There are several types of dental professionals who can help with your oral care needs. Depending on your individual needs, you might want to see a general dentist, a pediatric dentist, an orthodontist, or a periodontist. If you have a specific concern or dental problem, you may need to see a specialist like a dental surgeon (or endodontist) or a prosthodontist. If you need surgery, you will need to see an oral surgeon. For certain medical conditions, you might need to see a dentist or oral surgeon in a specialty practice such as pediatric dentistry or endodontics (root canals).

General Dentist

A general dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, specializes in all aspects of dentistry. General dentists examine your teeth for signs of cavities and other issues, and provide fillings, cleanings, and other services to prevent and treat dental disease. They may also provide cosmetic services such as teeth whitening, teeth straightening, dental veneers, and other procedures. General dentists may also provide orthodontics, oral surgery, dental implants, and even endodontic treatments. If you have a child who needs braces, you can start that process with a general dentist.

Pediatric Dentist

A pediatric dentist specializes in the oral care of children. This includes keeping up with children’s teeth and mouths as they grow through the various stages of development, providing sealants to protect teeth from decaying, and repairing broken or chipped teeth. Other services provided by pediatric dentists include dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental screenings. If you have a child who needs braces, you can start that process with a pediatric dentist.

Orthodontist

An orthodontist specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and oral irregularities. They may recommend braces for children or adults who have issues with teeth alignment, or they may treat other conditions like snoring or sleep apnea. Other services provided by orthodontists include dental cleanings, dental sealants, and dental screenings. If you have a child who needs braces, you can start that process with an orthodontist.

Endodontist

An endodontist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of dental pulp and root canals. They may perform root canal treatments or other treatments such as root-end fillings or apexification. Endodontists can also provide dental implants, crowns, and other treatments for teeth and gums. If you have a child who needs braces, you can start that process with an endodontist.

Prosthodontist

A prosthodontist specializes in the restoration and replacement of teeth, jaws, and gums. They may provide crowns, bridges, dentures, or other treatments to improve the appearance or functionality of your teeth. They may also provide dental implants and other treatments for missing teeth. If you have a child who needs braces, you can start that process with a prosthodontist.

Endosseous (Bone) Dentist

An endosseous dentist specializes in dental implants, dental surgery to correct gum disease and other dental issues, and other treatments to help you maintain an optimal smile and dental health. They may also provide other treatments such as dental cleanings, extractions, and fillings. If you have a child who needs braces, you can start that process with an endosseous dentist.Endosseous dentists may be able to provide implants sooner than other types of dentists.

Conclusion

Tooth decay, gum disease, and other problems with teeth and gums are common among adults, teens, and children. There are many types of dental professionals who can help with your oral care needs. Depending on your individual needs, you might want to see a general dentist, a pediatric dentist, an orthodontist, or a periodontist. If you have a specific concern or dental problem, you may need to see a specialist like a dental surgeon (or endodontist) or a prosthodontist.