Dental Health

Dental education is university based with much of the formal clinical teaching in dental hospitals, often with some outreach programs to provide clinical experience in contrasting settings.

Dental schools are traditionally staffed by academic teachers, assisted by part-time staff from clinical practice. Dental researchers within these institutions play important roles in contributing to knowledge as well as teaching.

The seven domains of professional activity in the general practice of dentistry are as follows:

• Professionalism
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge base, information handling and critical thinking
• Clinical information gathering
• Diagnosis and treatment planning
• Establishment and maintenance of oral health
• Health promotion

Dental research can be defined as formalized acquisition and investigation of subject matter related to dental profession.

Tooth, plural teeth, is any of the hard, resistant structures occurring on the jaws and in or around the mouth and pharynx areas of vertebrates. Teeth are used for catching and masticating food, for defence, and for other specialized purposes.

Each tooth has 4 main parts, including:

• Enamel. The outer layer of the tooth and the hardest material in the body.
• Dentin. The inner layer and the main part of the tooth and the largest dental tissue.
• Pulp. Soft tissue on the inside of the tooth that contains the nerve, blood supply, and the ability to produce dentin.
• Root. The part of the tooth that secures it into the jaw.

Tooth decay is damage that occurs to your teeth, which can potentially result in cavities, dental abscesses, or even tooth loss. It’s caused by the activity of certain species of bacteria that can live in dental plaque.

Tooth decay can be prevented by practising good oral hygiene which can be done by the following the below steps:

See your dentist regularly and brush your teeth and limit sweets etc.

• Initial demineralisation
• Enamel Decay
• Dentin Decay
• Pulp Damage
• Abscess

Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of malposition teeth and jaws, and misaligned bite patterns. It can also focus on modifying facial growth, known as dent facial orthopaedics.

Orthodontic therapy includes the use of either fixed or removable appliances. The majority of orthodontic therapy is delivered using appliances that are fixed in place for example with braces that are bonded to the teeth with adhesives. Fixed appliances usually have a greater mechanical control over the teeth and the treatment outcome is greater with the use of fixed appliances than with removable appliances.

• Braces
• Head Gear
• Palatal Expansion
• Jaw Surgery
• Removable Retainers
• Fixed Retainers

While orthodontics deals with the management of tooth movement and dent facial orthopaedics involves the guidance of facial growth and facial development, which occurs for the most part during childhood, and is a reason why kids are often the best candidates for receiving dent facial orthopaedic therapy. Dent facial orthopaedics helps the patients to specifically fix problems that have developed with the bone structure of the jaw and face. They make use of appliances that can redirect the growth to make a variety of repairs including a narrow jaw and fixing the under bite and overbite.

Endodontic is the branch of dentistry concerning dental pulp and tissues surrounding the roots of a tooth. “Endo” is the Greek word for “inside” and “odont” is Greek for “tooth.” Endodontic treatment, or root canal treatment, treats the soft pulp tissue inside the tooth. An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in saving teeth.

• Root Canal Treatment
• Perarticular Surgery
• Apicoectomy
• Pulpotomy
• Apexification
• Hemi section
• Pulpal Regeneration

Prosthodontics is one of the branches of dentistry which deals with the replacement of missing teeth and the associated soft and hard tissues by prostheses (crowns, bridges, dentures) which may be fixed or removable, or may be supported and retained by implants.

Prosthodontics therapy usually has a predictable expected longevity directly related to quality and type of prostheses, complexity of patient need, and subsequent oral hygiene. 

A Prosthodontics is a specialist dentist who deals with the replacement of missing teeth and related mouth or jaw structures by bridges, dentures or prostheses. They receive an additional three years of training after dental school to specialize in this field.

The main goal of a prosthodontics is:

1. To replace the missing tooth/teeth and restore its function
2. To correct facial aesthetics
3. To correct speech deformity
4. To maintain healthy oral and facial structures

Dental implants are replacement tooth roots. Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth.

