What is Dentistry?
Dentistry is a specialized medical field that deals with disorders of the oral cavity (mouth). It studies, diagnoses, prevents, and treats dental disorders.
Who is a Dentist?
Medical professionals who specialise in dentistry are called Dentists.
In most countries, a Bachelor's in Dental Surgery (BDS) degree is required to practice as a dentist. With a BDS degree, a dentist becomes eligible to practice general oral medicine and oral surgery.
Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD) is a post-graduate degree in dentistry. In this degree, dentists specialize in fields like Oral Pathology, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Endodontics, etc.
Branches of Dentistry:
Dentistry, as a medical field, comprises both medicinal and surgical branches. While many dental disorders are treatable with medicines, some advanced cases may require surgery to be treated.
Dental Medicine:
This is the medicinal branch of Dentistry. It aims to provide relief and treatment for dental disorders through medicines and non-surgical methods.
Some common oral diseases/disorders that can be treated with medicines are:
- Sensitive teeth
- Mouth ulcers
- Swollen gums
Dental Surgery:
When a disorder in the oral cavity is not treatable by medicine, surgery is conducted. Oral surgeries are mostly painless and are performed after applying anesthesia.
The most common dental surgeries are:
‣ Root Canal Surgery: Root canal surgery is performed when a decaying tooth causes immense pain and sensitivity to the individual. It is the most effective method to treat infected pulps under the tooth’s enamel.
‣ Wisdom teeth removal: The growth of the wisdom tooth can be a very painful process and can cause swelling of gums, jaw pain, difficulty in jaw movement, etc. To get permanent relief from these symptoms, the wisdom tooth is removed by surgery.
‣ Dental Implants: The human tooth can decay or permanently fall off due to reasons like diseases, oral cancer, smoking, accidents, etc. With dental implant surgery, these teeth can be replaced with metals that the human body does not reject.
‣ Veneer: a crown where the restoration is affixed on the native crown's surface after it has been prepared.
‣ Cavity preparation: To remove the decayed material and restore your tooth with a filling after a cavity has been identified, your dentist will need to make an opening in your tooth. Cavity preparation is what this is known as. If the tooth's surface has been damaged by erosion, abrasion, or fracture, you could additionally need preparation.
‣ Teeth whitening: Your teeth might become more brilliant more quickly with dental whitening. In comparison to kits for use at home, the bleaching solution is typically significantly stronger.
‣ Scaling and Polishing: Dental tartar, dental plaque, and extrinsic stains that are on the outside surface of the teeth are removed during a scaling and polishing operation.
Major Causes of Dental Diseases:
Dental diseases can be caused by various factors. Some of the most common causes are:
- Hormonal changes
- Bacteria and Fungi
- Poor oral hygiene
- Consumption of tobacco and alcohol
- Age
