Dental medicine

Dental Medicine is a branch of medicine that involves the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions of the oral cavity, commonly in the dentition but also the oral mucosa, and of adjacent and related structures and tissues, particularly in the maxillofacial (jaw and facial) area. Although primarily associated with teeth among the general public, the field of dentistry or dental medicine is not limited to teeth but includes other aspects of the craniofacial complex including the temporomandibular joint and other supporting, muscular, lymphatic, nervous, vascular, and anatomical structures.

History of Dental Medicine

Dental medicine has a long history, with evidence of dental treatment dating back to the Paleolithic era. The ancient Egyptians practiced dentistry as early as 3000 BC, and the ancient Greeks and Romans also had complex systems of dental care.

Branches of Dental Medicine

Dental medicine is a broad field that encompasses several specialized branches, including:

• Endodontics: This branch deals with the tooth pulp and tissues surrounding the root of a tooth.
• Orthodontics: This branch is concerned with the study and treatment of malocclusions (improper bites), which may be a result of tooth irregularity, disproportionate jaw relationships, or both.
• Periodontics: This branch involves the study and treatment of diseases of the periodontium (the tissues that surround and support the teeth).
• Prosthodontics: Also known as dental prosthetics or prosthetic dentistry, this branch involves the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation, and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance, and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes.

Dental Treatments

Common treatments in dental medicine include dental fillings, root canal therapy, dental crowns, dental bridges, dental implants, and orthodontic treatments. Preventive treatments include regular dental exams, cleanings, and dental X-rays.

Dental Education and Training

In order to practice dental medicine, individuals must complete a course of study at a recognized dental school and pass a licensing examination. Many countries require dentists to complete a certain number of continuing education hours each year to maintain their license.

See Also

• Oral and maxillofacial surgery
• Pediatric dentistry
• Dental public health
• Veterinary dentistry
• Forensic odontology
• Geriatric dentistry