Currently, there are nine recognized specialties within the field of dentistry. This treatment may range from regular maintenance visits with a hygienist to surgical procedures designed to save teeth. An endodontist's main responsibilities include diagnosing tooth pain and performing root canal surgery. An orthodontist diagnoses and treats occlusal discrepancies and malaligned teeth with braces and orthodontic appliances. A prosthodontist specializes in preparing crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants.
Prosthodontists can be especially helpful for complicated cases.
Pedodontists only treat children and young adults. With their extra training and child-friendly office environment, they can help extremely fearful or difficult children. An oral pathologist is trained in diagnosis and treatment of pathological conditions affecting the tissues of the oral cavity. Most people associate oral surgeons with the extraction of wisdom teeth. In fact, several oral surgery programs offer combined dental and medical degrees.