BRANCHES OF DENTISTRY
Oral Medicine and Oral Radiology:
It is the branch of dentistry which deals with the diagnosis and treatment planning of diseases and conditions related to Oral cavity and the surrounding structures. In dentistry Oral Medicine and Radiology is the basic and the most important part where the diagnosis of any condition is the first step in success towards treating any disease or condition for a Doctor.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery:
A branch of Dentistry which deals with the Surgical aspect relates of Mouth and the surrounding face as well. It involves upper and lower Jaws, facial bones up until the orbit etc. It involves simple surgeries such as impacted tooth removals, fractures involving the facial bones, Cyst removals and other surgeries such as Orthognathic surgery etc.
Community Dentistry (or) Preventive Dentistry:
It is a branch of Dentistry which deals with preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting physical and mental efficiency through organized community efforts for the sanitation of the environment, control of communicable infections, education of individuals in personal hygiene, organization of medical and nursing services to help in the early diagnosis and preventive treatment of disease and development of the social machinery to ensure everyone a standard of living adequate for the maintenance of health.
Pedodontics:
It is a branch of dentistry which deals with the prevention and treatment of diseases in children’s teeth and oral cavity. A pedodontist deals with not just children but also with the parent by educating them about oral health in children and when to take action.
Endodontics:
It is a term coined from the Greek language – Endo – Inside and Odont – tooth, it means that dealing with the dental pulp of contents inside the tooth. It deals with the prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries of the dental pulp along with associated tissues such as periradicular conditions.
Periodontics:
It is a term coined from Greek literature, Peri – Around and odontos or odous – tooth meaning around the tooth. This branch deals with the supporting structures of the tooth or tissues surrounding the tooth. The supporting tissues such as Periodontium which include – Gums, cementum, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone.
Orthodontics:
It deals with the prevention, correction and Surgical treatment of malpositioned teeth and jaws. This branch deals with correction of modifying the growth of the patient to attain proper alignment of the Maxillary and Mandibular dentition.
Prosthodontics:
According to ADA Prosthodontics is defined as ” the dental speciality pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of the patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth or oral and maxillofacial tissues using bio compatible substitute”
Oral Pathology:
It is also called as Oral and Maxillofacial pathology which deals with the diagnosis and study of the causes and effects of the diseases afecting the oral and maxillofacial region. It is a branch which can be related to both Dentistry and Pathology combined.
