Definitions of Specialties
Endodontist
is a dentist that strictly deals with the nerve of the tooth. They may perform simple to difficult root canal treatments as well as surgical root procedures. They may perform an apicoectomy (surgically removing the tip of the root) or a root amputation (removing a root on a multi-rooted tooth), also. They have usually 2 or more years of continuing education after graduating dental school, and most limit their practice to only endodontics.
Oral Surgeon
is a dentist that performs many aspects of surgery in and about the head area. They can perform simple to extremely difficult (Completely-Bony Impacted Third Molars (Wisdom teeth)) extractions. They also perform biopsies and removal of tumors in the head and neck region. Most place implants in the jaw for future restorations and do complex jaw realignment surgeries. They have usually 4 or more years of continuing education after graduating dental school, and most limit their practice to only oral surgery.
Orthodontist
is a dentist that straightens teeth. They analyze a mouth and surrounding bone structures and determine where the teeth should be. If there is enough room they will manipulate the teeth and bone through the use of bands, wires, elastics, headgears and other appliances to achieve a harmonius balance between facial muscles and teeth. If there is not enough room teeth may have to be extracted to achieve the desired results. They treat children as well as adults, so don't be afraid you are too old to have braces. They have usually 2 or more years of continuing education after graduating dental school, and most limit their practice to only orthodontics.
Pedodontist
is a pediatric dentist. They focus their dentistry to treating the younger patients. They will usually treat children from as little as 1 or 2 to early adulthood. They can perform all aspects of dentistry on this crowd. They can detect early on if there are problems with decayed, missing, crowded or malpositioned teeth and correct them as well as spot signs of child abuse. They have usually 2 or more years of continuing education after graduating dental school, and most limit their practice to only pedodontics.
Periodontist
is a dentist that deals with the supporting structures of the teeth. They diagnosis and treat gingivitis (Inflammation of the gum tissue) as well as periodontitis (Gum Disease). They may perform simple cleanings to complicated bone surgeries. They perform bone grafting where indicated and do soft tissue grafts to treat gum recession. Most also place implants in the jaw for future restoration. They have usually 3 or more years of continuing education after graduating dental school, and most limit their practice to only periodontics.
Prosthodontist
กกis a dentist that deals with simple to complicated full mouth restorations. They may be crowns, fixed bridges, dentures, implant cases, or mixed implant and fixed bridge cases. They sometimes encompass the majority of the patients remaining teeth. They also perform needed restorative procedures, such as obturators, after removal of cancerous portions of the mouth.They have usually 3 or more years of continuing education after graduating dental school, and most limit their practice to only prosthodontics.