There are many advantages to dental implants, including:

• Improved appearance
• Improved Speech
• Improved Comfort
• Improved Self-esteem
• Improved Oral Health
• Durability
• Convenience

Dentures (also known as false teeth) are prosthetic devices constructed to replace missing teeth, and are supported by the surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity.  There are many denture designs, some which rely on bonding or clasping onto teeth or dental implants (fixed prosthodontics). There are two main categories of dentures, the only difference being whether they are used to replace missing teeth on the mandibular arch or on the maxillary arch.

Sub: Types of dental Implants:-

1. Endosteal Implant: Blade implant
   Ramus Frame Implant
   Root Form Implant 
2. Subperiosteal Implant
3. Trans steal Implant
4. Intramucosal Implants 

Periodontology or periodontics is the specialty of dentistry that includes study of supporting structures of teeth, as well as diseases and conditions that affect them. The supporting tissues are generally known as the periodontium that includes the gingiva (gums), alveolar bone, cementum, and the periodontal ligament. A periodontist is one who is specialized in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also experts in treating oral inflammations. As specialists in periodontal disease, they are aware of all the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease. They are also trained in cosmetic periodontal procedures.

Periodontists are involved with treatment of cases ranging from mild gingivitis to more severe periodontitis. Periodontists have a wide range of treatment options such as,

• Scaling and root planning ( cleaning of infected root surfaces)
• Root surface debridement (damaged tissue removal)
• Regenerative procedures (lost bone and tissue reversal)

When required, periodontists can also perform surgical procedures for patients with severe gum disease. Along with this, periodontists are also trained in the placement, maintenance and repair of dental implants.

• Non-Surgical Treatment
• Gum Graft Surgery
• Laser Treatment
• Dental Crown Lengthening
• Dental Implants
• Pocket Reduction Procedures
• Plastic Surgery Procedures

Cosmetic dentistry is generally referred to any dental work that involves in improvement of the appearance though not necessarily the functionality, of teeth, gums and/or bite. It mainly focuses on improvement in dental aesthetics in colon, position, shape, size, alignment and overall smile appearance. Many dentists consider themselves as "cosmetic dentists" regardless of their specific education, specialty, training, and experience in this field.

Cosmetic dentistry may involve:

1. Dental material addition to teeth or gums – examples: bonding, porcelain veneers crowns, gum grafts
2.  Tooth structure or gums removal – examples: enameloplasty, gingivectomy
3. Neither addition nor removing dental materials, tooth structure, or gums – examples: teeth whitening (bleaching), laser whitening, gum depigmentation
4. Teeth Straightening accompanied by improvement in appearance of face– orthodontics
5. Veneers, dental laminates - conservative
6. Scaling

Paediatric dentistry deals with children from birth through adolescence. Pediatric dentistry is a branch that adapts techniques and procedures from general dentistry and specialties to provide primary and comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care for children.

Paediatric dentists treat a varied range of diseases in infants, children and adolescents, including those with special health care needs, and are experts in providing care to make their patients feel comfortable. Paediatric dentists also educate their patients and the parents of the patients about the importance of oral health and preventative oral health care.

Geriatric dentistry or Periodontology is the delivery of dental care to older adults involving diagnosis, prevention, management and treatment of problems associated with age related diseases. The mouth is known as a mirror of overall health, reinforcing that oral health is an integral part of general health. In the elderly population poor oral health has been considered a risk factor for general health problems. Older adults are more susceptible to oral conditions or diseases due to an increase in chronic conditions and physical/mental disabilities. Hence, the elderly forms a distinct group in terms of provision of care.

Dental trauma in sports is a major link between the sports and dentistry. Violence, traffic accidents, and sporting activities together have contributed to the establishment of traumatic dental injuries as a public dental health problem. Sports dentistry mainly concerns with the prevention of oral/facial athletic injuries and related oral diseases and manifestations. It has two major aspects: First is the treatment of orofacial injuries and the second is the prevention of sports-related orofacial injuries. To provide suitable care, a dentist must be knowledgeable and adept in the areas of oral surgery, endodontics, operative dentistry, orthodontics, hospital dentistry, and patient behavior management. The sports or team dentist assists and helps athletes in the prevention, treatment, and diagnosis of oral injuries.

