Dental Specialists

Dental anesthesiologists provide sedation or general anaesthesia to patients getting dental treatments. This helps block pain, and/or relieve anxiety and stress for patients. Most dental anaesthesiologists provide dental treatment while providing anesthesia. Some provide only the anesthesia while another dentist provides the dental treatment.

More information: Canadian Academy of Dental Anaesthesia

This specialty focuses on the oral health of the general public. Public health dentists serve their communities through research, education and dental care programs. Most work in local public health units.

More information: Ontario Association of Public Health Dentistry

Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that looks at what goes on inside your tooth. Inside your hard tooth is a space filled with soft tissue. This tissue contains blood vessels, nerves, and various types of cells. This tissue can sometimes become damaged or diseased because of decay or trauma.

A root canal cleans, fills, and seals the inside of the tooth to prevent further infection. General dentists can perform root canals. More difficult and complex cases may be referred to an endodontist. An endodontist also treats traumatic injuries to teeth and can diagnose orofacial pain (pain that occurs in the mouth, jaw, face, or head).

More information: Canadian Academy of Endodontics

Oral and maxillofacial radiologists produce and interpret X-rays and MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging). These images help diagnose diseases and disorders of the craniofacial complex (the bones and soft tissues of the face and skull).

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons diagnose and treat conditions of the face, jaws, mouth and teeth. These include:

• Facial injuries
• Facial deformities
• Oral deformities
• Temporomandibular joint disease (TMJ or TMD)
• Cysts, tumours, and infections

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons can also provide sedation and anesthesia.

More information: Ontario Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Oral medicine and pathology is a non-surgical dental specialty. Oral medicine specialists treat medical conditions of the face, mouth and jaws including:

• oral mucosal diseases;
• orofacial pain;
• temporomandibular disorders (TMJ/TMD);
• and disorders of the salivary glands and dry mouth

They may also help patients with complex medical problems, such as cancer, manage their dental care.

Orthodontics involves corrective devices, such as retainers or braces. These devices bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment and achieve a balance to the face. Orthodontists not only specialize in straightening teeth. They can also correct more complex conditions, including:

• over- and underbites;
• misaligned teeth and jaws;
• and overcrowding and spacing issues.

More information: Ontario Association of Orthodontists

Pediatric dentists provide comprehensive dental care for children through infancy to adolescence. They also see patients of all ages with special needs.

Dental decay is the most common chronic disease in children. A child’s first dental visit should occur by their first birthday. Without proper care, dental decay and disease can affect a child’s general health.

Periodontics focuses on the tissues that support and surround the teeth – your gums. Gum disease is often caused by the build-up of bacteria at the point where your teeth and gums meet. Most people can have their gum disease treated by a general dentist. Periodontists often treat patients with severe gum disease or complex medical histories. A periodontist also specializes in the placement of dental implants.

More information: Ontario Society of Periodontists

Prosthodontists specialize in restoring natural teeth and/or replacing missing teeth. They will likely be part of your treatment if you are going to have extensive dental surgery. Prosthodontists work to ensure the function, comfort, appearance and health of your teeth.

More information: Association of Prosthodontists of Ontario