Dentistry is the specialty area of medicine that deals with the prevention and treatment of diseases affecting the teeth and soft tissues of the mouth. It is a field that includes pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial pathology, and oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Many people are unaware of the difference between dental care and medicine. For example, most doctors are trained to see patients for many different reasons, and they may not have the time to provide dental care. However, it is important to keep your teeth and gums in good condition. By doing so, you may be able to cut back on the number of visits you need to make to the dentist.
Dental care should also include regular checkups. This allows the dentist to detect any signs of decay or other problems before they get worse. When a dentist finds the early signs of problems, the treatment is much more manageable than if the problem is left untreated. The doctor will also check for any soft areas in the mouth that could be infected. If they detect a problem, they will recommend taking antibiotics before doing a procedure.
A dentist can perform a number of procedures that are designed to remove bacteria from the mouth and the bloodstream. Some of these include dental cleaning, root canal treatment, and tooth extraction. In some cases, the dentist will even use anesthesia to help the patient feel more comfortable during the process.
Although dentistry is a relatively new field of medical practice, it is already a highly specialized profession. It requires a doctor to train in the specialty and to have a license to practice. In the United States, licensure for the practice began in 1868.
Evidence-based dentistry is a branch of dentistry that seeks to identify clinical practice and scientific knowledge that is relevant to the dental health of a population. This includes the morphology, physiology, and pathology of the teeth, as well as the clinical and social aspects of dental health.
Historically, oral medicine has been a part of medical practice in many Asian civilizations. Restorative dentistry has been practiced in China as early as 200 BCE. Silver amalgam fillings were used in this time period. Later, vulcanized rubber was used to create dentures.
Dentists also perform a number of other medical services. They can treat gum disease, and they can help a person prepare their jaw for radiation treatments. Anesthesiology is a specialty of dentistry that involves the advanced use of general anesthesia.
Dental public health is a specialized field of dentistry that deals with preventing and treating oral diseases on a large scale. A dental public health specialist may work with social health policies and focus on the well-being of the community. They can also help to raise awareness of dental health.
Dental health is best maintained by a team of qualified dental professionals, as well as the support of a community-based care system. Both of these structures should continue to be in place in the NHS. The dental health safety net should continue, and there should be no changes in the availability of consultant posts or training.
