Table of Contents
Definition of Dentistry; Dentist; Subspecialization of the Dentist
Dentistry is the branch of medicine that is concerned with the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity, teeth, and gums. A dentist is a doctor who specializes in dentistry. Dentists may specialize in a number of different areas, including general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, and periodontics.
General Facts about Dentist
A dentist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity. Dentists are also involved in the general health of their patients, as they are able to recognize signs and symptoms of other diseases and conditions that may be affecting the patient.
Endodontics
is a dental specialty that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries of the dental pulp and the periapical tissues.
The dental pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerve endings and blood vessels. The periapical tissues are the tissues around the tooth root.
Endodontists are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries of the dental pulp and the periapical tissues. They use a variety of techniques to treat these diseases and injuries, including root canal therapy and periapical surgery.
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Oral and maxillofacial pathology is the study of disease of the mouth and jaws. It is a branch of pathology that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial region. Oral and maxillofacial pathology is a specialty that is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of oral mucosal disease, salivary gland disease, dental disease, and craniofacial abnormalities. Oral and maxillofacial pathologists are specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases of the oral and maxillofacial region.
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
The specialty of oral and maxillofacial radiology is dedicated to the diagnosis and management of diseases and disorders that affect the oral and maxillofacial region. This includes the teeth, jaws, facial bones, and surrounding soft tissues. Oral and maxillofacial radiologists use a variety of imaging techniques, including X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans, to diagnose and treat conditions such as oral cancer, jaw fractures, and temporomandibular joint disorders.
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Orthodontics is the dental specialty that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Dentofacial orthopedics is a branch of orthodontics that specializes in the correction of facial irregularities.
Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric dentistry is a branch of dentistry that specializes in the care of children from infancy through adolescence. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) defines pediatric dentistry as the dental specialty that provides primary and comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care for infants, children, adolescents and patients with special health care needs.
Pediatric dentists undergo an additional two to three years of specialized training after completing dental school, enabling them to provide care for the unique needs of young patients. This may include providing dental care for patients with developmental disabilities, working with children who have special health care needs, or managing the dental care of patients who are receiving radiation therapy for cancer.
Pediatric dentists are also experts in child psychology, and are able to use this knowledge to create a positive dental experience for their young patients. They understand the importance of establishing good oral health habits at a young age, and work to educate their patients and their families on the importance of oral hygiene.
Pediatric dentists also offer a variety of preventive services, including dental sealants and fluoride treatments, which can help to protect young teeth from decay. They also offer comprehensive dental care, including fillings, crowns, and braces.
Prosthodontics
Dentures
A denture is a removable dental appliance that replaces missing teeth. It is made of acrylic resin, which is a plastic that is compatible with the human body. Dentures are custom-made to fit the mouth of each individual patient. There are two types of dentures: complete and partial.
Complete dentures are used to replace all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Partial dentures are used to replace a limited number of teeth. Partial dentures are held in place by clasps that attach to the teeth adjacent to the missing teeth.
There are several benefits of dentures. Dentures improve the appearance of the mouth, making the patient look younger and more attractive. Dentures also improve the ability to speak and eat. Dentures help to keep the facial muscles toned, which can help to retard the appearance of wrinkles.
The main disadvantage of dentures is that they require regular cleaning and maintenance. Dentures must be removed from the mouth and cleaned daily with a denture brush and denture cleaner. They must also be soaked in a denture cleaning solution overnight.
Periodontics
A dental specialty that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease and other disorders that affect the gums and supporting tissues of the teeth.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is surgery to the mouth, jaws, and face. It is a specialty that requires additional years of training after dental school.
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon can perform a variety of procedures, including:
-Removal of wisdom teeth
-Correction of jaw deformities
-Removal of tumors or cysts
-Repair of facial fractures
-Correction of cleft palate
History of Dentistry
Dentistry is one of the oldest and most commonly practiced medical specialties in the world. The first evidence of dentistry is from 7000 BC, when people in India and Pakistan were using dental floss made from animal intestines. The first toothbrush was invented in China in the 1400s.
Dentists were first recognized as a separate profession in the 1800s. The first dental school was founded in Baltimore in 1839. Dental care was initially only available to the wealthy, but it became more affordable and available to the general population in the 20th century.
Today, dentistry is a widely practiced medical specialty. There are more than 260,000 dentists in the United States, and they provide care to more than 150 million Americans.
Diseases that are Associated with Dental Health
There are a number of diseases that are associated with dental health. Some of these diseases include gum disease, cavities, and tooth decay.
