What Are the Different Types of Dentists? | Family Dentistry Explained
When most people think of going to the dentist, they picture a regular checkup, a filling, or maybe a teeth cleaning. But the field of dentistry includes many different specialties—each focused on specific parts of your oral health. Whether you're looking for a family dentist for routine care or need a specialist for braces or a root canal, understanding the different areas of dentistry can help you make the right choice.
Below, we’ll break down the most common types of dentists, what they do, and when you might need to visit one.
General Dentistry (Family Dentistry)
A general dentist, often called a family dentist, is your go-to for routine dental care. They provide preventive services like cleanings, fluoride treatments, X-rays, and oral exams. General dentists also handle common issues such as cavities, toothaches, gum disease, and chipped or broken teeth.
Most people see a general dentist every six months for checkups. These visits help prevent bigger problems down the road. In addition to cleanings and exams, family dentists may offer fillings, crowns, bridges, and basic cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening. If you have kids, a general dentist can treat the whole family, making them a convenient option for busy households.
Pediatric Dentistry
A pediatric dentist specializes in treating children, from infants to teenagers. Their offices are often kid-friendly, with colorful décor and gentle approaches that help reduce dental anxiety in young patients. Pediatric dentists receive extra training to deal with the specific needs of growing mouths, including baby teeth, thumb sucking, and early orthodontic concerns.
Common services offered by pediatric dentists include cleanings, cavity fillings, fluoride treatments, and sealants. They also help monitor the development of your child’s teeth and jaw, and can refer you to an orthodontist if braces or other corrective treatment is needed. If your child is nervous about the dentist or has special healthcare needs, a pediatric dentist is a great choice.
Orthodontics
Orthodontists are specialists in aligning teeth and correcting bites. If you or your child needs braces, clear aligners like Invisalign, or retainers, this is the dental professional to see. Orthodontic issues can include overcrowding, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, and jaw misalignment.
Orthodontic treatment often begins in the early teen years, but more adults are now seeking straighter smiles as well. Modern options like clear aligners make treatment less noticeable and more comfortable than traditional metal braces. Your family dentist may refer you to an orthodontist if they notice issues with your bite or tooth positioning during a routine checkup.
Endodontics
If you’ve ever had a toothache that just wouldn’t quit, you may have needed an endodontist—a dentist who specializes in treating the inside of the tooth. Endodontists are experts in diagnosing and treating problems with the tooth’s pulp (the soft tissue inside the root). The most common procedure they perform is a root canal.
A root canal is needed when a tooth becomes infected or badly decayed. Rather than removing the tooth, an endodontist cleans out the infection and seals the tooth to preserve it. Thanks to modern techniques and anesthesia, root canals today are much more comfortable than many people expect. If you’re experiencing deep, throbbing tooth pain or sensitivity to hot or cold, your dentist might refer you to an endodontist.
Periodontics
Periodontists focus on treating gum disease and other issues affecting the soft tissues and bones that support your teeth. Gum disease—also called periodontal disease—is one of the most common dental problems and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
A periodontist can perform deep cleanings, scaling and root planing, and gum graft surgery. They also place dental implants and treat advanced gum infections. If your general dentist notices signs of receding gums, bleeding, or infection, they may recommend seeing a periodontist for specialized care.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
When a dental issue requires surgery, an oral surgeon (or oral and maxillofacial surgeon) steps in. These specialists handle procedures such as wisdom tooth removal, jaw surgery, and treatment of facial injuries or oral cancers. They’re also the go-to professionals for placing dental implants and performing biopsies.
Oral surgeons are trained in both medicine and dentistry and often work with anesthesiologists to perform surgeries under sedation or general anesthesia. If you’re dealing with impacted teeth, jaw alignment issues, or need complex dental surgery, your dentist will likely refer you to an oral surgeon.
Prosthodontics
A prosthodontist is a dentist who focuses on restoring and replacing teeth. If you’ve lost teeth due to injury, decay, or age, they can create dentures, bridges, crowns, or dental implants to bring back your smile and improve your ability to eat and speak.
Prosthodontists are highly trained in cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry. They work closely with general dentists and oral surgeons, especially when complex restorations are needed. Their goal is to rebuild your smile so it looks natural and functions properly.
Choosing the Right Dentist for You
Finding the right type of dentist depends on your unique needs. For regular care, a trusted family dentist can handle most of your dental health. For more specialized treatment—like braces, root canals, or gum disease—your general dentist can refer you to the right specialist. No matter your age or dental concern, there’s a qualified professional ready to help you smile with confidence.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Dentists
What does a general or family dentist do?
General dentists provide routine care like cleanings, fillings, crowns, and exams. They help maintain your oral health and are usually the first to spot any issues that need specialized care.
What kind of dentist works with children?
A pediatric dentist is specially trained to work with children, offering kid-friendly exams, cavity treatment, and early orthodontic guidance.
When should someone see an orthodontist?
If your teeth are crooked, crowded, or your bite feels off, an orthodontist can help with braces or clear aligners like Invisalign to improve alignment and function.
What is a root canal, and who performs it?
A root canal treats infection or inflammation inside the tooth. It's typically performed by an endodontist using advanced tools to save your natural tooth.
Can a dentist help with gum disease?
Yes, but severe or advanced gum disease may require a periodontist. They provide specialized treatment for gums and bone loss around the teeth.
Do I need an oral surgeon for wisdom teeth removal?
Yes, especially if your wisdom teeth are impacted or require surgical extraction. Oral surgeons also handle other types of complex dental surgery.
Who provides dentures and implants?
A prosthodontist designs and fits dentures, bridges, crowns, and implants. They focus on restoring missing or damaged teeth for both function and appearance.