From fixing misaligned teeth to performing complicated oral surgery, there are is usually a specific type of dentist to help you. Below is a brief explanation of the different work specialisms and the type of dentist to help you achieve optimum oral health.
General Dentist
A general dentist is your primary dental care provider and works to one main goal – to help you maintain a healthy smile. Dentists will therefore diagnose and treat minor-to-moderate conditions and perform extractions, scaling and planing, gum care, bridges, crowns and fillings.
Endodontist
An endodontist is a dentist who specialises in executing procedures that involve the soft inner tissue of the teeth (endodontic therapy). Patients typically need a root canal when there is inflammation or infection in the roots of a tooth. The endodontist performs root canal procedures and you can read more about this tooth-saving procedure HERE.
Orthodontist
An orthodontist works to prevent, diagnose and treat facial and dental irregularities in the jaw and jaw structures. You’d visit the orthodontist if you need braces or other teeth straightening options like Invisalign aligners. This dentist specialises in corrective retainers and appliances to improve your bite and smile.
Jaw and Maxillofacial Surgeon
This type of dentist is responsible for surgeries that involve the mouth, jaw or face. This work can often include wisdom teeth removal and the placement of dental implants. Typically, a maxillofacial surgeon will also deal with face, jaw or mouth trauma, cysts or tumours and dental implants.
Oral Pathologist
This is a type of dentist specialising in the causes of mouth diseases that change the jaw, lip, teeth and cheek structures. You’d visit an oral pathologist if you have abnormal gum colouration (they should be pink) and growths showing on an X-Ray. These specialists will often biopsy areas of concern and test them to determine the underlying disease or condition.
Paediatric Dentist or Pedodontist
A paediatric dentist (or pedodontist) is a type of dentist that specialises in dental care for infants and children. Paediatric dentists perform dental procedures that are similar to general dentists. However, they’re equipped to handle many difficult behavioural situations in treating infants, young children and adolescents.
Periodontist
A periodontist specialises in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the soft tissues within the mouth. Naturally, this includes the bones and gums and they are experts in the area of oral inflammation. You would visit a periodontist with sensitive or bleeding gums. This dentist can therefore diagnose and treat both gingivitis and periodontitis.
Prosthodontist
A prosthodontist specialises in replacing missing teeth or repairing your natural teeth. This specialist therefore makes use of caps and crowns to correct any areas of concern within your mouth. A prosthodontist is also involved in the dental implant process.
