The field of dentistry offers a wide range of specialties, each with its own unique focus and approach to dental care. Understanding the different types of dentists and their specialties is important for finding the right provider to meet your individual dental needs. While most of these specialized forms of dentistry are quite obscure and you might never interact with them in your life, for those who do need their services, they can be miracle workers who save them from constant pain. Here are three types of dentists that you are likely to visit at some point in your life and what separates them from the rest.

General Dentist

General dentists are the most common type of dental provider and provide a wide range of services, including preventive care, fillings, extractions, and routine cleanings. They are responsible for maintaining the overall health of their patient's teeth and gums and can diagnose and treat a variety of dental conditions. General dentists play an important role in helping their patients maintain good oral health, and may serve as a patient's primary dental provider throughout their lifetime. Most of the time if you do have a more unique or out-of-the-box dental problem, you should still visit a general dentist first, and they will tell you where to go from there.

Orthodontists

Orthodontists are dental specialists who focus on correcting bite and jaw problems. They use braces, clear aligners, and other devices to help straighten teeth and improve the alignment of the jaws. Orthodontists also help to prevent jaw problems from developing and can alleviate pain and discomfort associated with misaligned teeth. Patients of all ages, from children to adults, can benefit from orthodontic treatment, and more and more adults are beginning to see their use now that more discrete orthodontic methods, like Invisalign, have become popular. 

Periodontists

Periodontists are completely focused on the treatment of gum disease, including gingivitis and, as their name suggests, periodontitis. They are also trained to perform dental procedures such as dental implants, bone grafts, and gum tissue transplants. Periodontists work closely with general dentists to diagnose and treat gum disease and maintain the overall health of the gums and jawbone. In some cases, general dentists may also have further specialisation in periodontitis, especially in smaller or more rural communities that have less access to dentists. If you have serious issues with your gums, then this is the dentist you will need more than any other. 

For more information, contact a dentist near you.