Most of the dental traumas encountered during sports are luxation injuries to tooth, avulsion, fracture of the facial bones, and concussion injuries. Prevention of these injuries during sports is important. Dental injuries are the most common type of orofacial injury sustained during participation in sports. Most athletes are not aware of the health implications due to a traumatic injury to the mouth or of the potential for incurring severe head and orofacial injuries while playing. The dentist can play a crucial role in informing athletes, coaches and patients about the importance of preventing orofacial injuries in sports. 

Preventive aspects during sports have changed the incidence of occurrence of these injuries to the athlete. The preventive measures like usage of helmets, mouth guards, and other protective gears have reduced the impact on the athlete, thereby reducing the injuries. Paediatric dentist must work in close association with the teachers, coaches/trainers, parents, and other health professional to ensure comprehensive dent-facial care.

Oral cancer also known as mouth cancer is cancer of the lining of the lips, mouth, or upper throat. In the mouth, it most commonly starts as a painless white patch that thickens, develops red patches, an ulcer, and continues to grow. If present on the lips, usually looks like a persistent crusting ulcer that does not heal, and slowly grows.  Some other symptoms stating the presence of an oral cancer include difficult or painful swallowing, new lumps or bumps in the neck, a swelling in the mouth, or a feeling of numbness in the mouth or lips. Smoking and other tobacco use are linked to most cases of oral cancer. Alcohol abuse also increases the risk for oral cancer.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (the same virus that causes genital warts) account for a larger number of oral cancers than in the past. One type of HPV type 16 or HPV-16, is much more commonly associated with almost all oral cancers.

Oral cancer can be prevented by avoiding use of tobacco products, limiting alcohol intake, sun protection on the lower lip, HPV vaccination. The treatments used for oral cancer can include a combination of surgeries (to remove the tumour and regional lymph nodes), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy. The types of treatments generally depend on the size, locations, and spread of the cancer taken into consideration with the general health of the person.

The use of lasers to treat a number of different dental conditions is termed as Laser Dentistry. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the utilization of lasers for gum treatments back within the 1990s. This technology was declared suitable for use on the teeth six years later. In the years since, laser dentistry has emerged as a well-liked approach to enhancing tooth and gum health, functionality and appearance. This form of dentistry involves the use of lasers for varied dental procedures and surgeries.

Laser dentistry potentially offers a easier treatment option for variety of dental procedures involving hard or soft tissue compared to drills and other non-laser tools.

LASER stands for “light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation.” The instrument creates light energy during a very narrow and focused beam. This laser light produces a reaction when it hits tissue, allowing it to get rid of or shape the tissue.

Dental treatments can be made more efficient, cost effective, and comfortable using laser. Laser dentistry has been approved as a treatment option for various dental conditions by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Lasers utilized in practice are often classified by various methods: consistent with the lasing medium used, such as, gas laser and solid laser; consistent with tissue applicability, hard tissue and soft tissue lasers; according to the range of wavelength and of course the risk associated with laser application.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is that specialty of dentistry that includes the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects involving both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region. It is a surgical specialty focusing on anaplastic of the face, facial trauma surgery, the oral fissure, head and neck, mouth, and jaws, as well as facial cosmetic surgery.

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a regional specialist surgeon who treats the complete craniomaxillofacial complex: anatomical area of the mouth, jaws, face, and skull, head and neck as well as associated structures. As stated by the national jurisdiction, oral and maxillofacial surgery may require a degree in medicine, dentistry or both.

Numerous oral and maxillofacial surgical operations are carried out on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia or conscious sedation. These surgeries include: pre-implant surgery placement of dental/facial implants, removal of impacted teeth, intra-oral and facial soft tissue procedures.

Other major operations, for example those for salivary gland disease, trauma, facial deformity or cancer, are carried out on an inpatient basis under general anaesthetic.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is that specialty of dentistry that includes the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects involving both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region. It is a surgical specialty focusing on anaplasty of the face, facial trauma surgery, the oral fissure, head and neck, mouth, and jaws, as well as facial cosmetic surgery.

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a regional specialist surgeon who treats the complete craniomaxillofacial complex: anatomical area of the mouth, jaws, face, and skull, head and neck as well as associated structures. As stated by the national jurisdiction, oral and maxillofacial surgery may require a degree in medicine, dentistry or both.

