Oral Biology and Restorative Dentistry

Oral microbiology is the study of the microorganisms of the oral cavity. Oral microflorae can cause dental plaques and is a common cause of dental caries and periodontal disease. It is the specialty of dentistry andpathology that deals with the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. It is a science that investigates the causes, processes, and effects of these diseases. It is the division of dentistry which deals with the diseases of oral and Para oral structures and provides an understanding of which is essential for diagnosis and for the development of rational treatment. The practice oforal pathology includes research, diagnosis of diseases using clinical, radiographic, microscopic, biochemical, or other examinations, and management of patients. Oral pathology is a discipline that deals with the study of causation and treatment of oral diseases: diseases of the mouth, jaws and related oral structures like salivary glands, temporomandibular joints etc. The oral pathology can be considered a multi-disciplinary topic- a combination of dentistry and pathology.

Oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer, is a type of head and neck cancer and is any cancerous tissuegrowth located in the oral cavity. According to the American Cancer Society, men face twice the risk of developing oral cancer as women, and men who are over age 50 face the greatest risk. The overall 1-year survival rate for patients with all stages of oral cavity and pharynx cancers is 81%. The 5- and 10-year survival rates are 56% and 41%, respectively. The American Cancer Society recommends oral cancer screening exams every 3 years for persons over age 20 and annually for those over age 40. In Canada, oral cancer is the 13thmost common cancer of the 23 reported cancers. Three people die from oral cancer everyday in Canada – making the five-year survival rate of oral cancer lower than the survival rates of breast, cervical and prostate cancer. However, the potential for death is significantly reduced if cancer is detected early, making treatment easier, less invasive and more than 90% curable. Age and excessive alcohol and tobacco use are leading risk factors for oral cancer; however, 25% of those who suffer from the disease have no risk factors. Recent studies also indicate that infection of the oral cavity with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) may also be a risk factor. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly fruit, higher levels of vitamin C or carotene consumption reduce the risk of oral cancer. Treatment depends on the severity and location of the disease, as well as the age and health of the patient.

Restorative Dentistry or Tooth restorations are the various ways your dentist can replace missing teeth or repair missing parts of the tooth structure which is most commonly discussed topic at the Upcoming dental conferences. Tooth structure can be missing due to decay, deterioration of a previously placed restoration, or fracture of a tooth. Examples of restorations include the Dental Fillings, Dental Crowns, Cosmetic Dentures, Bridges and Implants.

Periodontology or periodontics is the specialty of dentistry that studies supporting structures of teeth, as well as diseases and conditions that affect them. The supporting tissues are known as the periodontium, which includes the gingiva (gums), alveolar bone, cementum, and the periodontal ligament. A person who practices this specialty is known as a periodontist. Periodontal diseases take on many different forms but are usually a result of a coalescence of bacterial plaque biofilm accumulation of the red complex bacteria of the gingiva and teeth, combined with host immuno-inflammatory mechanisms and other risk factors which lead to destruction of the supporting bone around natural teeth. Untreated, these diseases lead to alveolar bone loss and tooth loss and, to date, continue to be the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

OMF surgery is unique in requiring a dual qualification in medicine (Dental anesthesiology) and dentistry, and is often seen as the bridge between medicine and dentistry, treating conditions that require expertise from both backgrounds such as head and neck cancers, salivary gland diseases, facial disproportion, facial pain, temporomandibular joint disorders, impacted teeth, Pediatric craniofacial and cleft surgery, Antibiotic prophylaxis and early dental implant failure,  cysts and tumours of the jaws as well as numerous problems affecting the oral mucosa such as mouth ulcers and infections and also diagnosis and management of dento-facial deformities.

The introduction of dental implants has tremendously enhanced the patient care as an alternative to traditional dental solutions to missing teeth. A dental implant is a surgical component that interfaces with the bone of the jaw or skull to support a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, denture, facial prosthesis or to act as anorthodontic anchor. The basis for modern dental implants is a biologic process called osseointegration where materials, such as titanium, form an intimate bond to bone. The risks and complications related to implant therapy are divided into those that occur during surgery such as excessive bleeding or nerve injury, those that occur in the first six months such as infection and failure to osseointegrate and those that occur long-term such as peri-implantitis and mechanical failures.

Endodontics is that branch of dentistry, concerned with the morphology, physiology, and pathology of the human tooth, and in particular the dental pulp, root and peri-radicular tissues. The study and practice of endodontics includes the biology of the normal pulp, crown, root and peri-radicular tissues and the aetiology, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries that affect these tissues.

Prosthodontists are experts in the restoration and replacement of teeth - they make smiles look beautiful and function the way they should. Maxillo-facial prosthetics, Implant-based prostheses,Management of temporo-mandibular disorders, Dentures, Crowns, bridges, and full or partial dentures are just some of the procedures that can help you regain your smile and improve your appearance and self-confidence. Another option is dental implants, a more permanent solution that has improved greatly over the last ten years, thanks to the pioneering techniques of prosthodontists. 

Dental hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth and teeth clean to prevent dental problems, most commonly, dental cavities, gingivitis, caries ,periodontal (gum) diseases and bad breath. A dental hygienist is a licensed dental professional who is registered with a dental association or regulatory body within their country of practice.

Dentistry has seen massive improvements with respect to advancement from the traditional techniques to the digital world that has widened the scope of dental treatments and procedures. Digital dentistry tools and techniques used at present include the Laser applications, Dental implants and occlusal analysis, Forensic dentistry, Dental radiography/informatics, Robotic and digital dentistry and Imaging techniques for the craniofacial hard and soft tissues.

