Dentistry
Dental science, also referred to as dental medicine and dental science, is the branch of medicine which includes the study, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and care of diseases, disorders, conditions and infections of the teeth and jaws. Dental science also deals with the preparation and maintenance of dental records or dental history. It provides information on the diseases and dental disorders of animals. Dentists are specialized doctors who practice in the field of dentistry.
A dental implant is a surgical procedure to replace a missing tooth with an artificial tooth or dentures. Dental implants can be attached to jawbones through a process called suturing. Once placed into place, dental implants allow the patient to chew and speak normally. However, there are certain types of dental implants which require surgery; these include dental bridges and dental crowns.
Dental caries refers to a bacterial infection that results in the formation of harmful toxins in the gums, teeth and mouth. Common causes of dental caries include poor oral hygiene practices, including lack of toothbrushing, flossing and dental checkups. Dental plaque forms when bacteria feed on the sugars and starches of food left after a meal. This leads to the growth of mold and other oral bacteria which produce acids that irritate the gums, teeth, bones and tissues. Dental caries may cause cavities, tooth decay and ultimately tooth loss.
Crowns, as their name suggests, are false teeth which are used to cover or line up lost teeth. A crown helps in preventing tooth decay by protecting the remaining teeth from acid erosion and cavities. Moreover, it also covers over damaged teeth. Dental crowns help repair and restructure teeth, especially low-performing teeth, allowing them to function properly again.
Dental prosthetics, as their name suggests, are artificial substitutes for missing teeth which are made of durable material to prevent wear and tear. Most commonly found in dentists’ offices, dental prosthetics are designed to look and feel like natural teeth. Depending on the requirement of the patient, dental prosthetic appliances can be customized and replaced with relative ease. Missing teeth can affect one’s self-esteem and professional reputation. Dental prosthetics can thus help regain a confident and attractive smile.
Dental science has advanced a lot during the last few decades. Gone are the days when a tooth was a tooth, a crown and a root canal gone forever. Today you can avail of a variety of dental services at the comfort of your home. You no longer have to visit a dentist for treatment; in fact, a visit to your dentist can become a thing of the past. The main article on dentistry that I would like to share with you today is: Dental prosthetics, restoration of dental structures, veneers, dental bridges, dentures and teeth extraction.