Orthodontics :
Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that diagnoses, prevents, and treats dental and facial irregularities called malocclusions. Orthodontics includes dentofacial orthopedics, which is used to correct problems involving the growth of the jaw. Orthodontists use fixed and removable dental devices, like braces, retainers, and bands, to change the position of teeth in the mouth. They treat dental abnormalities, including crooked teeth, bite problems, crowded teeth, or teeth that are too far apart, and jaw misalignment. The goal of orthodontic care is to improve a patient's bite, ensuring they can eat, chew, and speak properly. Orthodontic treatment may require several months to a few years and entails using dental braces and other appliances to gradually adjust tooth position and jaw alignment. In cases where the malocclusion is severe, jaw surgery may be incorporated into the treatment plan .
1- Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on providing specialized oral health care for infants, children, adolescents, and persons with special health care needs. Pediatric dentists understand the special needs of children from birth through adolescence and the importance of preventive care. They undergo specialized training to cater to the unique needs of children, including infants, toddlers, and teenagers. Pediatric dentists provide treatment for common childhood dental issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities. They also offer preventative care, including regular check-ups, cleanings, and fluoride treatments. Pediatric dentists use techniques to help children feel comfortable and safe during dental procedures, such as sedation and anesthesia. They also educate parents and children on proper oral hygiene and nutrition to promote healthy teeth and gums .
2- Periodontics
Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions and diseases of the teeth's supporting structures, especially the gums. Periodontists commonly treat gum disease, which is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and other tissues surrounding the teeth. They also perform gum surgeries, such as gum grafts and scaling and root planing, to treat gum recession and early-stage gum disease. Periodontists use techniques to help patients feel comfortable and safe during dental procedures, such as sedation and anesthesia. They also educate patients on proper oral hygiene and nutrition to promote healthy teeth and gums. Periodontists work closely with general dentists to provide comprehensive dental care .
3- Prosthodontics
Prosthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the restoration and replacement of missing or damaged teeth, as well as the surrounding oral and facial structures. A prosthodontist is a dental specialist who receives extended training in the fabrication of crowns, bridges, dentures, and other restorative treatments. They also routinely treat TMJ disorders. Prosthodontics can treat a wide range of issues, including missing teeth, severely damaged teeth, TMJ pain or dysfunction, and mouth or facial pain. Prosthodontists work closely with general dentists and other dental specialists to provide comprehensive dental care. They design and install prosthetics to replace lost or missing teeth, bones, and tissues .
Endodontics
Endodontics is a specialized field of restorative dentistry that focuses on the treatment of dental pulp and surrounding tissues. An endodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on complex tooth problems that primarily affect tooth pulp. Tooth “pulp” is what dental providers call the nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues deep inside each tooth. Endodontists use advanced techniques to treat dental pulp and root issues. They perform root canal treatment, which is a dental procedure used to treat infected tooth pulp that would otherwise be extracted. Endodontists focus on relieving tooth or mouth pain while saving the natural tooth whenever possible. Their additional training focuses on diagnosing tooth pain and root canal treatment and other procedures relating to the interior of the tooth .
1- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a specialty of dentistry that involves surgical treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects involving both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the head, neck, face, and jaws. It is used to treat complex dental problems and medical conditions related to the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are advanced specialists who perform a wide variety of procedures, including tooth extractions, dental bone grafts, gum disease treatment, facial trauma treatment, and jaw surgery. They also prepare the mouth for dental implants and prostheses, such as dentures. Maxillofacial surgery can address a wide variety of dental problems and conditions, such as diagnosing reasons for chronic dental and facial pain, treating facial trauma, and improving jaw function .
2- Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology is a dental specialty that uses imaging techniques such as MRI, X-Ray, and CT scans to diagnose and treat problems with the teeth, mouth, and jaw, among other things. An oral and maxillofacial radiologist is a dentist who studies and interprets radiographic images for conditions affecting the head, neck, face, and jaws. They use advanced imaging technology, such as digital imaging, plain and computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound to diagnose and treat dental diseases. Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology is an important discipline of radiology concerned with the use of radiation in the diagnosis of dental diseases.
3- Dentist Anesthesiologists
A dentist anesthesiologist (DA) is a dental specialist who provides advanced anesthesia and pain management services for dental and oral surgical procedures. They are responsible for conducting an appropriate preanesthetic history and physical evaluation and continually monitoring the patient's vital signs during the procedure. The dental anesthesiologist administers and monitors anesthesia during dental procedures to help patients feel comfortable and safe. They work closely with general dentists and other dental specialists to provide comprehensive dental care. Dentist anesthesiologists are specially trained to administer sedation and anesthesia to patients who are anxious or have a fear of dental procedures. They also provide pain management services for patients who have chronic pain or other medical conditions that require specialized care.
4- Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologist
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology is a dental specialty that deals with the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions, including the mouth, jaws, and face. Oral and maxillofacial pathologists are dental specialists who diagnose and study the causes and effects of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. They work closely with general dentists and other dental specialists to provide comprehensive dental care. Oral and maxillofacial pathologists evaluate and diagnose oral mucosal diseases and take biopsies when a microscopic evaluation is needed. They also provide treatment recommendations and management plans for patients with oral and maxillofacial diseases. Oral and maxillofacial pathology is a closely allied specialty with oral and maxillofacial surgery and oral medicine .
