Dentistry and Dental Medicine

Endodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry focusing on the study and practice of the underlying science, anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the human tooth, dental pulp, and surrounding tissues. The dental pulp comprises nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. Endodontics delves into the biology of normal pulp, crown, root, and peri-radicular tissues, along with the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions and injuries affecting these structures. Root canal therapy is one of the most common procedures performed by endodontists to address issues involving the pulp and nerves within a tooth's root canal.

Topics covered under Endodontics include:

Endodontic Instruments

Asepsis in Endodontics

Cleaning and Shaping of the Root Canal System

Access Cavity Preparation

Regenerative Endodontics

Wave-one in Endodontics

Lasers in Endodontics - Application of Diodes

Odontology is the discipline concerned with the study of dental anomalies and the prevention of their consequences. It primarily involves the identification of an individual through the comparison of their dental records with bite marks left on a victim. Odontology is crucial for dental identification, age estimation, and the analysis of oral and dental features

Pediatrics dentistry is a specialized field that deals with the oral health of children from birth through adolescence. Early oral examinations are essential for detecting the initial stages of tooth decay. Early intervention is crucial for maintaining oral health, correcting abnormal habits, and providing treatment as necessary and as minimally invasive as possible. Parents receive guidance on preventive home care, risk assessment for cavities, advice on thumb-sucking and pacifier habits, instructions for preventing injuries to children's mouths and teeth, dietary guidance, and information on growth and development.

Topics within Advanced Research on Pediatric Dentistry include:

Management of traumatic injuries in children

Advanced research in pediatric dentistry

Diagnosis/imaging and the use of lasers in children

Preventive and conservative dentistry in children

Fluoride therapy

Orthodontics also known as orthodontia, is a specialized branch of dentistry focused on the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of improper positioning of teeth and jaws, which results in misaligned bites. Dental braces are devices used in orthodontics to align and straighten teeth, correcting their position in relation to a person's bite. Retainers are custom-made devices, typically crafted from wires or clear plastic that are removable and used to maintain teeth in their corrected positions after orthodontic treatments.

Key topics within Orthodontics include:

Recent Advances in Orthodontics

Implants in Orthodontics

Treatment of Cleft Lip and Palate

Genetics in Orthodontics

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is a specialized field within dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and surgical treatment of pathological conditions affecting the hard and soft tissues of the mouth, jaws, and face. This branch of dentistry deals with a wide range of conditions and surgical interventions.

Topics within Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery include:

Cleft surgery

Antibiotic prophylaxis in implant failure

Periodontology or periodontics is the field of dentistry dedicated to the study of the supporting structures of teeth. Its primary mission is the preservation of teeth and the maintenance of oral health. The main cause of periodontal diseases is dental biofilm. Dental treatments are carried out to prevent or treat the two most common oral conditions: dental caries and periodontal diseases

Dental Pharmacology involves the use of medications, particularly in the dental field. Each drug functions differently to address various dental issues. Dental hygienists must exercise caution and precise knowledge when administering medications. Dental pharmacology encompasses topics such as oral hygiene, anesthetics, sedatives, and medications used to treat dental and periodontal conditions. These medications are used to alleviate pain, prevent infection, and create sterile conditions during dental procedures.

Key topics within Dental Pharmacology include:

Oral hygiene

Anesthetics

Sedatives

Medications for depression and periodontal conditions

Medications used to sterilize the pulp and root canal tissues

Dental materials are specially designed substances for use in dentistry. They serve various purposes in dental procedures, such as restorations, dental implants, prosthetics, and more. The characteristics of dental materials vary according to their intended use. These materials are crucial for preserving or improving the quality of life through the repair or replacement of tooth structures.

Key topics within Dental Materials include:

Oral biomaterials and natural tissues

Advances in dental material engineering

Polymer materials and devices for denture prosthesis

Stem cell biology and tissue engineering in dental research

Bio nanomaterials

Micro dentistry is a technology-based approach to operative dentistry, representing a departure from traditional dentistry. The benefits of micro dentistry include precision, enhanced visibility, and superior lighting. It is a minimally invasive and highly precise approach that requires extensive training for dental practitioners. The goal of micro dentistry is to treat oral health issues through minimally invasive methods, utilizing techniques such as adhesive bonding, fiber-optic lights, decay-indicating dyes, and tooth-colored fillings.

