Dentistry Overview

Evolution of Dentistry

• Dentistry has evolved into a complex field with the importance of materials in treatments.

• Treatments include medicine, surgery, restoration of structures, and appliances.

Phases of Dental Care

Preventive Phase

• Education on oral hygiene: brush, floss, and regular checkups.

• Fluoride Therapy: Effective for controlling caries, especially in children.

• Fissure Sealants: Used to prevent caries in children.

Disease Control and Elimination

• Focus on treating established dental diseases like caries and periodontal disease.

• Treatments involve fillings, root canal, and gum health maintenance.

Restorative Phase

• Restoration of function and form: crowns, bridges, dentures, etc.

• Treatments include using metallic, tooth-colored materials for aesthetic restoration.

Maintenance Phase

• Regular check-ups to maintain dental work and screen for oral diseases.

Specialties in Dentistry

Recognized Specialties

1. Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics

2. Periodontics

3. Prosthodontics

4. Public Health Dentistry

5. Oral Medicine and Radiology

6. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

7. Orthodontics

8. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

9. Pedodontics

Materials in Dentistry

Classification of Dental Materials

1. Preventive Materials (pit and fissure sealants)

2. Restorative Materials (amalgams, composites)

3. Auxiliary Materials (gypsum products, casting investments)

4. Prosthetic Materials (dentures, crowns)

5. Biomaterials (implants, grafts)

6. Therapeutic Agents (medications)

Properties of Dental Materials

• Materials must withstand masticatory forces, adhere to tooth structures and be biocompatible.

• Various tests exist to evaluate properties like mechanical strength, thermal expansion, and hardness.

Standards and Certifications

• International standards by ISO and certifications by ADA establish quality and performance expectations of dental materials.