Dental Public Health (DPH)
Dental Public Health (DPH) is a para-clinical specialty of dentistry that deals with the prevention of oral disease and promotion of oral health through organized community-based efforts. Dental public health specialists develop policies and programs that affect the community at large. They are involved in the assessment of key dental health needs and coming up with effective solutions to improve the dental health of the population. Dental public health is concerned with promoting the health of an entire population and focuses on action at a community level, rather than at an individual clinical level. Dental public health is largely practiced through government-sponsored programs, which are directed toward public-school children in the belief that their education in oral hygiene is the best way to reach the general public. Dental-related diseases are largely preventable, and an understanding of the many factors that influence health will assist the implementation of effective strategies .
General Dentistry (family dentist)
General Dentistry, also referred to as family dentistry, is the branch of dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of oral health conditions. A general dentist or family dentist is a healthcare provider who diagnoses and treats oral health conditions. They help keep your teeth and gums healthy with regular dental check-ups and cleanings. General dentists can treat a wide range of conditions affecting your teeth, gums, jaws, and other areas of your mouth. They offer treatments in preventive dentistry, restorative dentistry, and emergency dental care. General dentists can also specialize in oral medicine and orofacial pain management. Regular oral health check-ups and maintenance help to prevent the development of serious dental problems that may require more extensive and costly treatments .
Types of Dental Procedures
1 – Teeth Cleanings
This is by far the most common reason people visit the dentist. Many dentists recommend a cleaning every six months, and some recommend once a year. Either way, it’s a very important part of oral health. Your own toothbrush will never be as efficient as the tools a dentist uses to clean your teeth. "
An annual or semi-annual visit for a cleaning will keep your teeth healthy, shiny, and strong. Plus, a cleaning causes very little discomfort, so no need to fret .
2 – Teeth Whitening
Like cleaning, whitening is a relatively discomfort-less process. Some people are sensitive to the whitening agents used, but otherwise it’s an easy procedure that most dental offices can do. At home teeth whitening kits involve a lot of extra time and effort. You need to buy kits and spend a lot of time.
At a dentistry, bleaching is quicker and safer because it is performed by professionals. Most often, dentists use a special hydrogen peroxide gel and a special light source to whiten faster.
3 – Extractions
Extractions sound scary and painful. Admittedly, they are not the most pleasant of procedures. However, your dentist will do everything in their power to help you feel comfortable. You may need an extraction for any number of reasons.
When having a tooth pulled, you’ll likely be either unconscious or thoroughly numbed. You won’t be able to feel a thing! You may be sore afterwards, but extractions are almost always to prevent further pain.
4 – Veneers
If your teeth are crooked or discoloured, your dentist might recommend veneers. These are very popular solutions to common tooth problems. It’s essentially a thin covering placed over the front section of a tooth or set of teeth. They’re mainly used for correctional purposes, but they can be used for whitening, too. The process is simple and painless for most people, and it’s easy for dentists to perform.
5 – Fillings
Cavities are all too common and all too easy to get. For most cavities, a filling is the recommended answer. Acids in food and inside your body can easily break down tooth enamel if overexposed.
Luckily, filling most cavities is a quick procedure. You’ll likely be numbed, which can last for a few hours after the filling is over. It usually takes about an hour to finish up, and then it’s good as new! You might feel pressure while they’re working, but it shouldn’t be painful.
6 – Crowns
If your cavity is a little too big for a filling, or the top part of your tooth has decayed, a crown is the solution. These are usually two-visit procedures, but like the filling, shouldn’t be overtly painful. Your dentist will take a molding of your tooth so that a lab can craft a properly fitted crown to cover the decayed area.
Some offices have “printers” in office. They use a special x-ray and computer combination to take photos and craft a crown right then and there! The second visit will involve fitting and securing the crown, which is usually quite fast and painless.
7 – Root Canal
This is one that most people dread, and for fair reasons. Root canals are usually preceded by some pretty awful tooth pain. A root canal means the tissue inside or under your tooth is infected and inflamed. To get rid of the pain, the dentist needs to deaden the nerve and remove the tissue. Sometimes you may need to take an antibiotic before the procedure.
The good thing is that you’ll be numbed before it happens, so you won’t feel any pain, just pressure. Once the procedure is over – and it can take a few hours – you’ll be numb for a while, but hopefully pain free since the infection will be gone.
8 – Braces/Invisalign
Most practices are moving away from traditional braces and towards Invisalign, but they both serve the same purpose. The goal is to straighten and correct crooked teeth, as straighter teeth are often healthier and easier to take care of. Classic braces use metal and other materials to slowly tighten teeth back into place. Invisalign is less visible and slower acting, but still a very effective method to achieve the same goal. The procedure to have them put on can leave a little ache, but nothing too extreme.
9 – Bonding
This is another way to repair damaged or chipped teeth. It involves a resin – a sort of plastic – that your dentists tints to match the natural shade of your teeth. It’s less invasive than some other methods, especially for smaller imperfections. Several layers are needed to really secure the resin, and a light is used to “dry” each layer. The spot is then polished and cleaned so it fits naturally into the tooth. It’s an easy procedure, but can take a little while.
10 – Dentures
Dentures are usually associated with ageing, but a lot of people may need dentures. They are meant to replace teeth in a natural way, and they’re typically removable. Fitting for dentures is very common, and it takes a while. In the end, it’s worth it to have a full set of working teeth again.
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