What are the Types of Dentists and How do They Differ?
There are more types of dentists than you might think.
You know when a trip to the dentist is in order, and you know the importance of dental maintenance, but did you know that there are actually seven common types of dentists? Depending on how specific you get, some would argue that there are actually nine different types of dentists. While most people will only need to see two or three different types of dentists over the course of their lives, there are, in reality, numerous and varied different types of dentists out there who are ready to tackle any of your dental concerns head-on!
At G Dental 32, we have experienced dentists who are skilled and educated in general dentistry and dental surgery, so many of your dental needs can be met in one place with our expert doctors. While we can help with most common dental procedures and problems, there are some times when you may be referred to a dentist who specializes in a particular area of dentistry.
If you’re interested in learning more about not only the dentists at G Dental 32 but also about the different areas dentists specialize in, read on!
There are three umbrella categories of dentistry which most practicing dentists fall under.
General Dentistry: The majority of practicing dentists fall into the category of general dentistry. Dentists who specialize in general dentistry are largely focused on maintaining and repairing your overall oral health. General dentistry, like much of what we offer here at G Dental 32, involves things like teeth cleaning, cavity fillings, dental x-rays, and restorative dentistry such as dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures.
Family Dentistry: Family dentistry is quite similar to general dentistry with a few differences. Like general dentistry, this branch of dentistry is largely concerned with overall oral health and maintenance. Family dentistry, though, often refers to dentists who specialize in dentistry for a particular age group. Dentists who practice family dentistry might, for example, specialize in pediatric dentistry for children, or geriatric dentistry for seniors.
Cosmetic Dentistry: Cosmetic dentistry differs from general dentistry and family dentistry in that dentists practicing in this branch of dental care are not necessarily concerned with maintaining or repairing overall oral health. Instead, cosmetic dentists focus on improving the look of your smile. Having pearly whites you are proud of can be an instant confidence booster, and cosmetic dentists focus on ways they can improve the appearance of your teeth and jaw.
Within the three umbrella categories of dentistry, there are seven common types of dentists.
The first type of dentist is a General Dentist. This type of dentist performs regular teeth cleanings and dental examinations and is one of the most common types of dentists practicing today. General Dentists will often refer you to a more specialized dentist if they notice something with your teeth that is in need of attention.
Pedodontists or Pediatric Dentists focus their expertise in dental care for children and adolescents. This type of dentist is specially trained in the dental needs of growing children. While many general dentists are also knowledgeable about pediatric dentistry, there can be some specific concerns when it comes to a child’s oral health that are better suited for a doctor of dental medicine with specialized knowledge in this realm.
Another type of dentist is an Orthodontist. Orthodontists have specialized training and expertise in teeth and jaw alignment. If you have had braces, they were most likely put in by an Orthodontist. Some of the tools an Orthodontist uses to align your teeth and jaw are wires, braces, retainers, and palatal expanders.
A Periodontist specializes in the gums. This type of dentist is specifically trained in treating gum disease and other problems that might pop up over time with your gums. While a general dentist is concerned with preventing gum disease, a Periodontist focuses on how to treat and manage advanced gum disease.
The fifth type of dentist we’ll mention here is the Endodontist. Endodontists are trained to handle problems with the nerve of a tooth. Decay and deterioration around the nerve of a tooth can be painful and cause many problems if left untreated, but an Endodontist can help by performing a root canal or other procedure to fix the root of the problem.
Oral Pathologists and Oral Surgeons deal with long-term and sometimes complicated diseases in your teeth or jaw. Oral Surgeons can perform surgical procedures as commonplace as wisdom teeth removal or as complicated as temporomandibular (TMJ) surgery. They may work closely with ear, nose, and throat doctors.
The final type of dentist we’ll discuss in this blog is the Prosthodontist. This type of dentist specializes in repairing teeth and jawbones. Prosthodontists often work in the cosmetic branch of the dentistry field and may offer treatments to improve the visible appearance of your teeth like professional teeth whitening services or veneers.
Which type of dentist do I need?
Luckily, this isn’t a question you need to answer on your own! Most dentists who specialize in a specific area of dentistry are only utilized when your general dentist notices a problem or concern with your teeth that requires care different than they can provide. When you come into our office, for example, we can treat many different dental problems on-site, but we can’t do everything. If you have specific concerns about your teeth, or if our experienced dentistry team notices something that might require a visit to a specialized dentist, we are happy to help you by providing a referral. This is one of the many reasons it’s important to come in at least once a year (preferably every six months) for a regular teeth cleaning and dental checkup.
If you’re due for your regular appointment, contact us today to get a visit to G Dental 32 on your calendar!
