Dentistry deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of:
- diseases
- injuries, and
- malformations in the teeth, mouth, and jaw
It’s no wonder, then, that dentistry is divided into various specializations. Chewing problems can also have causes outside the immediate oral cavity, such as in the head or neck.
Specialists in their respective fields focus primarily on the health and aesthetic appearance of the teeth. Highly qualified specialists in implantology are responsible for providing custom-fit dental prostheses. You can find an overview here—and a direct path to the right dental specialist.
In dentistry, there are many scientifically recognized treatment methods available.
They are used in the following cases:
- Dental diseases: tooth decay, gingivitis, or periodontitis
- Purely aesthetic issues: missing, crooked, or discolored teeth
Subfields of dentistry
The range of treatments in dentistry therefore includes:
- General dentistry: Focuses on the treatment and prevention of general dental problems
- Cosmetic dentistry: Offers treatments focused on the overall aesthetic appearance of the teeth
- Implantology: Specializes in the placement of dental prostheses and permanent dental replacements
- Orthodontics: Specializes in straightening teeth
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Involves surgical procedures on the teeth and jaw
- Periodontology: The study of the periodontium and
- Endodontics: The study of the interior of the tooth
Maxillofacial Surgery, Implantology, and Cosmetic Dentistry
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMF surgeon for short) is a specialist in surgical procedures and treatments for:
- Diseases
- injuries, and
- malformations of the teeth, oral cavity, jaw, and face
Maxillofacial surgery is a distinct medical specialty, although there are, of course, overlaps with dentistry.
The range of medical services provided by oral and maxillofacial surgeons also includes:
- Removal of jaw tumors or tumors in the mouth
- Plastic and cosmetic facial surgery for the treatment of cleft lip and palate
- Jawbone augmentation
Experts in dental implantology specialize in the placement of dental prostheses and artificial teeth into the jawbone.
An implantologist is a dentist who has specialized in the placement of dental implants through advanced training.
These dental prostheses are manufactured either in-house or by an external laboratory specializing in implant prosthetics.
Artificial teeth include:
- Dental Prosthetics
- Immediate implants as well as
- fixed or removable dentures
Experts in cosmetic dentistry focus primarily on correcting cosmetic or aesthetic issues such as missing, crooked, or discolored teeth.
The range of services offered by cosmetic dentistry includes:
- Teeth whitening
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Veneers
- Inlays
- Onlays and
- Dental Fillings