ENDODONTIST
Treats issues related to nerves and the inner portions of the tooth, like root-canal therapy.

GENERAL DENTIST
Performs preventive dental care and basic upkeep, like cleanings and X-rays.

ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEON
Removes impacted teeth (think: wisdom teeth) and performs reconstructive surgeries, like rebuilding broken jaws.

ORAL PATHOLOGIST
Studies, identifies, and treats oral disease ranging from potentially cancerous leukoplakia to canker sores.

ORTHODONTIST
Modifies your bite or cajoles teeth into alignment using braces and other devices.

PEDIATRIC DENTIST
Provides therapeutic and preventive dental care for kids.

PERIODONTIST
Specializes in the periodontium, or supporting tooth structure, to treat gum disease and receding gums.

PROSTHODONTIST
Deals with dentures, implants, and bridges, as well as complex crown work.

This list is excerpted from the 2012 topDentists list, a database that is created from peer evaluations and includes listings for more than 500 dentists and specialists in Colorado alone. To compile this list, topDentists asked dentists and specialists a personal question: “If you had a patient in need of a dentist, which dentist would you refer him or her to?” The nomination pool consisted of dentists listed online with the American Dental Association. (Dentists could also nominate themselves or others who may not be on the ADA list.) Respondents were asked to consider experience, continuing education, manner with patients, use of new techniques and technologies, and results. Once responses were compiled, dentists were checked against state dental boards for disciplinary actions to make sure they have an active license and are in good standing. Of course there are many fine dentists who are not included in this list, and a dentist’s inclusion is based on the subjective judgments of fellow dentists. For more information, visit usatopdentists.com.