Common Dental Diseases and Their Impact on Health
It is the branch of medicine that deals with oral health. It includes the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease of teeth and associated tissue of the buccal cavity. Despite being primarily associated with dental health it also encompasses the craniofacial complex which means the part of the muscle adjoining brain and head, it also includes the temporomandibular joint and other supporting, muscular, lymphatic, nervous, vascular, and anatomical structures.
Now the question arises what is a dentist. They are a medical professional who practices dentistry and is known as a dentist. The minimum qualification to practice dentistry in India is a bachelor’s degree in dentistry, Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). Dentistry is interchangeably used with the medical specialty of somatology. Somatology is the branch of science that encompasses the study of the mouth and disease associated with the oral cavity. Apart from general practice, dentistry includes specialties like pediatric dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics, orthodontics and dental orthopedics, oral and maxillofacial surgery. It also includes dental pathology known as oral and maxillofacial pathology. It also has sub-specialties like endodontics, public health dentistry, and oral and maxillofacial radiology.
Dentist
The medical professional who specializes in oral health is known as a dentist. The simple dentist definition refers to the person practicing treatment, prevention and diagnosis of the diseases of the buccal cavity. The dentist can have sub specialization in fields like orthodontics and dental orthopedics. A dental treatment team not only constitutes a dentist it also includes the following dental auxiliaries which includes dental assistants, dental hygienists, dental technicians, as well as dental therapists. The profession of the dentist can be dated back to the 17th century in Europe and America over time the practice of dentistry has been moved from primal health care to advanced surgical treatment and preventative treatment.
General Facts about Dentist
There are some important responsibilities and facts which are as follows, the responsibilities of according to dentist definition include.
They have the responsibility of diagnosing oral disease
They promote oral health and the prevention of any disorder.
The dentist creates a treatment plan according to the medical history of the patient.
They specialize in surgery of soft tissue of the mouth.
They can also perform surgery of bone teeth and muscle of the oral cavity.
Administration of safe anesthesia is also the responsibility of the doctor. (countries like America, Canada have anesthesiologists, to assist in case of major surgery.)
Interpreting the results of the diagnostic tests.
The dental health care expertise of a dentist includes muscles of the head, neck, and jaw, the tongue, salivary glands, the nervous system of the head and neck. During a comprehensive diagnosis, if needed, the dentist can perform biopsies, diagnostic tests for chronic or infectious diseases, salivary gland function, and screening tests for oral cancer.
Subspecialization of the Dentist
Subspecialization of dentist meaning refers to the advanced fields in which dentistry is classified. Each field has its own difficulties and challenges. They deal with the different aspects of dentistry individually. Some of the examples of specialization include the following, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics, orthodontics, endodontics, maxillofacial pathology, and radiology.
Endodontics
It is the study of the dental pulp and surrounding tissues; prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the dental pulp is studied in this branch, dentists specialized in it can perform medical procedures like root canals.
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
It deals with the study of identification and diagnosis of disease associated with the mouth and surrounding tissues.
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
It deals with the diagnosis and treatment of the disease using X rays. They are used for imaging the oral cavity.
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
It is the branch that deals with correcting, intercepting, and diagnosing the abnormalities in the facial region and oral cavity.
Pediatric Dentistry
It includes the specialization in maintaining the dental health of the children through the adolescent years.
Prosthodontics
It deals with prosthetic teeth, it includes treatment of lost tooth or oral structure by replacing it with prosthetic structure, examples of dentures.
Periodontics
It deals with the diagnosis and treatment of teeth bones and associated gums.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
It includes the expertise in the treatment of scar anf injuries through surgery in the maxillofacial region.
History of Dentistry
The history of dentistry dates back to 2500 to 2700 BCE, in Egyptian civilizations. This civilization has evidence of small holes in tooth roots which shows that dentistry was followed even in those times. There is enough evidence to suggest that dentists are medical professionals. Scholars of ancient greek wrote about the ailment of the oral cavity. There are documents that define dental health and dental procedures. Hippocrates and Aristotle wrote about procedures like tooth removal, eruption patterns of tooth, treating decays, and stabilizing the oral cavity structure. Many documents suggest that forceps and metal wires were used to stabilize the tooth and give it a proper structure.
