Most of us simply say, “I’m going to the dentist.” And most of the time, that’s enough. Your general dentist handles routine exams, fillings, crowns and many of the other dental needs that come up throughout your life.
But dentistry goes well beyond general care. There are dentists who complete additional training to focus on areas such as children’s dentistry, gum disease, root canal treatment, tooth replacement, oral surgery and the alignment of teeth and jaws.
So, what are the different types of dentists? And maybe more importantly, how do you know which type you need?
Let’s sort it out.
General Dentist
Think of a general dentist as your home base for dental care.
This is the dentist most people see for routine exams and cleanings, but general dentistry covers much more than preventive care. Depending on the dentist’s training and the needs of the patient, treatment may include fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, gum disease treatment, cosmetic procedures and other restorative care.
General dentists also watch for problems that may require a specialist.
That’s an important part of the job. You don’t necessarily need to figure out which dental specialist to call before anyone has even examined the problem. Your general dentist can often diagnose what’s happening, determine whether treatment can be handled in the office and refer you when specialized care would be more appropriate.
DDS and DMD are the two degrees you’ll commonly see after a dentist’s name. DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery, while DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. Dentists earning either degree meet the educational requirements to practice dentistry.
At Shorewood Family Dental Care, our dentists provide general and family dental care for patients of different ages. If you’re looking for a general dentist near Joliet, our Shorewood office serves patients from Joliet and surrounding communities.
What Are the Different Types of Dental Specialists?
Dental specialists are dentists who complete additional education and training in a particular area of dentistry. You may never need one. Or you might see different specialists at different points in your life.
Here’s what some of the dental specialties you are most likely to encounter actually involve.
Periodontist
A periodontist specializes in the structures that support your teeth, particularly the gums and bone.
General dentists can diagnose and treat many gum disease problems. More advanced or complex periodontal disease, significant gum recession, bone loss or other conditions involving the supporting structures of the teeth may warrant care from a periodontist.
Periodontists also receive advanced training involving dental implants.
Endodontist
An endodontist focuses on problems involving the inside of the tooth, including the dental pulp and tissues surrounding the tooth’s root.
They’re particularly associated with root canal treatment.
General dentists can perform root canals, too. An endodontist may become involved when a case is particularly complex, a previous root canal requires additional treatment, or specialized expertise is needed.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon performs surgical treatment involving the mouth, jaws and surrounding facial structures.
Depending on the situation, this can include complex tooth extractions, impacted teeth, jaw surgery, certain dental implant procedures, facial trauma and other surgical conditions.
Some extractions are routinely performed by general dentists. More complicated cases may be referred to an oral surgeon.
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologist
An oral and maxillofacial pathologist is different from an oral surgeon.
These specialists focus on identifying and diagnosing diseases affecting the mouth, jaws and related structures. Their work can involve examining tissue and helping diagnose unusual lesions or other conditions.
This isn’t typically the dentist you call directly because a tooth hurts. Patients are more likely to encounter oral pathology after a dentist, physician or other healthcare provider identifies something that requires further evaluation.
Prosthodontist
A prosthodontist specializes in restoring and replacing teeth.
Their advanced training focuses on complex restorative treatment involving crowns, bridges, dentures, dental implants and other prosthetic solutions, particularly when a case requires extensive reconstruction.
General dentists also provide many of these treatments. At Shorewood Family Dental Care, for example, we offer several types of dental implants and restorative options depending on the patient’s needs.
If you’re considering dental implants in Shorewood, the first step is an evaluation to determine which tooth-replacement approach makes sense for your mouth.
Orthodontist
An orthodontist specializes in the alignment of teeth and jaws. Braces, clear aligners, retainers and treatment for certain bite problems all fall within orthodontics.
Orthodontists complete additional specialty training beyond dental school specifically in tooth movement, jaw alignment and related treatment.
Pediatric Dentist
A pediatric dentist completes additional training focused specifically on infants, children and adolescents.
That includes caring for developing teeth as well as treating young patients who may have behavioral, developmental or special healthcare considerations.
Children don’t necessarily have to see a pediatric specialist for routine dental care. General and family dentists can also provide dental care for kids, depending on the child’s needs and the services available at the practice.
What Type of Dentist Do I Need?
This is usually much easier to answer once someone knows what’s actually wrong.
If you need an exam, cleaning, filling or have a tooth that’s suddenly bothering you, start with a general dentist. In many cases, that’s the only dentist you’ll need.
If the problem requires specialized treatment, your dentist can explain why and refer you to the appropriate specialist.
As a general guide:
- Routine dental care, cavities, crowns and many common dental problems: General Dentist.
- Advanced gum or supporting-bone problems: Periodontist.
- Complex root canal problems: Endodontist.
- Complex oral or jaw surgery: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon.
- Diagnosis of certain diseases or abnormal oral tissues: Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologist.
- Complex tooth restoration or replacement: Prosthodontist.
- Braces, tooth alignment and certain bite problems: Orthodontist.
- Specialized dental care for infants, children and adolescents: Pediatric Dentist.
There can be overlap. A treatment being associated with a specialty doesn’t automatically mean a specialist must perform it.
That’s one reason starting with your regular dentist often makes sense.
Can a General Dentist Perform Specialized Dental Procedures?
Yes, in many situations.
The distinction between a general dentist and a dental specialist doesn’t mean general dentists are restricted to cleanings and fillings.
General dentists may perform root canals, extractions, cosmetic dentistry, crowns, bridges, dental implant restorations and other procedures depending on their education, experience, training and the complexity of the case.
When a problem falls outside the scope of what can appropriately be handled in the general dental office, the patient can be referred.
Ideally, you shouldn’t have to diagnose yourself first just to know which dentist to call.
Looking for a General Dentist Near Joliet or Shorewood?
If you’re dealing with a dental problem and aren’t sure what type of dentist you need, that’s a perfectly reasonable place to start.
Shorewood Family Dental Care provides general and family dentistry at our Shorewood office for patients from Shorewood, Joliet and surrounding communities. We can examine what’s happening, discuss treatment options and, when specialized care is appropriate, help point you in the right direction.
Call 815-725-5991 to schedule an appointment.
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Originally published February 17, 2020. Updated August 15, 2026.
