Introduction to Dentistry

• Dentistry addresses the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of conditions and diseases of the oral cavity.
• Dentistry commonly involves the dentition, oral mucosa, and related structures in the maxillofacial area.
• Complete overall health necessitates dental care.
• Dental professionals like dentists, dental practitioners, denturists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, and dental assistants, provide dental treatment.

Fields of Dentistry

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery includes surgical treatments, extractions, implants, and corrective jaw surgery.
• Endodontics addresses root canal therapy and dental pulp treatments.
• Periodontics focuses on treating gum disease and supporting tooth structures.
• Prosthodontics involves dentures, bridges, and prosthetic replacements.
• Orthodontics corrects malocclusion using braces and appliances.
• Pediatric Dentistry provides dental care for children.
• Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology diagnoses and studies diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions.
• Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology uses imaging techniques for diagnosis.
• Dental Public Health promotes community dental health and prevents oral diseases on a large scale.

Common Dental Procedures

• Routine Examinations are regular check-ups for early problem detection.
• Teeth Cleaning removes plaque and tartar to prevent decay and gum disease.
• Fillings repair tooth damage from decay.
• Root Canals treat infected tooth pulp.
• Extractions remove teeth when necessary.
• Crowns and Bridges restore or replace damaged or missing teeth.
• Dentures replace missing teeth with removable appliances.
• Implants surgically place artificial tooth roots to support replacement teeth.
• Teeth Whitening lightens the shade of teeth.
• Veneers apply thin layers of porcelain or composite to improve appearance.

Dental Tools and Technologies

• Dental Handpieces (Drills) cut and polish teeth.
• Explorers and Probes examine teeth for cavities.
• Scalers remove plaque and tartar.
• X-ray Machines image teeth and surrounding structures.
• CAD/CAM Technology designs and creates dental restorations.
• Lasers are used in gum surgery and teeth whitening.
• 3D Printing creates models, surgical guides, and dental appliances.

Preventive Dentistry

• Practices prevent the onset of oral diseases.
• Regular Brushing removes plaque and food particles.
• Flossing cleans between teeth to remove plaque.
• Fluoride Use strengthens tooth enamel.
• Dental Sealants protect teeth from decay.
• Healthy Diet limits sugary and acidic foods.
• Regular Check-ups allow for early detection and prevention.

Oral Hygiene Practices

• Brushing Technique ensures effective plaque removal.
• Flossing Technique cleans between teeth effectively.
• Mouthwash reduces bacteria.
• Tongue Cleaning removes bacteria from the tongue.

Common Oral Diseases and Conditions

• Dental Caries (Tooth Decay) damages tooth structure due to acid-producing bacteria.
• Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease) causes inflammation and infection of the gums and supporting structures.
• Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease that inflames the gums.
• Periodontitis is a gum disease that leads to bone and tooth loss.
• Oral Cancer develops in the oral cavity.
• Oral Thrush (Candidiasis) is a fungal infection.
• Halitosis (Bad Breath) results from poor oral hygiene or dry mouth.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders affect the jaw joint and muscles.
• Cleft Lip and Palate are birth defects affecting the lip and/or palate.
• Bruxism involves grinding or clenching teeth.

Anesthesia in Dentistry

• Local Anesthesia numbs a specific area.
• Sedation relaxes patients.
• General Anesthesia is used for complex procedures or anxious patients.

Dental Materials

• Amalgam is a metal alloy for fillings.
• Composite Resin is tooth-colored and used for fillings.
• Ceramics are used for crowns, veneers, and restorations.
• Metals are used for crowns, bridges, and implants.
• Polymers are used for dentures and appliances.

The Dental Team

• Dentists diagnose and treat oral health problems.
• Dental Hygienists clean teeth, provide preventive care, and educate patients.
• Dental Assistants assist dentists during procedures.
• Dental Therapists provide basic dental care.
• Dental Laboratory Technicians create dental prosthetics and appliances.
• Denturists focus on denture fabrication and fitting.

Dental Specialties

• Additional training focuses on specific dental care areas.
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons focus on surgical treatments of the mouth, jaws, and face.
• Endodontists specialize in root canal therapy.
• Periodontists focus on treating gum disease.
• Prosthodontists specialize in tooth restoration.
• Orthodontists focus on correcting malocclusion.
• Pediatric Dentists specialize in dental care for children.
• Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologists focus on diagnosing oral diseases.
• Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologists interpret X-rays for diagnosis.
• Dental Public Health Specialists work to improve community dental health.

Infection Control in Dentistry

• Sterilization kills microorganisms on instruments.
• Disinfection reduces microorganisms on surfaces.
• Barrier Techniques use gloves and masks.
• Hand Hygiene involves frequent hand washing.
• Waste Management disposes of contaminated materials properly.

Dental Ethics and Professionalism

• Patient Autonomy respects patients' rights to decide their care.
• Beneficence means acting in the patient's best interest.
• Non-maleficence means avoiding harm.
• Justice means treating all patients fairly.
• Veracity means being honest.
• Confidentiality protects patients' privacy.