Oral Health and Dentistry

Three-dimensional imaging stands as a pivotal tool for orthodontists in the assessment and documentation of craniofacial structures' size and morphology. This advanced diagnostic imaging technique involves the compilation of anatomical data through specialized equipment, which is then processed by a computer and subsequently displayed on a 2D screen to create the illusion of depth. Digital dentistry refers to the application of dental technologies and devices to perform dental procedures, replacing traditional mechanical or electrical instruments.

Forensic dentistry involves the application of dental science to assist in the investigation and resolution of various medicolegal cases, utilizing dental records and physical dental evidence. It plays a vital role in criminal investigations and can be used to identify both living and deceased individuals. This field relies on dental radiology, dental materials, and the anatomy and histology of dentition.

Case reports in dentistry involve the scientific documentation of individual clinical observations. This field of medicine focuses on the diagnosis, study, prevention, and treatment of conditions, diseases, and disorders related to the maxillofacial area and oral cavity. Examples include oral cancer, a type of cancer that can develop in any part of the mouth due to abnormal cell growth, and Vincent infection, a painful oral disease characterized by gray ulceration of the mucous membrane, gum bleeding, and foul breath.

The role of dental professionals in preventing the transmission of COVID-19 is of paramount importance. While routine dental care has been postponed in regions affected by the pandemic, the provision of essential and organized care by teams equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment remains a priority. Dental professionals can play a crucial part in treatment. The significant and rapid reorganization of both clinical and support services is a challenging task.

Dental anaesthesiology is the specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on effective pain management during surgical procedures, utilizing advanced local and general anesthesia techniques. It encompasses pain and anxiety control through the administration of local anesthesia, sedation, and general anesthesia. Techniques in this field include sedation methods, laser applications, pain-free dentistry, and dental radiology.

Dental implants replicate the natural tooth's root, offering a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. Comprised of Osseointegrated materials, they create a robust bond with the jawbone. Dental implants are versatile and can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth, providing support for crowns and dentures. They closely resemble natural teeth and help maintain the jaw's structural integrity, preventing the sunken look. Dentures, on the other hand, serve as removable replacements for missing teeth.

Dental instruments are tools used by dental professionals to provide various dental treatments. They encompass instruments for examination, collection, manipulation, treatment, restoration, and removal of teeth and surrounding oral structures. Standard instruments are those used for examining, restoring, and extracting teeth, as well as manipulating oral tissues. These tools are essential for the practice of dentistry and the delivery of dental care

Stem cells derived from deciduous or baby teeth, known as Chalet, share similarities with Dental Pulp Stem Cells (DPSCs) as they both originate from dental pulp. However, Chalet are obtained from baby teeth, while DPSCs are derived from adult teeth. Chalet represent a group of multipotent stem cells that can be easily harvested as baby teeth naturally exfoliate or are intentionally extracted to facilitate the growth of permanent teeth. In vitro, these cells can differentiate into osteocytes, adipocytes, odontoblasts, and chondrocytes. Recent research has demonstrated the enhanced proliferative capabilities of Chalet when compared to dental pulp stem cells

Cosmetic Dentistry refers to any dental procedures that enhance the appearance of teeth, gums, and overall dental aesthetics. It primarily focuses on improving dental aesthetics in terms of color, alignment, shape, size, positioning, and the overall appearance of a smile. Many dental professionals identify themselves as "cosmetic dentists." Cosmetic dentistry procedures are aimed at enhancing the visual appeal of teeth, including tooth-colored fillings, repairing fractured teeth, and aligning teeth properly.

Gerodontology also known as Senior Dentistry, is the dental specialty that focuses on the assessment, prevention, and treatment of dental conditions to enhance the quality of life and oral health of elderly individuals. The field of Gerodontology investigates age-related changes and conditions in the oral region and addresses the social, psychological, and environmental aspects of aging.

Dental Public Health is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on delivering comprehensive dental and oral health care to improve the overall dental and oral health of the community. Preventing dental-related conditions is essential, as there is a growing burden on healthcare systems for treatment. Prevention is becoming increasingly important because poor oral hygiene can lead to other health problems, including oral and facial pain.

