As in many areas of medicine there are different aspects that sometimes require specialized treatment and attention. The same is the case in dentistry. There are a variety of specialists and practitioners that you may (or may not) need to consult with and be treated by to experience the best dental and oral health results.
If you've ever wondered what exactly these specialists do, here are some of the basics.
General dentist (GD) - A general dentist is just that. A general dentist can carry out a variety of treatments. They will do fillings, regular check ups, cleanings, and extractions. Some also do root canals, extraction of wisdom teeth, and dental reconstructions with onlays/inlays, bridges, etc.
Family Dentists - A family dentist is not really a specialty, but it means that that particular dentist is comfortable working with children.
Pedodontist - A pedodontist is a dentist who specializes and often treats only children. Some pedodontists also have surgical skills that are used in extreme cases.
Cosmetic dentists - Cosmetic dentists focus their practice on cosmetics. They concentrate on making your smile whiter and straighter, and may use dental restorations (onlays, inlays, and crowns) and teeth whitening to help improve a patient's smile. This treatment may be used in combination with other treatment by other specialists.
Endodontist - An endodontist is someone who specializes in performing root canals. They have training and skills and often equipment beyond that of a general dentist.
Orthodontists - Orthodontists specialize in moving teeth. Often tooth movement is done in conjunction with jaw movement and stabilization surgery. Sometimes the orthodontic process can be "jump started" by surgery. An orthodontist takes care of orthodontic "alignment."
Periodontists - Periodontists specialize in taking care of people's gum, particularly if there is advanced gum disease or periodontal disease that requires more care than a general dentist can provide.