Understand dentistry fundamentals, oral health concepts, and common dental conditions explained by specialists.

Dentistry Overview and Definition

Understand dentistry fundamentals, oral health concepts, and common dental conditions explained by specialists.

Dentistry focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating conditions of the teeth, gums, and oral structures, supporting oral health and overall well-being.

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Overview and definition

Dentistry is the medical field dedicated to the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity. This primarily includes the teeth, gums, and other related structures of the mouth. A dentist’s work is crucial not only for oral health but also for systemic health, as the mouth can often be a window to the body’s overall well-being, showing signs of nutritional deficiencies or systemic infections.

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The Importance of Oral Health

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Oral health is a key component of general health. The mouth is the entry point to the digestive and respiratory tracts, and it is full of bacteria, most of which are harmless. However, poor oral hygiene can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, which can result in oral infections. This can lead to tooth decay (caries) and gum disease, which have been linked to other conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

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Key Dental Specialties

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While a general dentist manages overall oral health focus on specific areas:

  • Orthodontics: Focuses on correcting the alignment of teeth and jaws.
  • Periodontics: Specializes in the prevention and treatment of gum disease.
  • Endodontics: Deals with issues inside the tooth and performs procedures such as root canals.
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Performs complex surgical procedures.

Symptoms and Causes

Recognizing the signs of dental problems is key to seeking timely treatment. Most dental issues stem from preventable causes, primarily the buildup of bacterial plaque.

Common Signs of Dental Problems

You should consult a dentist if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Persistent tooth pain (toothache) or sensitivity to hot or cold
  • Gums that are red, swollen, tender, or bleed during brushing
  • Chronic bad breath (halitosis)
  • Loose teeth or changes in your bite
  • Pain or discomfort when chewing
  • Clicking or locking of the jaw
  • A persistent sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal
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Primary Causes: Plaque, Decay, and Gum Disease

The most common dental problems are interconnected:

  • Dental Plaque: A sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth.
  • Dental Caries (Cavities): When plaque bacteria consume sugars, they produce acids. These acids attack the tooth’s hard outer layer (enamel), creating a hole (cavity).
  • Gingivitis: the early, reversible stage of gum disease. It is caused by plaque buildup irritating the gums, making them red and swollen.
  • Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis. The gums pull away from the tooth, and the supporting bone is destroyed, leading to tooth loss.

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Diagnosis and Staging

A dental diagnosis relies on a comprehensive oral examination and advanced imaging. The dentist visually inspects the teeth and gums for signs of decay or inflammation. Dental X-rays (radiographs) are essential for detecting cavities between teeth, assessing bone loss, and identifying issues below the gumline. This diagnostic process allows for the “staging” of conditions like periodontal disease, which is classified from Stage I (early) to Stage IV (advanced) based on severity, bone loss, and tooth loss. This staging is critical for determining the correct treatment protocol.

The Comprehensive Dental Examination

A routine dental exam is a critical diagnostic tool. The dentist will use a small mirror and a dental probe to examine each tooth surface for signs of decay. They will also perform a periodontal check, measuring the depth of the “pockets” between the teeth and gums. Healthy pockets are shallow; deeper pockets can indicate gum disease. The exam also includes checking the bite, jaw, and soft tissues (tongue, cheeks) for any abnormalities.

The Role of Dental Radiographs (X-Rays)

X-rays are vital for seeing what the naked eye cannot.

  • Bitewing X-rays: Show the crowns of the back teeth and are the best way to detect early decay between teeth.
  • Panoramic X-ray (OPG): Provides a single, wide-view image of the entire mouth, including all teeth, the upper and lower jaws, and the sinuses. It is used to plan for implants, assess wisdom teeth, or detect jaw problems.
  • Periapical X-rays: Show the entire tooth, from the crown to the end of the root, and are used to diagnose issues with a specific tooth, such as an abscess.
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Treatment Details

Dental treatment focuses on restoring function, eliminating disease, and preventing future problems. This ranges from simple fillings (restorations) for cavities to more complex procedures. Preventive care includes professional cleanings and sealants. Restorative care uses crowns or bridges to repair damaged teeth. Endodontics (root canals) saves infected teeth, while periodontal therapy treats gum disease. For non-restorable teeth, extraction may be necessary, followed by replacement options like implants.

Preventive and Restorative Care

  • Professional Cleaning (Prophylaxis): A dental hygienist removes plaque and hardened tartar (calculus) from above and below the gumline.
  • Fillings: The most common treatment for cavities. The dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth and fills the area with a material such as composite resin.
  • Crowns: A “cap” that covers the entire tooth. It is used to restore a tooth that is badly decayed, broken, or has had a root canal.

Advanced Dental Procedures

  • Root Canal Therapy: A procedure to save a badly infected tooth. The dentist removes the infected inner pulp, cleans the canal, and seals it.
  • Dental Implants: The gold standard for replacing missing teeth. A titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as an artificial root to support a crown or bridge.
  • Periodontal Therapy: For gum disease, this can involve deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to remove tartar from deep pockets.
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The Medical Center

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At Liv Hospital, our Dentistry and Oral Health department provides comprehensive care using advanced technology in a sterile, modern environment. Our team of general dentists and specialists (including orthodontists, periodontists, and oral surgeons) collaborates to create personalized treatment plans. We utilize digital X-rays, 3D imaging, and in-house labs to ensure precise diagnostics and high-quality restorative work. Our commitment is to provide a comfortable patient experience while maintaining the highest standards of oral healthcare.

Our Multidisciplinary Specialist Team

  • Our clinic operates on a multidisciplinary model. This means patients can receive all their care in one location, from a routine check-up with a general dentist to complex oral surgery, advanced implantology, or cosmetic dentistry from our team of specialists. This collaboration ensures a seamless and comprehensive approach to your oral health.

Advanced Diagnostic and Digital Technology

We are committed to using the latest in dental technology for superior accuracy and comfort. Our clinic is equipped with:

  • Digital Radiography
  • 3D Cone-Beam CT (CBCT)
  • CAD/CAM Technology

Commitment to Patient Safety and Comfort

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Patient safety is our highest priority. Our center adheres to the strictest international protocols for sterilization and infection control. We also understand that many patients experience dental anxiety. We offer a calm, supportive environment and provide options, including conscious sedation, to ensure every patient can receive the care they need comfortably and without stress.

30
Years of
Excellence

Trusted Worldwide

With patients from across the globe, we bring over three decades of medical expertise and hospitality to every individual who walks through our doors.  

Book a Free Certified Online Doctor Consultation

Doctors

Table of Contents

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When should I consult a dentist?

You should seek professional care if you experience persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, bleeding or swollen gums, chronic bad breath, or any discomfort while chewing.

X-rays are essential diagnostic tools that reveal issues invisible to the naked eye. They help dentists detect decay between teeth, assess bone loss, and identify infections below the gumline.

The main cause is the buildup of dental plaque a sticky film of bacteria. If not removed, it irritates the gums (gingivitis) and can progress to periodontitis, leading to bone and tooth loss.

Root canal therapy is a procedure designed to save a badly infected natural tooth. In contrast, a dental implant is an artificial titanium root used to replace a tooth that is missing or had to be extracted.

The department utilizes advanced digital tools for precision and safety, including Digital Radiography, 3D Cone-Beam CT (CBCT), and CAD/CAM technology. They also offer sedation options for patient comfort.

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