Dental Specialties

Conservative Dentistry:-
Conservative dentistry is a branch of dentistry, which is concerned, with the conservation of teeth in the mouth. It consists of the sub-specialties of cariology, operative dentistry, and endodontics. A dentist usually specializes in conservative dentistry or can individually specialize in any of its three sub specialties.

Cariology: The discipline Cariology includes studies of all aspects of the tooth decay its cause, its prevention and its treatment - on the tooth surface.

Operative dentistry: Operative dentistry is that branch which deals with the diagnoses and treatment of structural defects in teeth which are the result of, or which predispose a tooth to, disease. The primary objective is to restores proper tooth shape and structure, function, esthetics and its harmonious relationships with surrounding tissues while preserving pulpal health. The field of operative dentistry is recognized as the core of general dental practice.

Endodontics: Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with diseases of the tooth's pulp. Endodontics simply means” within the tooth” .Removal of the diseased pulp from the root canal and its subsequent filling is called endodontic treatment, which is often referred to as root-canal treatment or root canal therapy. The common treatment procedures carried out by a dentist who specializes in conservative dentistry are:

1. Fillings
a. Amalgam
b. Composite
2. Inlays & Onlays
3. Jacket & full crowns
4. Veneers
5. Root Canal Treatment
6. Periapical surgeries

The ultimate goal of conservative dentistry is to preserve natural dentition or to restore it to the best state of health, function and esthetics.


Periodontics:-
Periodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the periodontium. A Periodontist is a dentist whose prime area of interest is the periodontium. The periodontium simply means the tissue covering and supporting the tooth. The periodontium includes the gingiva, periodontal ligaments, root cementum, and the supporting alveolar bone.

Infection is the most common cause affecting the periodontium. These infections are caused by the accumulation of hard deposits clinging to the teeth. The deposits are saturated with disease causing bacteria resulting in the infection of tissues, surrounding and supporting the teeth. The consequence of these infections ranges from simple bleeding gums to early loss of teeth.

The role of a Periodontist is to prevent the occurrence, if not curb the actual spread of damage already caused by the infection. He specializes in a variety of surgical and non-surgical treatment to fulfill this role. Non-surgical periodontal treatment is appropriate in the early and moderate stages of periodontal disease, otherwise known as periodontitis. If there is a great deal of bone loss, a situation known as moderate to advanced periodontitis, then surgical periodontal treatment is required.

Some of the common treatment modalities carried out by the periodontists are

>> Scaling and root planning
>> Curettage
>> Gum surgeries
>> Cosmetic gum surgeries
>> Alveolar bone Surgeries

Periodontal disease is a chronic problem. Without ongoing treatment the infection and disease will reoccur, and each time it does, more bone can be lost, until eventually the teeth become loose and need to be removed. Therefore it is essential to visit the dentist with the right kind of training in this field for best results.


Prosthodontics:-
Prosthodontics is that branch of dentistry which deals with the restoration and maintenance of oral function, comfort, appearance, and health of the patient by the restoration of the missing natural teeth. It also deals with the replacement of missing teeth and contiguous oral and maxillofacial tissues with artificial substitutes. This discipline includes Fixed, Removable, Maxillofacial and Implant Prosthodontics

Prosthodontists specialize in this field of dentistry. Prosthodontist is a dentist who, following four years of dental school, has successfully completed three additional years of rigorous specialized training in a recognized post-doctoral program in Prosthodontics.

The area in which the Prosthodontist specializes are:

Removable Prosthodontics: It is that branch of Prosthodontics concerned with the replacement of teeth and contiguous structures for patients who have few or no teeth at all, with the help of artificial substitutes that are removable from the mouth. Such prostheses include complete and partial removable dentures.

Fixed Prosthodontics: It is that branch of Prosthodontics concerned with the restoration and/or replacement of teeth by artificial substitutes, which are not removable from the mouth. Such restorations include crowns, fixed partial dentures (bridges), esthetic veneers, and restoring surgically placed implants.

Implant Prosthodontics: It is that branch that deals with dental implants. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed into your jaw to hold a replacement crown or bridge in place. The treatment can be more conservative than the traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support

Prosthodontists have the advanced knowledge necessary to help provide treatment for birth defects such as cleft palate, conditions such as traumatic injury, and complex restorations for patients who have undergone surgical or radiation treatment for cancer.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery:-
The specialty of Oral and Maxillo Facial Surgery is a relatively new specialty as far as the Indian public is concerned though it has been a well-established surgical discipline in most developed countries.

It is a specialty, which deals with the surgical management of diseases that affect the mouth and face including the jawbones. The diseases range from infections in the jaws and face, to cancer in the Oral Cavity, which is very much prevalent in India. It also includes a wide range of other diseases that affect the mouth.

The Maxillo Facial surgeon specializes in treating accident victims who suffer fractures of the facial bones. Apart from contrary belief, this area of injury does not fall under a general orthopedic surgeon, and hence this area forms an important aspect of the specialty.