Numerous oral and maxillofacial surgical operations are carried out on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia or conscious sedation. These surgeries include: pre-implant surgery placement of dental/facial implants, removal of impacted teeth, intra-oral and facial soft tissue procedures.

Other major operations, for example those for salivary gland disease, trauma, facial deformity or cancer, are carried out on an inpatient basis under general anaesthetic.

Preventive dentistry is characterized as that department of dentistry that deals with the preservation of sound teeth and gums as well as avoidance of dental carries and oral disease. The hone of looking after your gums and teeth and keeping up great oral hygiene to keep them healthy is known as preventive dentistry. The most point is to dodge cavities, gum infections, enamel wear, tooth loss and more. With the coming of a long time of refined diet, we have ended up more helpless to verbal diseases and hence maintaining them has gotten to be greatly vital. With advancements in dentistry prevention of verbal infections has become easier. Maintenance of oral hygiene should be practiced from an early age. The daily schedules of brushing and flossing twice are the best frame of preventive dentistry. Going to a dental practitioner with 6 months follow up is another way of avoiding oral diseases.

Dental Procedures Involved in Preventive Dentistry:

Prevention of dental decay

Prevention of gum diseases

Prevention of crowding of teeth

ADVANTAGES OF PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY

• • Helps in the maintenance of the health of gums and teeth.
  • Prevents the occurrence of cavities.
  • Prevents gum diseases
  • Prevents or reduces the chances of upcoming misalignment of teeth

Any of a number of medical procedures that involve artificially modifying dentition; in other words, surgery of the teeth, gums and jaw bones is termed as Dental Surgery.

Dental surgery is a part of dentistry, which is a branch of medicine that  deals with teeth, gums, and the mouth. Dentists mainly deal with the treatment, prevention, diagnosis, and study of conditions, disorders, and diseases of the oral cavity. This covers the oral mucosa and the dentition as well as all related tissues and structures (like the jaw and facial or maxillofacial area), and therefore termed as the practitioners of dentistry

Dental surgery mainly involves the surgery of jaw bones and teeth. It covers quite a number of dental procedures or medical procedures that involve artificial modification of dentition.

Dental Surgery Procedures

• Root canal


• Wisdom tooth extraction


• Dental implants


• Reconstructive surgery


• Cosmetic surgery

Any of a number of medical procedures that involve artificially modifying dentition; in other words, surgery of the teeth, gums and jaw bones is termed as Dental Surgery.

Dental surgery is a part of dentistry, which is a branch of medicine that deals with teeth, gums, and the mouth. Dentists mainly deal with the treatment, prevention, diagnosis, and study of conditions, disorders, and diseases of the oral cavity. This covers the oral mucosa and the dentition as well as all related tissues and structures (like the jaw and facial or maxillofacial area), and therefore termed as the practitioners of dentistry

Dental surgery mainly involves the surgery of jaw bones and teeth. It covers quite a number of dental procedures or medical procedures that involve artificial modification of dentition.

Dental Surgery Procedures

• Root canal
• Wisdom tooth extraction
• Dental implants
• Reconstructive surgery
• Cosmetic surgery

Tools that dental professionals use to provide dental treatment are termed as Dental Instruments. They include tools to examine, manipulate, treat, restore, and remove teeth and surrounding oral structures. These allow dental professionals to manipulate tissues for better visual access during treatment or during dental examination.

Dental mirror: The dentist or dental auxiliary uses dental mirrors to view a mirror image of the teeth in locations of the mouth where visibility is difficult or impossible. Along with this they are also used for reflecting light onto desired surfaces, and for retraction of soft tissues to improve access or vision.

Probes: Dental explorer (sickle probe), periodontal probe

Retractors: Cheek retractor, Dental mirror, Lip retractor, Mouth prop, Tongue retractor

Syringes: Dental anaesthesia and dental syringe

Dental Hand pieces: Dental Hand drills

Burnishers: Ball burnisher, Beavertail burnisher, Cone burnisher, flat plastic, Pear shaped burnisher

Digital dentistry refers to the utilization of dental technologies or devices that comes with digital or computer-controlled components to hold out dental procedures instead of using mechanical or electrical tools. The use of digital dentistry can make completing dental procedures more efficient than using mechanical tools, both for restorative as diagnostic purposes. Used as the simplest way to facilitate dental treatments and propose new ways to satisfy rising patient demands.

