You have a specific dental problem that you need immediate attention for. Online you are swamped by all the different titles and specialists there are in the field of dentistry, but you have no clue what any of them mean. At RankMyDentist.com we want to make sure your decisions are informed and that your search is hassle free by providing you with a list of all the dental specialists and the definitions and a brief synopsis of what it is they each do. This way your search for a top dentist is made simple, and a headache is avoided.

General Dentist or Family Dentist

The most commonly used and searched for dentist is the General Dentist or Family Dentist. This dentist focuses his or her work on preventative care and measures so that you will not need very extensive work don’t in the future – as long as you follow your dentist’s instructions and keep a healthy lifestyle. These dentists handle routine and common dental necessities such as cavities, fillings, root canals, cleaning, etc. They are usually good for the whole family because their practices usually accept all ages as patients.

Orthodontist

The second most sought after dentist is an Orthodontist. These dentists specialize in jaw misalignment in kids, teens, and adults. They have the capabilities and have undergone the training to fix gaps between teeth, crowded or crooked teeth, and incorrect bites. They are the ones that prescribe retainers and braces or invisalign depending on the extent of the damage and the preference of the patient in question.

Cosmetic Dentist

Cosmetic Dentists offer a complete smile makeover. Through a number of different treatment options a top cosmetic dentist will completely change and improve the appearance of teeth and a patient’s smile. Some of the treatments that are available at a cosmetic dentist’s office, but are not limited too, are: teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, inlays/onlays, and some more surgical procedures. Many perform oral surgery of various kinds, and just like with any surgery, you do not want an amateur but an experienced professional.

Oral/Maxillofacial Surgeon

Another dentist that uses surgical procedures in his treatment is an Oral/Maxillofacial Surgeon. These dentists perform reconstructive procedures to fix damaged teeth, gums, and jaw after injury, disease, or congenital abnormalities. Two of the most common procedures performed by this dentist are cleft palate repairs and impacted or complicated wisdom tooth extractions. OMS top dentists can also remove tumors in the neck, mouth or face.

Pedodontist, Periodontist, and Prosthodontist

There are three types of dentists that usually confuse people because they sound very much the same. These dentists are Pedodontists, Periodontists, and Prosthodontists. A Pedodontist is a Pediatric Dentist. They specialize in treating and preventing dental problems in children. Pedodontists and their staff are trained and accomplished in assisting children who are afraid of the dentist and have trouble keeping still during treatments. They provide treatments that help keep kids cavity free, correct misalignments, help teeth grow in properly, as well as any other issues that may arise with children. Periodontists are focused on the structures of teeth, such as the gums and jaw bone. They are the ones that take care of any bacterial influx in the gums that may lead to gingivitis or a fully developed periodontal disease. They not only help eradicate the bacteria, but many of the best dentists of this kind also repair damage that resulted from the bacteria. A Prosthodontist specializes in the installation of dental prosthetics. Some of the treatments available may also have a cosmetic appeal, but the main focus of this dentist is restore full function by the addition of crowns, bridges, implants, or dentures. Some prosthodontists may also be trained in dealing with jaw misalignment issues that cause pain.

Endodontist

An Endodontist treats the structures and tissues that are inside and around the teeth. They, most frequently, perform root canals in which the infection is advanced or widespread. Theses specialists also handle nerve damage.

Oral Pathologist

Oral Pathologists have been trained in advanced ways of identifying and treating diseases of the mouth and related dental structures. When an abnormality has formed in your mouth you dentist may take a biopsy and send it to and Oral Pathologist to examine and identify whether it is a serious cancerous infection of something more benign. Your local dentist may also consult with this dentist over any ongoing oral problems.

Sedation Dentist

Finally, a Sedation Dentist, has special training in pain management and anxiety reduction. They provide intravenous sedation in addition to nitrous oxide or oral sedatives when a patient is especially nervous about a procedure.

It is important to note that some doctors specialize in more than one field, but not all do. When going to a dentist for a specific procedure make sure that he or she has been properly trained and that they have received their degree for the focus in question. Do not be fooled by the complicated titles, but know what each one really means. If you are not sure, try using our advanced search to sort through various dentists near you.