Preventive dentistry aims to prevent tooth decay, damage, or disease through good oral hygiene and maintenance practices. It has three levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary prevention includes brushing, flossing, and fluoridation, while secondary prevention includes procedures like filling cavities and root canals. Regular dental exams and cleaning are important for maintaining oral health. Preventive […]
Geriatric dentistry deals with the dental needs of those over 65, who may have pre-existing conditions, compromised immune systems, and difficulty with daily oral care. Special considerations and modified tools are necessary, and dentists must be prepared to deal with external problems and medication interactions. As individuals age, their medical needs change; this applies to […]
Pediatric dentists specialize in the dental health of children and receive the same training as traditional dentists, but also learn techniques to reduce fear and anxiety in young patients. They provide tips on dental hygiene, treat dental injuries and infections, and offer advice on nutrition. It is recommended that children have their first dental appointment […]
When choosing a graduate dental program, consider factors such as reputation, specialty offered, cost, financial aid, admission requirements, and location. Program quality and cost are important, and location may be a factor. Seek opinions from those who have completed the program. The criteria you set for choosing a graduate dental program will likely depend on […]
Typodonts are models of the mouth used in dental education and can be used to demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques, discuss treatment options, and practice dentistry. They come in different versions and can be customized. They are available from medical supply companies and dental schools. A typodont is a model of the mouth designed […]
Teeth provide valuable information about an organism’s diet and lifestyle. Humans have heterodont dentition, allowing them to eat a varied diet, while some animals have homodont dentition. Dentists, biologists, archaeologists, and forensic anthropologists study dentition for various reasons, including identifying victims of crimes and developing treatment plans for dental issues. Teething is a term that […]
Evidence-based dentistry involves making treatment decisions based on the best available evidence, patient wishes, and the dentist’s experience. It follows a five-step process and uses a hierarchy of evidence types, with meta-analysis being the most reliable. Lower levels include case-control studies and animal research. Evidence-based dentistry is the practice of making treatment decisions based on […]
Choosing the right dentistry course involves considering the curriculum, facilities, and alumni performance. A four-year program includes science courses, patient work, and licensing exams. Modern equipment and alumni success are also important factors to consider. Choosing the right dentistry courses is an important consideration for anyone interested in this type of career in the healthcare […]
A face bow is a tool used in dentistry to determine the positional relationships of the jaws and teeth, and can also refer to an appliance worn by patients to correct bite or jaw problems. It consists of a U-shaped frame, condylar rods, bite fork, and locking mechanism. There are two types of face bows: […]
A lip bumper is a dental appliance used in orthodontic treatment to widen the jaw arch and create more space for permanent teeth to erupt. It prevents crowding and is a precursor to other dental appliances, typically worn 24 hours a day for about a year. A lip bumper is a dental appliance used in […]
The hydrodynamic theory explains tooth sensitivity caused by exposure of dentin, which is prevented by enamel and cementum. Abrasion of teeth and exposure to acidic items can cause sensitivity, but it is usually fleeting and can be treated with certain products and procedures. The hydrodynamic theory addresses the reasons why some people’s teeth become sensitive […]
Dentistry has five main areas: dental surgery, general dentistry, orthodontics, veterinary dentistry, and forensic dentistry. Career opportunities include dentists, assistants, hygienists, surgeons, and office staff, with varying requirements, duties, and pay. Dentistry is a broad field, encompassing all professionals who help treat and maintain teeth. While there are a large number of specialties, there are […]
Forensic dentistry involves collecting, examining and evaluating dental evidence for criminal justice purposes. It can be used to identify victims, solve crimes and convict criminals. Dental records can be compared to victims’ dental work, and teeth marks left on victims can be used to create a model of the perpetrator’s teeth. Forensic dentistry can also […]
An open bite occurs when the upper and lower front teeth are pushed outward, causing the upper and lower jaws to never touch. It can be caused by childhood habits such as thumb sucking or chewing on objects, and can lead to tooth misalignment and self-esteem issues. Treatment includes braces and corrective jaw surgery, but […]
Overjet is when the upper teeth are too far in front of the lower teeth, caused by improper alignment, bone deformities, or bad oral habits. It can be corrected through changes to the bone or orthodontic hardware. Treatment varies based on severity, cause, and age. Overjet, also called protrusion or overbite, occurs when the upper […]
Forensic odontologists use teeth to identify bodies, estimate age of skeletal remains, and establish the source of bite mark injuries. They require academic qualifications, experience, physical and mental strength, and precision. They work like normal dentists but can be called to crime scenes or mass disasters any time. They use tooth mapping and fillings to […]
Clinical dentistry involves medical procedures on teeth and other structures in the mouth. Dentists, assistants, and technicians work in clinics to perform exams, procedures, and teeth cleaning. Specializations include implant dentistry, periodontics, and oral surgery. Certification requires advanced education and a degree from an accredited dental school. Clinical dentistry involves the study and implementation of […]