Key topics within Micro Dentistry include:

Loupes

Dental Operating Microscope

Oral microbiology focuses on the study of the microorganisms present in the oral cavity and their interactions with each other. These microorganisms can be categorized into two major dental conditions: dental caries and periodontal diseases.

Oral Pathology is a division of dentistry that deals with the scientific study of the causes and effects of oral diseases. Understanding oral pathology is essential for diagnosis and the development of effective treatment and prevention strategies

Cosmetic Dentistry is a term used to describe dental procedures aimed at improving the appearance of teeth, gums, and the overall smile. It primarily focuses on enhancing dental aesthetics, including color, position, shape, size, alignment, and the overall appearance of the smile. Many dental practitioners identify themselves as "cosmetic dentists." Cosmetic dentistry procedures are employed to enhance the visual aspects of teeth, such as tooth-colored fillings, repair of chipped teeth, and the proper alignment of teeth.

Key topics within Cosmetic Dentistry include:

Full mouth reconstruction

Aesthetic Dentistry and Ceramic restoration

Cosmetic Dentures

Pulp Protectants and Liners

Teeth whitening

Stem cells derived from shed deciduous (baby) teeth are similar to Dental Pulp Stem Cells (DPSCs) in that they are both sourced from dental pulp, but deciduous stem cells come from baby teeth, while DPSCs come from adult teeth. Deciduous stem cells are a group of multipotent stem cells that are easily obtained as baby teeth naturally shed or are intentionally extracted to facilitate the growth of permanent teeth. These cells can differentiate into osteocytes, adipocytes, odontoblasts, and chondrocytes in vitro. Recent research has demonstrated the enhanced proliferative potential of deciduous stem cells compared to dental pulp stem cells

Dental instruments  are specialized tools utilized by dental professionals to perform various dental treatments. They include instruments for examination, manipulation, treatment, restoration, and extraction of teeth and surrounding oral structures. Standard instruments are those used for examining, restoring, and cleaning teeth, as well as manipulating oral tissues. Dental instruments play a crucial role in delivering dental care

Special care dentistry, often referred to as "special needs dentistry," focuses on providing dental care for individuals with a variety of challenges that may complicate traditional dental treatments. This includes patients with physical, medical, developmental, or cognitive disabilities, as well as those who are elderly or have complex health issues. Here are some key aspects of special care in dentistry:

1. Comprehensive Assessments: Dentists in this field conduct thorough assessments to understand the unique needs of each patient. This may involve reviewing medical histories, medications, and specific challenges related to dental care.
2. Tailored Treatment Plans: Treatment plans are customized based on the individual’s needs. This could involve modifications in techniques, sedation options, and the type of materials used to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.
3. Behavior Management: Many patients with special needs may experience anxiety or difficulty during dental procedures. Special care dentists employ various behavior management techniques to help patients feel comfortable, which may include desensitization, communication strategies, and, if necessary, sedation.
4. Collaborative Care: Dentists often work closely with other healthcare providers, such as physicians, occupational therapists, and caregivers, to ensure comprehensive care and address any specific health concerns.
5. Accessibility: Special care dentistry often emphasizes creating an accessible environment for patients, including wheelchair access, specialized equipment, and accommodations for patients with sensory sensitivities.
6. Preventive Care and Education: Educating patients and caregivers about preventive dental care is crucial. This may include guidance on oral hygiene practices, diet, and routine dental visits to maintain oral health.
7. Advocacy: Special care dentists often advocate for their patients, helping to ensure they receive the necessary care and support both within the healthcare system and in the community.

By focusing on these aspects, special care dentistry aims to improve the oral health and overall quality of life for individuals with special needs.

Dentistry is a branch of medicine that encompasses the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of various conditions and diseases affecting the oral cavity. This field primarily deals with issues related to the teeth but also extends to oral mucosa, as well as surrounding and associated structures, especially within the maxillofacial region. While dentistry is commonly associated with dental care, it encompasses the entirety of the craniofacial complex, including the temporomandibular joint and other supporting structures.

Topics covered under Dentistry include:
Full mouth reconstruction
Dentures
Dental Fillings
Teeth whitening
Root Canal Therapy for Atypical Teeth
Esthetic Dentistry and Ceramic restoration
Athletic mouth guards
Nano dentistry
Implant dentistry