why some general dentists prefer to refer root canal patients to a specialist.
Periodontist
These treat issues with the gums and bones around the mouth, such as receding gums, gum disease, and sensitive teeth.
Prosthodontist
As you get older, it is important to keep looking after your teeth.
If you don’t, you might end up losing them. This is where the prosthodontist comes in.
These specialists make and repair dentures, dental bridges and other dental implants.
These are the most common dental specialities. In most cases, and especially in dental emergencies or if you are experiencing pain in your mouth, your general dentist should be your first port of call.
You should also visit them twice a year for checkups. That way they can identify problems before they get too bad.
This makes any issues easier to treat. Your dentist will refer you to a specialist for any work you need that they cannot provide.