The earliest documentation of dental amalgams dates back to the Tang dynasty in China, it was documented by a Chinese physician called Su Kung in 1659. These documents state dentist meaning a person that can fix ailments like tooth structure and gum bleeding.
Modern dentistry gained acknowledgment by the 1700s. A french doctor named Pierre Fauchard wrote the exceptional book `` The Surgeon Dentist, also known as Treatise on the Teeth. This book contained all the principles known till the 1700s in dentistry. This book described the specialization in orthodontics, prosthetics, periodontal diseases, and oral surgery. It is after the efforts of Pierre that dentistry came to be known as a separate field in medical surgery.
Diseases that are Associated with Dental Health
There are the following conditions that can be diagnosed in case of bad oral health, such as
Cardiovascular disease
Lung disease
Osteoporosis
Alzheimer’s disease
Diabetes
Endocarditis
Premature birth and low birth weight.
FAQs on Dentistry in Biology: Meaning, History & Importance
1. What is dentistry?
Dentistry is a specialised branch of medicine that focuses on the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions related to the oral cavity. It encompasses the health of the teeth, gums, and related structures of the mouth and face (the maxillofacial area).
2. What is the difference between dentistry and a dentist?
The terms are related but distinct. Dentistry refers to the profession and the field of medicine itself. A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is the medical professional who is qualified and licensed to practise dentistry after completing the required education and training.
3. What is the main course to become a dentist in India?
To become a dentist in India, a student must complete the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree. It is a five-year undergraduate program, which includes four years of academic study and one year of a mandatory paid internship, providing the necessary knowledge and clinical skills for the profession.
4. How is a BDS degree different from an MBBS degree?
A BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) and an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) are both professional medical degrees, but they focus on different areas of healthcare.
- Focus: BDS specialises in oral health, including teeth, gums, and the jaw. MBBS, on the other hand, covers general medicine for the entire human body.
- Title: BDS graduates are called 'Dr.' and are dental surgeons. MBBS graduates are also called 'Dr.' and are physicians.
- Specialisation: After BDS, one can pursue an MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) for specialisation. After MBBS, post-graduation options include MD (Doctor of Medicine) or MS (Master of Surgery).
5. Are dentists considered doctors in India?
Yes, upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree, graduates are authorised to use the prefix 'Dr.' before their names. They are recognised as dental surgeons and are integral specialists within the medical community, focusing on oral health.
6. What are the main branches or specialisations in dentistry?
After completing a BDS degree, dentists can specialise in several branches via an MDS program. The nine main specialisations include:
- Prosthodontics: Replacing missing teeth with dentures, bridges, and implants.
- Periodontology: Dealing with the health of gums and supporting tooth structures.
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Surgical procedures of the mouth, face, and jaws.
- Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics: Focusing on fillings and root canal treatments.
- Orthodontics: Correcting misaligned teeth and jaws, often using braces.
- Oral Pathology: Diagnosing oral diseases at a microscopic level.
- Public Health Dentistry: Promoting dental health within communities.
- Paedodontics: Specialising in dental care for children.
- Oral Medicine and Radiology: Diagnosing oral diseases and using imaging like X-rays.
7. Beyond treating cavities, what is the importance of maintaining good dental health?
Good dental health is vital for overall well-being. Its importance extends far beyond just having a good smile. It is essential for:
- Proper Nutrition: Healthy teeth are necessary for effective chewing, which is the first step in digestion.
- Systemic Health: Poor oral health, particularly gum disease, is linked to serious health issues like heart disease and diabetes, as bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream.
- Speech and Confidence: Teeth play a key role in clear speech and significantly contribute to self-esteem.
- Prevention of Pain: Regular dental care helps prevent painful conditions like toothaches and infections.
8. Why is a dentist's role often considered both a science and an art?
A dentist's role is a unique blend of science and art. The scientific aspect requires a deep understanding of human anatomy, pathology, and pharmacology to diagnose and treat diseases. The artistic aspect is crucial in procedures like cosmetic dentistry or creating crowns, where the dentist must sculpt materials to restore not just the function but also the natural aesthetic appearance of a patient's smile.