• Electric and surgical/implant hand pieces

• Computer-aided implant dentistry

• Photography (extra oral and intraoral)

• Shade matching

• Diagnodent

• Dental lasers

• Dental Loupes

• Virtual and Augmented Reality

Dental biomaterials include the natural tissues and biocompatible synthetic materials that are useful in restoring decayed, damaged or fractured teeth.  Enamel, dentin, cementum, bone, and other intraoral tissues come under natural biomaterials, whereas metals, ceramics, polymers and composite structures come under biocompatible synthetic dental materials.

Fillings, crowns, and other tooth restorations are often made up of a spread of various materials, including amalgam, resin, and ceramic. Each material has some unique benefits and downsides, and is suited to different uses and situations.

• Bioactive glass
• Hydroxyapatite
• Nanoparticles
• Zirconia
• Antibacterial Polymers

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells elucidated by two distinct characteristics, namely, their ability to continuously self-renew and to differentiate into multiple mature cell types. Stem cells are significant because one somatic cell has the potential to function as an inexhaustible proliferative source for replacement therapy, comprising one component of the tissue engineering triad. Stem cells are often categorized as embryo genic stem cells (ESCs) or adult stem cells consistent with the stage at which they're isolated.

Various types of tooth derived stem cells have been utilized in the field of regeneration medicine. Tooth derived stem cells or dental stem cells are categorized consistent with the situation from which they're isolated and represent a promising source of cells for regenerative medicine. Originally, as one kind of mesenchymal stem cells, they're considered an alternate of bone marrow stromal cells. They share many commonalties but maintain differences. Considering their original function in development and therefore the homeostasis of tooth structures, many applications of those cells in dentistry have aimed toward tooth structure regeneration.

The availability from discarded or removed teeth are often an innate benefit as a source of autologous cells. Their origin from the neural crest leads to exploitation of neurological and various other applications.

Dental Pulp Stem Cells (DPSCs)

Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth (SHEDs)

Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells (PDLSCs)

Stem Cells from Apical Papilla (SCAPs)

Dental Follicle Progenitor Cells (DFPCs)

Populations disproportionately plagued by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) also are at higher risk for oral diseases and experience oral health and oral health care disparities at higher rates. COVID-19 has led to closure and reduced hours of dental practices apart from emergency and urgent services, limiting routine care and prevention. Dental care includes aerosol-generating procedures which will increase viral transmission. The pandemic offers a chance for the dental profession to shift more toward no aerosolizing, prevention-centric approaches to worry and faraway from surgical interventions. Regulatory barrier changes to oral health care access during the pandemic could have a favourable impact if sustained into the future.

Direct effects of COVID-19 on oral health include ageusia (an official symptom of COVID-19). The ageusia related to COVID-19 is transient and reports of other oral manifestations are based on low-grade and disputed evidence. The direct effects of COVID-19 are likely to be of modest consequence for population oral health.

The indirect effects are more complex and extensive.

The dental profession has re-organised service provision during lockdown. ‘Teledentistry’ has been widely used to assess and triage patients for urgent dental care, provide advice and monitor patients remotely. Fear of infection and limited appointment availability have promoted this technology to clinicians and patients, moving it a step closer to fulfilling its potential to improve the early detection of oral lesions, reduce costs, the need for specialist referral, waiting times and improve access for those with geographic, economic or cultural barriers to care. The ability to triage patient symptoms may also help to limit the provision of unnecessary care. The pandemic also offers an opportunity to revolutionise dental care by breaking the ‘restorative cycle’ of restoration and repair and shifting public investment towards personalised disease prevention.

Reduced service availability may have negatively impacted on both the acceptability of the service (patients waiting with pain and infection) and long-term oral health of affected patients (the inability to provide continuous care). Greater polarisation of behaviours and the lower accessibility and affordability of care pose the risk of greater oral health inequalities.