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of a person's teeth, mouth and smile. Cosmetic dentistry provides elective or desired treatments or services. Cosmetic dentistry treatments currently in use include Inlays/Onlays, Composite Bonding, Teeth Whitening, Dental Veneers, Dental Implants, Smile Makeover, Full mouth reconstruction.Veneers are made of ceramic or resin materials. A dental inlay or onlay is bigger than a filling and smaller than a crown. . Dental recontouring involves the removal of small amounts of tooth enamel. The purpose is to change the length, shape or surface contours of a tooth.

Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, was the first specialty created in the field of dentistry. An orthodontist is a specialist who has undergone special training in a dental school or college after he/she has graduated in dentistry .The specialty deals primarily with the diagnosis, prevention and correction of malpositioned teeth and the jaws. Also commonly known as specialized dentists for braces. Dental braces  are devices used in orthodontics that align and straighten teeth and help to position them with regard to a person's bite, while also working to improve dental health Orthodontics. Retainers  are custom-made devices, usually made of wires or clear plastic, that hold Orthodontic retainers are custom-made devices, usually made of wires or clear plastic, that hold teeth in position after surgery or any method of realigning teeth. in position after surgery or any method of realigning teeth Risks and limitations: Before any active orthodontic treatment is considered it is essential that the oral hygiene is of a high standard and that all carious leions have been dealt with Arch wires, headgears and brackets themselves may cause significant damage either during an active phase of treatment or during debonding.

Orofacial myology is a specialized professional discipline that evaluates and treats a variety of oral and facial (orofacial) muscle (myo-) postural and functional disorders and habit patterns that may disrupt normal dental development and also create cosmetic problems. The principles involved with the evaluation and treatment of orofacial myofunctional disorders are based upon dental science tenets.

Dental sleep medicine is a branch of dental practice which deals with oral appliances that are worn in the mouth during sleep that prevents airway from collapsing by supporting jaw in a forward position in order to treat sleep disordered breathing like snoring and OSA. Other treatment options include Continuous Positive Airway Pressure/CPAP for sleep apnea and telegnathic surgery. People often prefer oral appliances because it is portable, quiet comfortable and easy to wear. Sleep disorders have severe consequences like automobile accidents, industrial accidents and overall reduction in productivity of an individual because of drowsiness. So, treatment of sleep disorders is crucial for the benefit of the individual and the community.

Dental products can be classified into various subcategories like diagnostics, drugs and pharmaceuticals, equipment and materials, whitening products, etc. Over the counter products include toothpaste, powered toothbrushes, manual toothbrushes, water pik devices and mouthwashes. The quality of treatment depends on the quality of product used for the treatment.Marketing is key to success for any business, and dentistry is not exception to that. Because of the boom in information technology, general dental patients are more aware of the options available to them; this makes marketing a challenge for both manufacturing companies and dentists for their respective products and services. Some platforms and methods used by manufacturing companies and dentists for marketing include: Website, search engine optimization, online reputation management and branding.

Paediatric dentistry deals with dental health of children; to care child’s teeth, gums and mouth throughout the various stages of childhood. Because of unusual eating habits and poor oral hygiene dental problem in children is very common in recent years and may lead to severe problems if not taken care. To provide treatment, a pediatric dentist must understand the specific dental and behavioral needs of a paediatric patient as they hold different dentition than adults. A dental visit is essential within six months after the presence of the first tooth, this aid in the detection of the early stages of tooth decay and early detection helps to prevent and treat at early stages.

Oral medicine deals with clinical diagnosis and non-surgical administration of non-dental pathologies influencing the orofacial zone(the mouth and the lower part of the face). Numerous systemic sicknesses have signs or side effects that show in the orofacial area. Pathologically, the mouth might be harrowed by numerous cutaneous and gastrointestinal conditions. There is also a possibility of cases of hard tissues entering the epithelial progression (hair and nails are intra-epithelial tissues). The biofilm that spreads teeth along these lines causes extraordinary pathologic substances known as plaque-induced diseases.

Toxicology is a branch of biology, chemistry, and medicine that deals with the investigation of the unfriendly impacts of chemicals on living organisms. It also estimates about the destructive impacts of synthetic, natural and physical agents in biological systems that build up the degree of harm in living creatures. The relationship amongst measurement and its impacts on the exposed organism is quintessential in toxicology. Variables that impact synthetic lethality include the administered dose (and whether the nature of the same is acute or chronic); route of exposure, the species, age, sex and environment. 

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology AKA (Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology) is a dental speaciality that manages execution and understanding of indicative imaging utilized for inspecting the craniofacial, dental and adjoining structures. OMFR or DMFR is one of nine dental fortes perceived by the American Dental Association, Royal College of Dentists of Canada, and Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons. ConeBeam CT Image of a Post-Operative  Orthognathic Surgery Oral and maxillofacial imaging incorporates, however is not restricted to, cone bar CT, multislice CT, MRI, PET, ultrasound check, dental all panoramic radiology, cephalometric imaging, intra-oral imaging (e.g. Bitewing, peri-apical and occlusal radiographs) notwithstanding extraordinary tests like sialographs. Visible light, optical coherence tomography and tera beam imaging are some more techniques being used or in progress. Picture direction incorporates Haptic and Robotic gadgets.