Dentistry, also known as Dental and Oral Medicine, is a branch of medicine that consists of the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions of the oral cavity, commonly in the dentition but also the oral mucosa, and of adjacent and related structures and tissues, particularly in the maxillofacial (jaw and facial) area. Although primarily associated with teeth among the general public, the field of dentistry or dental medicine is not limited to teeth but includes other aspects of the craniofacial complex including the temporomandibular joint and other supporting, muscular, lymphatic, nervous, vascular, and anatomical structures.

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Dental treatment

Dentistry usually encompasses practices related to the oral cavity. According to the World Health Organization, oral diseases are major public health problems due to their high incidence and prevalence across the globe, with the disadvantaged affected more than other socio-economic groups.

The majority of dental treatments are carried out to prevent or treat the two most common oral diseases which are dental caries (tooth decay) and periodontal disease (gum disease or pyorrhea). Common treatments involve the restoration of teeth, extraction or surgical removal of teeth, scaling and root planing and endodontic root canal treatment.

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All dentists in the United States undergo at least three years of undergraduate studies, but nearly all complete a bachelor's degree. This schooling is followed by four years of dental school to qualify as a "Doctor of Dental Surgery" (DDS) or "Doctor of Dental Medicine" (DMD). Dentists need to complete additional qualifications or continuing education to carry out more complex treatments such as sedation, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and dental implants.

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By nature of their general training they can carry out the majority of dental treatments such as restorative (fillings, crowns, bridges), prosthetic (dentures), endodontic (root canal) therapy, periodontal (gum) therapy, and extraction of teeth, as well as performing examinations, radiographs (x-rays), and diagnosis. Dentists can also prescribe medications such as antibiotics, sedatives, and any other drugs used in patient management.

 

Irreversible enamel defects caused by an untreated celiac disease. They may be the only clue to its diagnosis, even in absence of gastrointestinal symptoms, but are often confused with fluorosis, tetracycline discoloration, or other causes. The National Institutes of Health include a dental exam in the diagnostic protocol of celiac disease.

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Dentists also encourage prevention of oral diseases through proper hygiene and regular, twice yearly, checkups for professional cleaning and evaluation. Oral infections and inflammations may affect overall health and conditions in the oral cavity may be indicative of systemic diseases, such as osteoporosis, diabetes, celiac disease or cancer. Many studies have also shown that gum disease is associated with an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and preterm birth. The concept that oral health can affect systemic health and disease is referred to as "oral-systemic health".

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• Anesthesiology: The study of how to relieve pain through advanced use of local and general anesthetic techniques.

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• Dental public health: The study of epidemiology and social health policies relevant to oral health.

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• Conservative dentistry and endodontics: The art and science of restoring the tooth form and function when destructed by carious and non carious lesions affecting the teeth, before involvement of pulp or root canal is termed as conservative dentistry. When the root canal are involved, the speciality is known as endodontics. This speciality degree is awarded in India.

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• Endodontics (also called endodontology): Root canal therapy and study of diseases of the dental pulp and periapical tissues.

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• Forensic odontology: The gathering and use of dental evidence in law. This may be performed by any dentist with experience or training in this field. The function of the forensic dentist is primarily documentation and verification of identity.

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• Geriatric dentistry or Geriodontics: The delivery of dental care to older adults involving the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of problems associated with normal aging and age-related diseases as part of an interdisciplinary team with other health care professionals.

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• Oral and maxillofacial pathology: The study, diagnosis, and sometimes the treatment of oral and maxillofacial related diseases.

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• Oral and maxillofacial radiology: The study and radiologic interpretation of oral and maxillofacial diseases.

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• Oral and maxillofacial surgery (also called oral surgery): Extractions, implants, and surgery of the jaws, mouth and face.

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• Oral biology: Research in dental and craniofacial biology

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• Oral Implantology: The art and science of replacing extracted teeth with dental implants.

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• Oral medicine: The clinical evaluation and diagnosis of oral mucosal diseases

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• Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics: The straightening of teeth and modification of midface and mandibular growth.

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• Pediatric dentistry (also called pedodontics) : Dentistry for children

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• Periodontology (also called periodontics) : The study and treatment of diseases of the periodontium (non-surgical and surgical) as well as placement and maintenance of dental implants

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• Prosthodontics (also called prosthetic dentistry): Dentures, bridges and the restoration of implants. Some prosthodontists further their training in "oral and maxillofacial prosthodontics", which is the discipline concerned with the replacement of missing facial structures, such as ears, eyes, noses, etc.

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• Special needs dentistry (also called special care dentistry): Dentistry for those with developmental and acquired disabilities.

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