General dentistry is just one branch of dental sciences. A general dentist is a doctor who has completed a four-year course in dental sciences. Such a doctor can take care of finding routine dental maladies and curing them. These include conducting procedures like root canal therapy or endodontic treatment, dental caries, teeth whitening, dental crowning, dental veneers and laminates et al. A general dentist can also conduct screenings for dental malaises like oral cancer and gingivitis. Also looking after routine procedures like professional teeth cleaning can be undertaken by a general dentist. Other than this, there are several specialty branches of dental sciences.
Which branches of specialty exist in dental sciences?
One is orthodontics. This is a branch concerned with braces, aligners, and retainers of the teeth. Sometimes children and even adults have misaligned or irregular teeth. Teeth straightening is required for this so that the smile and manner of eating and talking of the person concerned are not affected. This is undertaken by an orthodontist. This line of treatment requires a lot of expertise and the patient, and the dentist is bonded for a long duration of time since this treatment goes on for about a year and even more at times.
Cosmetic dentistry is another branch of dental sciences. These doctors undertake procedures like teeth whitening, dental laminates and veneers and smile makeovers et al. This branch is more connected with procedures which are undertaken to better the appearance factor of the teeth and the face along with their health and hygiene as well.
Pediatric Dentistry is another branch of dental sciences. This is associated with dental maladies related to children. Hence, the doctor with this specialty needs to be very good in handling children and their dental issues.
Oral medicine and oral radiology – this branch is connected with maladies relating to the oral cavity and its surrounding structures.
Periodontics – this is related to the health of the gums. This branch takes care of issues like gingivitis and periodontitis et al.
Implantology – this is a field of dental sciences which is associated with dental implants. Implants are becoming more and more popular options for those who wish for a better set of teeth. Also, they can last for the entire duration of the lifetime of the patient provided they are cared for properly.
Oral and Maxillofacial surgery – this branch of dental sciences is connected with jaws et al. This can include reconstructive surgical aspects of the jaw and related issues.
Endodontics – this branch deals with root canal procedures and similar treatment. The outermost layer of the tooth is enamel. The one inner to this is the dentine and inner to this as well is the pulp cavity. During endodontic procedures, the cellular matter, nerves and blood vessels of this cavity are cleared out, and this region is disinfected. It is then filled up with a substance like gutta-percha and then sealed off from outside environs. A dental cap or crown may be placed atop this.
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