The Difference Between a Dentist, Orthodontist, and Oral Surgeon

In Des Moines, it’s not unusual for patients to wonder whether they should call their regular dentist or see a specialist when a dental issue comes up. Should your teen with a crooked smile go straight to an orthodontist? Do you need an oral surgeon for a wisdom tooth extraction? Or can your trusted general dentist handle it all? Understanding the differences between these providers can help you make confident decisions about your care. And in many cases, it starts with the relationship you already have with your family dentist. Cool!

Why Knowing the Difference Matters

Dental care is a team sport, but knowing which player to go to first can save you time, money, and stress. Choosing the right provider means being treated in a way that’s tailored to your specific needs and completed by someone with the right training and tools. It also helps you avoid unnecessary appointments and referrals.

In central Iowa, where life moves quickly between work, school, and the occasional Saturday at the Downtown Farmers’ Market, you want to streamline care as much as possible. The good news is that many dental concerns can be addressed directly at your general dentist’s office. When specialty care is needed, your dentist can help coordinate it so you get the best results with minimal disruption. To help you know which direction to go, let’s go over the different roles, e.g. dentist vs orthodontist vs oral surgeon, and when you’d use each one.

What a General Dentist Does

Think of your general dentist as your primary care provider for oral health. At Veranda Dentistry, our role covers a wide range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic services. We help maintain your teeth and gums, diagnose problems, and provide many of the treatments you and your family need throughout life. This includes:

• Routine cleanings and exams to prevent disease and monitor changes
• Fillings, crowns, and bridges to restore damaged teeth
• Teeth whitening and cosmetic procedures to enhance your smile
• Tooth replacements like implants and dentures
• Treatment for gum disease and oral infections
• Root canals, in many cases

With special training, some general dentists will provide:

• Surgical procedures like wisdom tooth extraction and bone grafting
• Orthodontic care, like traditional braces or clear aligners

A general dentist’s training covers all areas of dentistry, and some pursue advanced education in specific procedures. For example, at Veranda Dentistry, we use technology such as CEREC® same-day crowns and YOMI® robotic-assisted dental implants to handle complex cases in-house. This means you can often avoid multiple appointments at different offices and receive comprehensive care from a team that knows your full dental history.

When to See an Orthodontist

An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed additional years of training to become board-certified in diagnosing, preventing, and treating problems with tooth alignment and jaw position.

 If your teeth are crowded, spaced too far apart, or your bite doesn’t line up properly, an orthodontist can create a treatment plan using braces, clear aligners, or other appliances. Children and teens often see an orthodontist when their permanent teeth come in and bite issues become apparent. Adults may choose orthodontic treatment to improve both function and appearance. 

In many cases, your general dentist will notice the need for orthodontic care during a regular checkup and refer you to a trusted local specialist. At Veranda Dentistry, we are trained to offer clear aligner options for mild to moderate alignment issues, keeping treatment close to home when possible.

When to See an Endodontist

An endodontist is a dental specialist focused on diagnosing and treating problems inside the tooth, particularly issues involving the dental pulp and root tissues. While general dentists perform many root canal treatments, an endodontist has additional tools and techniques for managing complex or challenging root canal cases.

You might see an endodontist if you have:

• Severe tooth pain that points to deep infection or nerve damage
• A tooth that has already had a root canal but is experiencing new problems
• Complicated root anatomy that makes standard treatment difficult
• Dental trauma that affects the inner tooth structure

Endodontists often use operating microscopes and advanced imaging to navigate the smallest details inside your tooth. In many cases, your general dentist will recommend an endodontist when a tooth’s condition makes preserving it especially challenging. At Veranda Dentistry, Dr. Chad Johnson will diagnose the problem and help connect you to a trusted endodontist when it’s in your best interest, ensuring you get relief quickly and return to full function as soon as possible.

When to See an Oral Surgeon

Oral surgeons, or oral and maxillofacial surgeons, are specialists who perform surgical procedures on the teeth, jaws, and surrounding facial structures. Their training includes hospital-based surgical residency, giving them expertise in complex and invasive procedures. Common reasons to see an oral surgeon include:

• Corrective jaw surgery to improve bite and function
• Treatment of facial trauma or injury
• Surgical management of oral diseases or tumors

At Veranda Dentistry, Dr. Chad is trained and qualified to perform:

• Extraction of impacted wisdom teeth
• Placement of dental implants 

The most complicated cases may require a referral to an oral surgeon. Dr. Chad will help determine whether your case can be managed in-office or should be referred to a specialist.

How These Specialists Work Together for Your Care

The best dental care happens when your providers communicate and collaborate. At Veranda Dentistry, we see ourselves as your comprehensive home base for oral health. We start with a thorough diagnosis and can provide the vast majority of your care right here in Pleasant Hill and Johnston. When needed, we’ll connect you with top local orthodontists, endodontists, or oral surgeons.

This coordinated approach ensures your treatment is efficient, comfortable, and consistent. Whether we’re monitoring your child’s orthodontic progress, planning implant placement, or providing ongoing preventive care, the goal is the same: to keep you smiling confidently and comfortably for years to come.

If you’re unsure which provider to see, schedule a consultation at Veranda Dentistry. We can guide you to the right solution, help you avoid unnecessary steps, and make sure you get the care you need without losing momentum. Because the fewer detours you have to take, the better!

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions. Your results may vary.