Endodontist
Diagnoses and treats diseases and injuries of the dental pulp/nerve. An endodontist
performs root canal treatments and other types of surgical root procedures.
General Dentist
Diagnoses, treats, and manages overall oral health care needs including periodic
exams, gum care, root canals, fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges, and preventive education. The primary
care dental provider may refer patients to dental specialists for additional care/treatment.
Oral Surgeon
Performs surgical procedures that involve the face, mouth, and jaw area including simple
and complex extractions involving removal of soft tissue or overlying bone or remaining roots, impacted
teeth (especially wisdom teeth), soft tissue biopsies, removal of tumors and implant placement.
Orthodontist
Diagnoses, intercepts, and treats malocclusions, or "bad bites," of the teeth and
surrounding structures. Straightens a patient's teeth by moving the teeth through bone using bands,
wires, elastics, headgears and other fixed or removable appliances or retainers.
Pedodontist or Pediatric Dentist
Diagnoses and prevents dental issues in children from infancy through
the teen years (including those with special health needs) and detects, treats, or refers (as needed)
problems with decayed, missing or crowded/crooked teeth.
Periodontist
Diagnoses, treats, and prevents diseases of the gums and bones of the teeth (both natural
and man-made teeth) including gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (gum and bone
disease). A periodontist may perform simple and deep pocket cleanings, root planning and implant
placement.
Prosthodontist
Repairs natural teeth and/or replaces missing teeth using crowns (caps) and/or artificial
teeth. A prosthodontist may perform crowns, fixed bridges, partial dentures, full dentures,
overdentures and implant placement.