Untitled Quiz

Study Notes

Shedding

Deciduous teeth are physiologically eliminated at specific ages.
The roots of deciduous teeth are resorbed, which leads to their shedding.
This process occurs before the eruption of permanent successors.

Impacted Teeth

Impacted teeth are teeth that do not fully erupt.
These teeth remain in bone or soft tissue.

Congenitally Missing Tooth

A congenitally missing tooth is a tooth that does not erupt because a tooth bud never formed.
This is usually seen in lateral incisors, second premolars, and third molars.

Tooth Extraction

This is a procedure that involves the complete removal of a tooth from its socket.

Decay (Caries)

Tooth decay is caused by toxins produced by bacteria.
These toxins destroy the tooth structure.

Dentistry

Dentistry is a branch of medicine that focuses on the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of oral and para-oral diseases.
Dentists are licensed professionals who can perform various dental treatments, including:
- Examinations
- Radiographs
- Diagnoses
- Prescribing medications (antibiotics, mouthwashes, pain killers)

Dental Specialties

Clinical Specialities:
- Periodontology: Study and treatment of gum diseases (including surgical and non-surgical procedures) and dental implant placement and maintenance.
- Oral Surgery: Surgical intervention for dental and oral disorders, including tooth extractions, dental implants, and removal of oral tumors.
- Operative Dentistry: Diagnosis and management of tooth diseases, restoring teeth to their functional and aesthetic requirements.
- Endodontics: Focuses on root canal therapy and the study of dental pulp diseases, including their etiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.
- Prosthodontics: Replacement of missing teeth with artificial teeth, either removable (dentures) or fixed (bridges and implants).
- Pediatric Dentistry: Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental problems in infants, children, and children with special health care needs. It also educates parents and promotes children's dental health.
- Orthodontics: Straightening teeth, modifying midface and mandibular growth, and correcting dental malocclusion. Treatment often involves braces and other appliances to adjust tooth positions and jaw alignment. Jaw surgery may be needed for severe malocclusion.
Academic Specialities:
- Diagnosis and Radiology: Diagnosing and interpreting oral and maxillofacial diseases using radiographic techniques.
- Oral Biology: Study of dental anatomy and morphology of human teeth, including deciduous and permanent teeth. It also explores the structures, function, and growth of living organisms.
- Oral Pathology: Studies the causes and diagnoses of oral cavity and maxillofacial-related diseases.
- Oral Medicine: Diagnoses and manages oral mucosal abnormalities, including ulcers, infections, allergies, autoimmune disorders, oral cancer, salivary gland disorders, and facial, taste, and smell disorders.
- Dental Biomaterials: Study of the biological, chemical, and mechanical properties of materials used in dental practice.

Public Health and Community Medicine

Public health dentistry and dental epidemiology focus on improving dental health for populations, not just individuals.
This involves assessing dental health needs and creating effective solutions.
It's often practiced through government-sponsored programs, targeting school children to educate them on oral hygiene.