Oral microbiology is the study of the oral cavity's microorganisms and their interactions. Oral microorganisms play a crucial role in the development of dental caries and periodontal disease. Oral pathology is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the scientific study of the causes and effects of oral diseases, aiding in diagnosis and treatment. These two fields share a close connection between foundational knowledge and practical dentistry

Dentistry is a medical specialty encompassing the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of various conditions. It focuses on disorders and ailments within the oral cavity, primarily involving the dentition and oral mucosa. It also addresses related structures and tissues, particularly within the maxillofacial region. While dentistry is commonly associated with oral health, it extends beyond teeth to encompass various aspects of the craniofacial complex, including the temporomandibular joint and supporting structures.

Dental materials are specifically designed for use in various dental applications, including dental restorations, dental implants, prosthetics, and more. The characteristics of these materials vary depending on their intended purpose. Dental care plays a crucial role in maintaining or improving the quality of life by restoring or enhancing tooth structure.

Preventive dentistry encompasses practices to maintain strong teeth, prevent cavities, gum diseases, and enamel erosion. It focuses on the growth and development of pediatric patients. Preventive dentistry aims to prevent the development of dental problems later in life, such as cavities, gingivitis, enamel loss, and periodontitis

Dental Pharmacology involves the use of medications in dentistry, where each drug is utilized to address specific dental issues. Dental hygienists must exercise caution when administering these medications, which include oral hygiene products, anesthetics, vasoconstrictors, and drugs for depression and periodontal disease.

Periodontology or periodontics, is the dental specialty that concentrates on the supporting structures of teeth. Its primary goal is the preservation of teeth and the maintenance of oral health. The main cause of periodontal disease is dental biofilm. Dental treatments aim to prevent or treat the two most common oral conditions: dental caries and periodontal disease.

Dental Hygiene explores the relationship between oral health care and overall well-being. Dental hygienists, registered with dental associations and other healthcare professionals, provide personalized oral hygiene care based on principles of biomedical, clinical, and social knowledge. Dental hygienists play a vital role in oral cancer screening and prevention, with a significant focus on examining the soft tissues of the oral cavity during each patient visit, as this is where early signs of oral cancer may manifest.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on the assessment and surgical management of pathologic conditions in the oral and maxillofacial regions. This field specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the hard and soft tissues of the mouth, jaws, and facial region.

Orthodontics, also referred to as orthodontia, is a specialized field within dentistry that focuses on the assessment, prevention, and correction of misaligned teeth and jaws, which can result in an improper bite. Orthodontic treatments, such as dental braces, are used to align and straighten teeth and improve their alignment in relation to an individual's bite. Additionally, custom-made retainers, constructed from wires or clear plastic, are removable devices that help maintain tooth alignment following dental procedures or teeth realignment.

Pediatric dentistry is the specialized field of dentistry focused on the oral health of children from birth. Early oral examinations are vital for detecting the initial signs of tooth decay. Timely detection is crucial for maintaining oral health, correcting unhealthy habits, and providing treatment as necessary and as minimally invasive as possible. Parents are also given guidance on preventive home care, evaluation of caries risk, information on pacifier, thumb, and finger-sucking habits, advice on preventing mouth and dental injuries in children, dietary analysis, and insights into child growth and development.

Odontology is the field of knowledge dedicated to the examination of dental anomalies and the prevention of associated conditions. Odontology primarily revolves around the identification of an individual through the comparison of their dental records with bite marks found on a victim. This discipline plays a crucial role in dental identification, age estimation, and the analysis of oral and dental characteristics.

Endodontics is the specialized field of dentistry focused on the study and application of the fundamental and clinical knowledge related to the structure, function, and diseases of the human tooth, dental pulp, and surrounding tissues. The dental pulp comprises nerves, blood vessels, and connective soft tissues. Endodontics encompasses the study of the physiology of a healthy pulp, the anatomy of the crown and root, as well as peri-radicular tissues, and the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions and injuries that affect these tissues. Root canal therapy is the most commonly performed procedure by an endodontist, involving the removal of infected pulp and nerves from the tooth's root canal.

Oral health refers to the state of being free from mouth and facial discomfort, oral infections, injuries, periodontal issues, tooth decay, tooth damage, and related conditions. It plays a crucial role in overall well-being, enhancing a person's ability to speak, smile, perceive tastes and smells, bite, chew, and swallow. Risk factors for oral health problems include an unhealthy diet, tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and inadequate oral hygiene