Most individuals rely on their general dentist as their main source of dental care, with regular cleanings and x-rays performed and providing guidance and education regarding good dental hygiene practices.

However, sometimes we need the services of a specialist dentist for our teeth and mouth. There are six categories of specialists: orthodontics (braces and tooth alignment), endodontics (root canals), periodontics (gum disease and bone loss), prosthodontics (tooth replacement), and oral surgery.
General Dentist

General dentists specialize in improving the oral health of all age groups. This involves preventative measures and treating gum and tooth conditions. Furthermore, they have the skills needed to identify issues before they become serious issues.

Dentists use this knowledge to help their patients avoid costly dental procedures in the future, while visiting regularly can also prevent infections, cancers and other health concerns.

General dentists offer many services, from teeth cleanings and x-rays to tartar removal from the mouth in order to reduce bacteria growth that leads to cavities and other health concerns. Furthermore, general dentists may perform root canal procedures or offer direct or indirect dental restoration treatments such as crowns or dentures as well as offer bleaching services for natural staining on teeth.
Pediatric Dentistjeddah dental clinic

Pediatric dentists specialize in the dental health of children from their first baby teeth to teenage years, advocating preventive practices and encouraging an enjoyable relationship between dentistry and children.

These professionals possess extensive training in identifying and treating dental issues specific to children, such as dental phobias or anxiety. Furthermore, they are knowledgeable of child development and psychology which enables them to more easily connect with children.

Children-specific dentistry professionals use kid-friendly tools and create office environments tailored specifically to them, helping children feel at ease throughout the procedures. If necessary, sedation and local analgesia services may also be provided; this service is especially crucial given that children may find difficulty communicating their issues to general dentists, which could result in unnecessary pain and stress.
Oral Surgeon

An oral surgeon is a specialist trained to conduct surgical procedures on the face, head, neck and jaws. Large dental practices may employ this practitioner as part of their anesthetic delivery system. Their services may also be sought when general dentists detect an issue they don’t possess the expertise to address themselves.

Implants can replace missing teeth and reconstruct jaw structures to address birth defects like cleft lips and palates, while surgical removal of excess tissue from palate or tongue helps eliminate snoring. They have extensive knowledge in treating bones and soft tissues in these areas, typically requiring further education as well as hospital-based surgical residency compared with general dentists.
Periodontist

Periodontists specialize in treating issues pertaining to gums and bone structures that support teeth. They are skilled at treating issues that occur here such as bone loss and gum disease; the term itself stems from Greek words for “around the tooth” (perio) and “tooth” (odont).

General dentists can treat mild forms of gum disease such as gingivitis, but those suffering more serious cases should consult a periodontist. Periodontists have undergone years of specialty training that includes diagnosing, treating and preventing gum diseases as well as tooth and jaw issues.

Periodontists offer several procedures, including gingival flap surgery (to deep clean pockets around teeth), crown lengthening to expose more natural tooth structure, and bone grafting which reshapes jawbone to support dental implants.
Prosthodontist

Prosthodontists specialize in the aesthetic restoration and replacement of natural teeth using dental implants, crowns, bridges, veneers and complete dentures to give patients their smile back.

Prosthodontists specialize in treating facial injuries and deformities, such as misshaped jaw or chin. Furthermore, prosthodontists offer bone grafting to add density to your jawbone.

Prosthodontists possess three years of specialized training beyond dental school in cosmetic restoration and replacement of natural teeth. Prosthodontists are considered the architects of your mouth; they can enhance both functionality and esthetics of your smile while often working in collaboration with other dental specialists for maximum results.