Types of Dentists

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Types of Dentists: Your Guide to Dental Specialties

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on types of dentists at DentistNearMeReviews.com. Choosing the right dental professional can make all the difference in your oral health journey. While general dentists handle routine care, specialists undergo additional years of training to address complex issues like crooked teeth, gum disease, root canals, or dental implants.

In 2025, popular searches include “orthodontist near me,” “periodontist for gum disease,” “endodontist root canal,” and “dental implants specialist,” reflecting patients’ needs for targeted expertise. This pillar page explains each specialty, what they do, when to see them, and links to deeper resources. Use it to navigate your care confidently.

Why See a Dental Specialist?

General dentists are your primary providers for checkups, cleanings, and basic treatments. For advanced or specific problems, they often refer to specialists recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA). There are 12 official dental specialties, each requiring 2–6 years of extra training. Seeing the right one ensures precise diagnosis and treatment, potentially saving time and improving outcomes.

Explore Types of Dentists

Browse our covered specialties below. Each includes key procedures, common reasons to visit, and tips for finding care.

General Dentist

Your go-to for overall oral health—preventive care, fillings, and early issue detection.

Common Procedures: Cleanings, exams, fillings, crowns, basic extractions.
When to See: Routine visits (every 6 months), toothaches, or general concerns.
Benefits: Coordinates your care and refers to specialists as needed. Learn More About General Dentists

Periodontist

Experts in gums and supporting bone structures—treating gum disease and placing implants.

Common Procedures: Scaling/root planing, gum grafts, laser therapy, dental implants.
When to See: Bleeding gums, recession, loose teeth, or implant needs.
Benefits: Prevents tooth loss; links to systemic health (e.g., diabetes). Learn More About Periodontists

Orthodontist

Specialists in aligning teeth and jaws for better function and aesthetics.

Common Procedures: Braces, Invisalign, retainers, bite correction.
When to See: Crooked teeth, overbites, crowding (kids or adults).
Benefits: Improves smile, chewing, and long-term oral health. Learn More About Orthodontists

Endodontist

Focus on the tooth’s interior—saving natural teeth from infection.

Common Procedures: Root canals, apicoectomies, trauma treatment.
When to See: Severe tooth pain, abscesses, deep decay.
Benefits: Relieves pain; high success rate in preserving teeth. Learn More About Endodontists

Pedodontist (Pediatric Dentist)

Child-focused care from infancy through teens.

Common Procedures: Sealants, fluoride, early orthodontics, sedation.
When to See: First visits (age 1), cavities in kids, behavioral needs.
Benefits: Builds positive habits; gentle, fun environments. Learn More About Pedodontists

Prosthodontist

Masters of restoring and replacing teeth for function and appearance.

Common Procedures: Crowns, bridges, dentures, veneers, full-mouth reconstruction.
When to See: Multiple missing teeth, complex restorations.
Benefits: Expertise in aesthetics and bite alignment. Learn More About Prosthodontists

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

Surgical experts for mouth, jaw, and face.

Common Procedures: Wisdom teeth removal, jaw surgery, implants, reconstructions.
When to See: Impacted teeth, facial trauma, corrective jaw issues.
Benefits: Handles complex cases often in hospital settings. Learn More About Oral & Maxillofacial

Orofacial Pain Specialist

Diagnose and manage chronic pain in the face, jaw, and head (recognized specialty since 2020).

Common Procedures: TMJ therapy, nerve blocks, headache management.
When to See: Jaw clicking/pain, facial neuralgia, unexplained headaches.
Benefits: Non-surgical relief for chronic conditions. Learn More About Orofacial Pain

Implant Dentist

Specialized in placing and restoring dental implants (often periodontists, oral surgeons, or prosthodontists).

Common Procedures: Implant surgery, bone grafting, full-arch restorations.
When to See: Missing teeth needing permanent replacements.
Benefits: Natural look/feel; long-lasting (10–20+ years). Learn More About Implant Dentistry

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Specialists

How do I know if I need a specialist?

Start with your general dentist—they’ll refer if needed.

Are specialists more expensive?

Often yes, due to advanced training, but many procedures are insurance-covered.

Can general dentists do implants or braces?

Some can with extra training, but specialists have deeper expertise.

What's the difference between a periodontist and oral surgeon for implants?

Both excel; periodontists focus on gums/bone, surgeons on complex surgery.

Find the Right Dentist Near You

Search our directory for top-rated general dentists and specialists by location, reviews, and specialty.

Implant Dentist

Orthodontist

Orofacial Pain

Endodontist

Prosthodontist

Periodontist

Pedodontist

Oral and Maxillofacial

General Dentist

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