The specialty also performs cosmetic facial surgery involving surgical correction of deformed jawbones, nose and cheekbones for e.g. Orthognathic surgery. It also deals with surgical correction of patients born with congenital anomalies involving facial deformities (e.g.) Cleft lip and Palate Repair

The Temporomandibular joint, which is a unique joint in the body, also comes under the preview of this specialty.

The day-to-day area of work of an oral surgeon includes

>> Removal of impacted wisdom teeth.
>> Removal of teeth with twisted roots, which are deeply
hooked within the bone.
>> Treatment of swellings due to infection
e.g. drainage of pus from the various space infection
>> Removal of benign growths in the mouth


The Specialty of Oral Medicine and Radiology:-
Oral medicine is a specialty area of dentistry that is concerned with the health of the oral cavity and the diagnosis and management of diseases of the oral region. It may also include the oral and dental treatment of patients who are medically compromised, i.e, those that have medical problems where dental treatment can result in a serious complications.

Dental decay and periodontal disease are the most common diseases in the oral cavity, but there are other diseases that can affect the mouth and surrounding structures. Some of these conditions are painful or they may result in gingival (gum) bleeding or halitosis (bad breath), which may prompt the patient to seek treatment. Other conditions, however, may give no symptoms until late in their course. It is very important to have regular dental examinations to check on the health of both the teeth and soft tissues of the mouth, as early diagnosis of a problem results in better chances of treatment.

A sub speciality within oral medicine is Oral and maxillofacial radiology, which uses enhanced imaging techniques for diagnostic purposes. They help in detecting the extent of tooth decay, to assess the damage to the alveolar bone, locating tumors, diagnosing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, infectious diseases of the jaw, and most importantly in traumatic injuries.


Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology:-
Oral pathology is a speciality in dentistry and a discipline of pathology which deals with the nature, identification and extent of disease affecting the oral and facial regions. It is a science that investigates the causes, processes and effects of these diseases. The practice of oral pathology includes research and diagnosis of diseases using clinical, radiographic, microscopic, biochemical or other investigation.

An oral pathologist has close association with the Oral surgeon and the oral medicine specialist, to the extent that the latter two cannot proceed with the treatment plan, unless the oral pathologist confirms the nature and the cause of the condition .


Orthodontics:-
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the prevention and correction of dental and facial irregularities. The dentist who specializes in this field is known as an Orthodontist.

In simple terms his job is to properly position the tooth, and if necessary the jaw bones so as to achieve maximum esthetic and functional efficiency.

The common problems, which require an orthodontist, are protruding anterior teeth, Malocclusion (technical term for crooked, crowded or protruding teeth, which do not fit together properly) crowding of teeth, too much space between teeth, extra or missing teeth, cleft palate and a variety of irregularities of the jaws and face.

Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain, and hence are prime sources for accumulation of harmful bacteria. This may contribute to conditions that cause not only tooth decay but eventually gum disease and tooth loss. Orthodontic problems reduce the functional efficiency while chewing and can also lead to problems with the mouth joint.

To prevent the above-mentioned consequences it is always advisable to let the child have an orthodontic screening before the age of 7. The ideal age to commence orthodontic treatment is between 11-14yrs, although treatment can be started at any age. Human bone responds best to tooth movement before the age of 18, and consequently orthodontic work is usually more beneficial to a child than an adult.

The time taken for the completion of orthodontic treatment depends on the severity of the problem, growth of the patient’s mouth and face, and most importantly the cooperation of the patient. It takes any where from a few months to a few years.

An attractive smile wins a lot of hearts and hence should not be underestimated. A pleasing appearance is a vital asset to one’s self-confidence. A person's self-esteem often improves as treatment brings teeth, lips and face into proportion. In this way, orthodontic treatment can benefit social and career success, as well as improve one’s general attitude toward life. And thanks to the orthodontist this is all possible.


Pediatric Dentistry:-
Pediatric dentistry is an age-defined specialty that provides dental health care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health care needs.

Pediatric dentists are trained to perform a wide range of dental procedures in children. Pediatric dentists have an in-depth knowledge on child psychology, which helps them to manage and provide efficient dental care to children. It is their responsibility to ensure a pleasant experience during a child's visit to the dentist. Most adults who are poor dental patients might have had a traumatic dental experience during their childhood.

Ideally the first dental visit of a child should begin at 8-12 months of age. Pediatric dentists are trained to perform infant examination and also to provide the necessary information regarding infant oral here. Most of the children who have regular dental visits from infancy remain caries free (decay free) throughout their lifetime.

Pediatric dentists provide children (also their parents) with information regarding prevention of dental caries, oral hygiene measures and other common oral problems there by helping them achieve a smooth transition from milk teeth to an ideal set of permanent teeth.
Pediatric dentist provides the following dental procedures :
>> Amalgam and Composite Fillings for primary teeth
>> Pediatric root canal therapy
>> Minor orthodontic correction
>> Preventive care for cleft lip and palate children
>> Management of traumatic injuries in children