For most people, a general dentist is the right starting point. They handle checkups, cleanings, fillings, many crowns and often some root canals and extractions, and they refer to specialists when needed.
Common recognized specialties include:
- Pediatric dentist – children, teens and people with special health care needs
- Orthodontist – braces, aligners and bite problems
- Periodontist – gum disease and gum surgery; often implants
- Endodontist – root canals and tooth-pain diagnosis
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeon – complex extractions, wisdom teeth, jaw surgery, implants
- Prosthodontist – complex crowns, bridges, dentures and implant restorations
You usually don’t need a referral to see a specialist, though some insurance plans (especially HMO-type plans) require one. Check your plan using our dental insurance glossary.
Our which dentist do I need? tool tool walks you through common situations, and you can then search the dentists near me directory by specialty. For patients with disabilities, see our special needs dentistry guide.
General education only, not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Please see a licensed dentist about your own situation. For a medical emergency (trouble breathing or swallowing, heavy bleeding, a major injury or rapidly spreading swelling), call 911 or go to the nearest ER.