Dra. Cléo Salustiano In this article
SummaryWhat do orthodontists, endodontists, periodontists and prosthodontists do?How do you choose a specialist near you?FAQRead nextOrthodontist, endodontist or periodontist near me: what each one does and when to go
Quick summary of this article+
Orthodontists straighten teeth with braces or aligners; endodontists treat root canals; periodontists care for gums and bone; prosthodontists replace teeth with crowns, bridges and dentures. To choose one nearby, check the CRO registration, how clearly the diagnosis is explained, the options offered and follow-up. If unsure, a general assessment sets priorities and refers when needed.
People searching for an orthodontist, endodontist or periodontist near me usually know they need a specific treatment but are not always sure which professional to see first. Dentistry has several recognized specialties, each focusing on one part of the mouth: orthodontists handle tooth alignment, endodontists the inside of the tooth and the root canal, periodontists the gums and bone, and prosthodontists tooth replacement.
In clinical practice, it is common to meet patients who visited several offices without understanding the path. Someone with a toothache goes to an orthodontist because they already wear braces; someone with bleeding gums books whitening. Often the best first step is a general assessment that examines the whole mouth, sets priorities and refers to a specialist when the case requires it.
In this article, Dr. Cléo Salustiano (CRO-SP 170844), a dentist with postgraduate training in Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry who sees patients in Mooca, East Zone of São Paulo, explains what each specialist does and what to look for when choosing one nearby.
This article comes from Dr. Cléo Salustiano's dental office in Mooca, São Paulo (care in English, Portuguese and Spanish). See the general dentistry page to learn how the treatment is done here and book your assessment.
What do orthodontists, endodontists, periodontists and prosthodontists do?
Orthodontists correct tooth position and bite with fixed braces, removable appliances or clear aligners. Endodontists treat the pulp and root canals, including root canal treatment and retreatment. Periodontists care for the gums and bone that support the teeth, treating gingivitis, periodontitis and recession. Prosthodontists plan and place replacements for missing or badly damaged teeth: crowns, bridges, removable dentures and implant prostheses.
Orthodontics is indicated for crowding, gaps, crossbite, open or deep bite and protruding teeth, and often comes before cosmetic work so veneers can be thinner. Endodontics comes in with spontaneous pain, pain that wakes you at night, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, an abscess or a darkened tooth; complex canals or retreatments benefit from an endodontist's setup.
Periodontics treats bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, recession and bone loss, with scaling, plaque control and sometimes surgery. Healthy gums are the foundation for braces, veneers and implants. Prosthodontics restores chewing and appearance and often coordinates extensive rehabilitations that involve several areas at once.
How do you choose a specialist near you?
Start by checking the dentist's registration with the regional dental council (CRO) and, if they present themselves as a specialist, whether that specialty is registered. Then notice whether the diagnosis is explained clearly, options are presented and the quote states what is included. Distance matters, but trust and easy follow-up matter more.
Braces, root canals and gum treatment need several visits and maintenance, so consider opening hours, how easy the office is to reach and whether emergencies such as a loose bracket are handled. Patient reviews that mention explanations, punctuality and follow-up are especially useful. Be wary of guaranteed results, prices advertised without an assessment and pressure to start the same day.
In Mooca, Dr. Cléo Salustiano treats patients with braces and Invisalign, root canals, gum treatment and prosthetics, with an assessment that looks at the whole mouth and referral when another professional is needed. She sees patients every day from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., including Sundays and holidays, near Bresser-Mooca subway station, in Portuguese, English and Spanish.
What does an orthodontist do?
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An orthodontist corrects tooth position and the relationship between the jaws using fixed braces, removable appliances or clear aligners. They treat crowding, gaps, crossbite, open or deep bite and protruding teeth. The assessment includes photos, X-rays and often a scan, and defines the type of appliance and the estimated treatment time.
When should I see an endodontist?
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See one when you have spontaneous pain, pain that wakes you at night, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, a pimple with pus on the gum or a darkened tooth. These signs may mean the pulp is inflamed or infected. Root canal treatment aims to save the tooth, and the diagnosis is made with an exam and an X-ray.
What does a periodontist do?
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A periodontist treats the gums and the bone that support the teeth, including gingivitis, periodontitis, gum recession, loose teeth and bone loss, with scaling, plaque control and surgery when needed. They also prepare the mouth for implants, braces and veneers, which depend on healthy gums to succeed.
Should I go straight to a specialist or see a general dentist first?
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If you already know exactly which treatment you need, you can go to the specialist. If you have several concerns or do not know where to start, a general assessment helps organize priorities, such as treating decay and gums before braces. The general dentist refers to a specialist when the case requires it.
How can I check whether a dentist is a specialist in Brazil?
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Look up the professional on the website of the regional dental council (CRO) of the state. It shows the registration number and any registered specialties. Under Brazilian dental council rules, only dentists with a registered specialty may present themselves as specialists.
What should I look for in an orthodontist near me?
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Check whether the assessment includes photos, X-rays and an explanation of the problem, whether braces and aligner options are presented, whether the estimated time and maintenance visits are clear and whether emergencies like a loose bracket are handled. Being nearby helps, since treatment requires frequent visits.
Where can I get root canal, gum and orthodontic care in Mooca, São Paulo?
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In Mooca, Dr. Cléo Salustiano (CRO-SP 170844) sees patients at Rua Hipódromo, 1141, every day from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., including Sundays and holidays, in Portuguese, English and Spanish. The assessment looks at the whole mouth, sets the order of treatments and refers to another professional when needed.
