Types of Dentists: What You Need to Know

Are you looking to make an appointment with a dentist?

Confirming a visit with a dentist is a crucial part of maintaining your health. However, not everyone has an understanding of the types of dentists that exist. From pediatric to cosmetic dentistry, there’s a little bit of everything for everyone in the dentist world.

Read on to uncover the many types of dentists that you’re sure to recognize.

General Dentist

A general dentist provides the most basic and routine dental care for a wide range of oral health problems. They diagnose and treat issues related to the mouth, teeth, and gums and are typically the first type of dentist a patient will visit. General dentists are primarily responsible for identifying and treating oral diseases, and they will usually coordinate any necessary specialty care.

Their dental services can include filling cavities, performing root canals, cleaning teeth, and repairing broken or damaged teeth. They may also provide advice on dental hygiene products and general oral health practices.

Pediatric Dentist

A pediatric dentist specializes in providing the highest standard of dental oral care to infants, children, adolescents, and their families. Specifically, they are well-trained in preventing and treating various dental problems related to these ages .

Pediatric dentists are active in many organizations that promote health and wellness for children, and they have trained extensively in the unique challenges of caring for children’s teeth and jaws. They are also in a unique position to teach children the importance of proper oral hygiene and to set them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Family Dentist

Family dentists provide a comprehensive range of dental care services, from exams, cleanings, and fillings to more complex procedures such as root canals, tooth extraction, and dentures. Family dentists strive to maintain their patients’ oral health through preventive treatments and education about good dental hygiene habits.

They use the most advanced technologies and procedures. Family dentists not only look at the short-term care of the patient’s mouth, but they look to the future, providing preventive treatments and education that will help the patient maintain good oral health for years to come.

Cosmetic Dentist

A Cosmetic Dentist specializes in the aesthetics of dentistry. They focus on the appearance of the teeth and gums and strive to improve the patient’s overall smile. Cosmetic Dentists can perform procedures like whitening, crowns, veneers, braces, dental implants, or fillings, among many other options.

Some Cosmetic Dentists even offer facial cosmetic treatments like facelifts, Botox, and dermal fillers. In addition to the training they receive, they must also keep up with the latest technology and techniques to be able to provide their patients with the best possible care.

Orthodontist

An Orthodontist is a type of dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. They are highly trained dental professionals who have earned additional years of schooling and training beyond the dental degree.

Orthodontists use specialized equipment and techniques to create braces, align teeth and jaws, and correct irregularities that may be present. Orthodontists work with a variety of materials-metal, plastic, and ceramic-to customize orthodontic treatment options, including braces, wires, elastics, and retainers.

Learn About the Different Types of Dentists

Dentists come in a variety of specialties, making it important to gauge what type of dentist best meets your needs. Knowing which types of dentists are best for your unique needs can make the difference between a successful experience and one that results in further dental care needs. Did you find this article helpful? Check out the rest of our blog for more!