Specialty Definitions

Dental Specialties

Endodontist
Treats problems with the nerve of the tooth. Performs root canal treatments, root amputation (removing a root on a multi-rooted tooth) and apicoectomy (surgically removing the tip of the root).

General Dentist
General family dentist without additional specialty training.

Oral Surgeon
Performs surgery in the head 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, implant placement, complex jaw realignment surgeries (orthognathic surgery) involving facial or bite discrepancies, jaw or facial fracture stabilization (repair of fractured cheek or jaw bones) and repair of soft tissue problems (cleft palate or lip).

Orthodontist
Straightens patient's teeth through movement of the teeth through bone by the use of bands, wires, elastics, headgears and other fixed or removable appliances or retainers.

Pedodontist
Focuses on younger patients from children as young as one or two to early adulthood. Can detect, treat, or refer problems with decayed, missing, crowded, or crooked teeth.

Periodontist
Deals with soft tissue of the mouth and the supporting structures (bone) of the teeth. Treats gingivitis (inflammation of the gingival tissue) as well as periodontitis (gingival tissue and bone disease). Performs simple and deep pocket cleanings, root planning, crown lengthening, soft tissue and/or bone grafting, gingival or flap procedures, soft tissue recontouring or removal (gingivoplasty or gingivectomy), hard tissue recontouring (osteoplasty) and implant placement.

Prosthodontist
Deals with simple to complicated full-mouth restorations or full-mouth rehabilitation. Performs crowns, fixed bridges, partial dentures, full dentures, overdentures, implant reconstruction, full mouth reconstruction/occlusal rehabilitation, cosmetic dentistry, treatment of temporomandibular /orofacial pain disorders.