Finding Dental Specialists in St. Louis: Your Complete Guide

Looking for Specialized Dental Care in St. Louis?

Welcome to your trusted resource for finding experienced dental specialists in St. Louis. Whether you need an orthodontist for teeth alignment, an oral surgeon for wisdom teeth removal, or a periodontist for gum disease treatment, St. Louis has a range of expert specialists to meet your needs.

St. Louis residents benefit from a robust dental community, with specialists affiliated with institutions like the Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health and Washington University School of Dental Medicine. Whether you're seeking treatment for a complex dental condition or preventive care, you'll find qualified professionals throughout the city.

Dental Specialties Available

Orthodontists

Orthodontists specialize in correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. They provide braces, clear aligners (like Invisalign), and other corrective treatments to improve bite function and aesthetics.

• Consider seeing an orthodontist in St. Louis if you have:

• Crooked or crowded teeth

• Jaw pain or clicking

• Difficulty chewing or speaking

St. Louis is home to many modern orthodontic practices, including options in Clayton and Chesterfield, where residents prefer discreet treatment options like clear aligners.

Pedodontists (Pediatric Dentists)

Pediatric dentists specialize in dental care for infants, children, and adolescents. They focus on preventive care, cavity treatment, and guiding proper oral development.

Your child should visit a pediatric dentist if they:

• Have their first tooth (around 6 months old)

• Experience tooth pain or cavities

• Need habit correction (thumb-sucking, pacifier use)

Many St. Louis pediatric dental offices, particularly in Kirkwood and Webster Groves, offer child-friendly environments with sedation options for anxious patients.

Oral Surgeons

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform surgical procedures on the mouth, jaws, and face. They are trained in anesthesia, reconstructive surgery, and trauma management.

You may need an oral surgeon for:

• Wisdom tooth extraction

• Dental implants

• TMJ disorder treatment

• Facial trauma repair

St. Louis has top-tier oral surgeons affiliated with Barnes-Jewish Hospital and SLU Care Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for complex cases.

Periodontists

Periodontists specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease. They also place dental implants and offer cosmetic gum procedures.

Consider visiting a periodontist in St. Louis if you have:

• Bleeding or swollen gums

• Gum recession

• Loose teeth or bone loss

With gum disease being a common issue in Missouri due to high tobacco use, St. Louis periodontists focus on minimally invasive laser treatments, especially in Downtown and South County offices.

Endodontists

Endodontists specialize in root canal therapy and treating dental pain related to nerve damage. They use advanced techniques to save teeth that might otherwise need extraction.

You should visit an endodontist if you experience:

• Persistent tooth pain

• Sensitivity to hot or cold

• A cracked or injured tooth

Many endodontists in West St. Louis County offer same-day emergency treatments for severe tooth pain.

Prosthodontists

Prosthodontists specialize in restoring and replacing teeth using dentures, bridges, crowns, and dental implants.

You may need a prosthodontist if you require:

• Full-mouth reconstruction

• Aesthetic dental restorations

• Specialized dentures or implant-supported prosthetics

Many prosthodontists in Creve Coeur and Town and Country work closely with cosmetic dentists to provide high-quality smile makeovers.

St. Louis Dental Health Overview

St. Louis has made significant strides in dental health, with fluoridated water since 1952, benefiting oral health across the city. However, Missouri has one of the highest rates of untreated dental disease in the country, making specialist care essential for many residents.

Common dental concerns in St. Louis include:

• High smoking rates, leading to increased gum disease and oral cancer cases

• Limited access to dental care in underserved areas like North St. Louis

• Hard water, which can contribute to tartar buildup on teeth

• Local institutions, such as The St. Louis Dental Center, provide affordable specialist care, ensuring access to treatment for all residents.

Finding the Right Specialist in St. Louis

When choosing a dental specialist in St. Louis, consider:

• Insurance Coverage: Many specialists accept Delta Dental, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, but some procedures may require out-of-pocket payments.

• Referrals: Many specialists require referrals from general dentists, especially for endodontic and oral surgery procedures.

• Location & Accessibility: Consider specialists near Metrolink stations or in neighborhoods with ample parking, such as Clayton and Brentwood.

• Technology & Expertise: Many St. Louis specialists use 3D imaging, laser dentistry, and same-day crowns for advanced care.

St. Louis Neighborhoods and Dental Care

Specialist dental care varies across St. Louis neighborhoods:

• Downtown & Midtown: Home to top-tier specialists near hospitals and university clinics, ideal for those needing complex care.

• West St. Louis County (Chesterfield, Creve Coeur): Offers high-end practices with a focus on cosmetic dentistry and dental implants.

• South St. Louis (Webster Groves, Kirkwood): Family-friendly pediatric and orthodontic practices cater to young patients.

• North St. Louis: Fewer specialists, but community health centers provide essential care.

• St. Charles & St. Peters: Expanding dental specialist offices serve growing suburban communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a dental specialist visit cost in St. Louis?

Costs vary by specialty and procedure. A consultation with an orthodontist or periodontist ranges from $75 to $250, while oral surgery can cost $500+ depending on complexity. Many specialists offer payment plans or financing.

Does St. Louis have emergency dental specialists?

Yes. Many endodontists and oral surgeons in St. Louis offer same-day emergency appointments for root canals, tooth extractions, and facial trauma.

How do I find a specialist who accepts my insurance in St. Louis?

Use your insurance provider’s directory or call specialist offices directly. Our directory helps filter specialists by insurance acceptance and treatment type.

Are there Spanish-speaking dental specialists in St. Louis?

Yes. Several practices in South St. Louis and The Hill offer bilingual services for Spanish-speaking patients.

What are the best areas in St. Louis for cosmetic dentistry?

Clayton, Ladue, and Town and Country are known for high-end prosthodontists and cosmetic dental specialists.

Find Your Dental Specialist Today

Your oral health is essential—don’t wait to find the right specialist. Use our St. Louis dental specialist directory to locate the top orthodontists, oral surgeons, periodontists, and more in your area. Whether you need emergency treatment or long-term dental care, expert help is just a click away!