Types of Dentistry and Dentists

There are different types of dentistry such as general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and orthodontics.

• General dentistry is the type of dentist that most people see for their regular checkups and cleanings.
• Cosmetic dentistry is a type of dentist that focuses on improving the appearance of your smile.
• Pediatric dentistry is a type of dentist that specializes in care for children’s teeth.
• Orthodontics is a type of dentist that specializes in straightening teeth.
• Restorative dentistry is a type of dentist that focuses on repairing damaged teeth.
• Endodontics is a type of dentist that specializes in root canals.
• Prosthodontics is a type of dentist that specializes in dental implants and dentures.
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a type of dentist that specializes in surgery of the mouth and face.

General dentistry

Not every dentist is a specialist. General dentists are the most common type of dentist. They provide preventive care, diagnosis, and treatment of dental problems. General dentists usually perform procedures such as cleanings, X-rays, fillings, extractions, and crowns. General dentists can also refer you to a specialist if you need more complex treatment. They may also provide guidance on how to improve your oral hygiene habits. Some general dentists may also specialize in one or more areas of dentistry, such as cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, or periodontics. Cosmetics is not their focus, but they can do some procedures to improve the appearance of your teeth.

Common Procedures for General Dentists

• Cavity fillings
• Dental sealants
• Tooth extractions
• Root canals
• Crowns
• Bridges
• Dentures and partials
• Implants
• Inlays and onlays
• Veneers

General Dentistry Sub-specialties

• Endodontics
• Oral and maxillofacial pathology
• Oral and maxillofacial radiology
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery
• Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
• Pediatric dentistry
• Periodontics
• Prosthodontics

Cosmetic dentistry

The types of dentists that perform cosmetic dentistry are:

• General Dentists perform cosmetic procedures like bonding, crowns, dental implants, gum reshaping, inlays and onlays, orthodontic treatment, teeth whitening, and veneers.
• Prosthodontists make crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants. Some common procedures they perform include tooth reshaping, smile makeovers, and full mouth reconstruction.
• Orthodontists also focus on improving the appearance of teeth. They use braces, aligners, and other appliances to move teeth into the correct position, therefore straightening and correcting bite problems. Some common procedures they perform include braces, aligners, headgear, retainers, space maintainers, and shaping the jawbone.
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons focus on surgery of the mouth, teeth, and jaws. Some common procedures they perform include dental implants, wisdom tooth extractions, and corrective jaw surgery.
• Pediatric dentists focus on the oral health of children and provide preventive care, diagnosis, and treatment of dental problems in children. Some common procedures they perform include fluoride treatments, fillings, crowns, and pulp therapy (root canals).

Common Procedures for Cosmetic Dentists

• Teeth Whitening which the dentist offers in office or at home with a kit.
• Veneers which are thin, porcelain shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth.
• Bonding which is a process where tooth-colored composite resin is applied to your teeth and then hardened with a special light.
• Crowns, also called caps, which cover a tooth that is too damaged to be fixed with a filling.
• Bridges which replaces one or more missing teeth. They are usually made of porcelain or metal and your natural teeth support them on either side of the gap.
• Dental implants which replaces one or more missing teeth. The implant is a metal post that is surgically placed in your jawbone and then the dentist places a tooth-colored crown on top of it.

Pediatric dentistry

The types of dentists that perform pediatric dentistry are:

• General Dentists
• Pediatric Dentists
• Orthodontists
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Common Procedures for Pediatric Dentists

• Cavity fillings which fill in the holes that are caused by cavities.
• Fluoride treatments which help to prevent cavities.
• Sealants which are thin, clear plastic coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to help prevent cavities.

Orthodontics

The types of dentists that perform orthodontics are:

• General Dentists
• Orthodontists

Common Procedures for Orthodontists

• Braces which are metal brackets glued to your teeth and connected with wire.
• Retainers which keep your teeth in their new position after you have had braces.
• Headgear which is a device that is worn around your head and neck to help move your teeth into their correct position.

Restorative dentistry

The types of dentists that perform restorative dentistry are:

• General Dentists
• Prosthodontists
• Endodontists
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Common Procedures for Restorative Dentists

• Dental implants which replace one or more missing teeth. The implant is a metal post that is surgically placed in your jawbone and then a tooth-colored crown is placed on top of it.
• Dentures which are false teeth that replace all of the natural teeth in your mouth.
• Crowns, also called caps, which cover a tooth that is too damaged to be fixed with a filling.
• Bridges which replace one or more missing teeth. They are usually made of porcelain or metal and are supported by your natural teeth on either side of the gap.

Endodontics

The type of dentist that performs endodontics is:

• Endodontists

Common Procedures for Endodontists

• Root canals which treat the inside of the tooth that is infected.
• Fillings which fill in the holes that are caused by cavities.
• Crowns, also called caps, which cover a tooth that is too damaged to be fixed with a filling.

Prosthodontics

The type of dentist that performs prosthodontics is:

• Prosthodontists

Common Procedures for Prosthodontists

• Dentures which are false teeth that replaces all of the natural teeth in your mouth.
• Crowns, also called caps, which cover a tooth that is too damaged to be fixed with a filling.
• Bridges which replace one or more missing teeth. They are usually made of porcelain or metal and are supported by your natural teeth on either side of the gap.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery

The type of dentist that performs oral and maxillofacial surgery is:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Common Procedures for Oral Surgeons

• Dental implants which replaces one or more missing teeth. The dentist surgically places the implant in your jawbone and then places a tooth-colored crown on top of it.
• Wisdom teeth removal which is the removal of the wisdom teeth that are growing in at the back of your mouth.
• Cleft lip and palate surgery which treats a cleft lip or cleft palate.