What Are the 9 Specialties of Dentistry?
By Dr. Eastwood – Summerbrook Dental & Implants, Fort Worth, TX
Patients often ask me, “What are the 9 specialties of dentistry?” Dentistry is much more than cleanings and fillings. There are several advanced areas of care that focus on specific parts of the mouth, jaw, and face. Understanding these specialties can help you know who to see if you ever need specialized treatment.
Here are the 9 official dental specialties:
1. Endodontics
This specialty focuses on tooth pain and problems inside the tooth. Endodontists perform root canals and treat infections in the tooth’s nerve.
2. Periodontics
Periodontists treat gum disease, gum recession, and bone loss around the teeth. They also perform gum surgery and some types of implant procedures.
3. Prosthodontics
This specialty focuses on replacing missing teeth with dentures, bridges, and full-mouth restorations. Prosthodontists design complex tooth replacement plans.
4. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
These specialists remove wisdom teeth, treat jaw problems, perform bone grafts, and handle facial trauma.
5. Orthodontics
Orthodontists straighten teeth and correct bite problems using braces or clear aligners.
6. Pediatric Dentistry
This specialty treats children, including infants and teens. Pediatric dentists focus on growth, development, and early dental needs.
7. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Pathologists study diseases of the mouth, including tumors, infections, and unusual tissue changes.
8. Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
These specialists use advanced imaging like CT scans to diagnose dental and jaw problems.
9. Dental Public Health
This specialty focuses on improving oral health for communities through education and prevention programs.
Although I am not a specialist, I have advanced training in many areas, including dental implants, surgery, full-mouth reconstruction, and cosmetic dentistry. This allows me to complete most treatments in-house, without sending patients to multiple offices. My practice is also a no judgment zone, so whether you need simple care or complex treatment, we’ll build a plan that fits your needs.
So, the 9 specialties of dentistry cover everything from gum care and orthodontics to surgery and pathology. If you want comprehensive care in one place, visit us at Summerbrook Dental & Implants in Fort Worth.