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.

We're Here to Help.
Get in Touch.

Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.

Doctors

Overview and Definition

What Is Dentistry?

Dentistry (dental medicine) is the branch of medicine focused on the health of your teeth, gums, jaw, and the rest of your mouth. Dentists prevent, diagnose, and treat oral diseases and problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, bite issues, and infections that can affect both comfort and general health. A modern dental department combines routine check-ups, restorative treatments, aesthetic procedures, and specialized care to help you eat, speak, and smile with confidence at every age.

Icon LIV Hospital

What does dentistry include?

DENTISTRY

Dentistry covers the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the teeth, gums, jawbones, oral mucosa, and related structures in the face. Care ranges from simple procedures, such as cleaning and fillings, to complex root canal treatments, gum surgery, implants, and jaw operations.

Icon 1 LIV Hospital

Typical areas of dental care include:

DENTISTRY
  • Preventive care: check-ups, X-rays, professional cleaning, fluoride, and sealants
  • Restorative care: fillings, inlays/onlays, crowns, bridges, and dentures
  • Endodontic care: root canal treatments to save infected teeth
  • Periodontal care: treatment of gum disease and bone loss around teeth
  • Oral surgery: tooth extractions, impacted wisdom teeth, some jaw procedures
  • Aesthetic dentistry: teeth whitening, bonding, veneers, and smile design

Why is oral health important for overall health?

Oral health is more than having white, straight teeth; it is closely linked to overall health and quality of life. Poor oral health can cause pain, difficulty eating and speaking, sleep problems, and social embarrassment, and is associated with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

DENTISTRY

Key links between mouth and body include:

  • Untreated tooth decay and gum disease can lead to chronic pain, infection, and tooth loss.
  • Periodontal (gum) disease is associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease and may worsen blood sugar control in diabetes.
  • Oral infections and ulcers can be early signs of systemic conditions or immune problems.

Because many oral diseases are preventable and often painless in early stages, regular dental visits and good daily hygiene are essential to maintain general health.

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

We're Here to Help.
Get in Touch.

Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.

Doctors
img 1 LIV Hospital

What services does a hospital dentistry department offer?

A hospital-based dentistry or “oral and dental health” department offers both routine and advanced care under one roof. In addition to general dentistry, you may have access to specialists in areas such as periodontics (gums), endodontics (root canals), orthodontics (braces), oral and maxillofacial surgery, pediatric dentistry, and prosthodontics (crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants).

Common hospital dental services include:

  • Check-ups, diagnostic X-rays, and professional cleanings
  • Fillings, crowns, bridges, and dentures
  • Root canal treatments and retreatments
  • Gum treatments and deep cleanings (scaling and root planing)
  • Tooth extractions, including impacted wisdom teeth
  • Dental implants and bone grafting
  • Orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners
  • Management of dental emergencies, infections, and trauma

This integrated structure makes it easier to coordinate complex treatments and manage medically fragile or special-needs patients safely.

DENTISTRY scaled LIV Hospital

What services does a hospital dentistry department offer?

A hospital-based dentistry or “oral and dental health” department offers both routine and advanced care under one roof. In addition to general dentistry, you may have access to specialists in areas such as periodontics (gums), endodontics (root canals), orthodontics (braces), oral and maxillofacial surgery, pediatric dentistry, and prosthodontics (crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants).

Common hospital dental services include:

  • Check-ups, diagnostic X-rays, and professional cleanings
  • Fillings, crowns, bridges, and dentures
  • Root canal treatments and retreatments
  • Gum treatments and deep cleanings (scaling and root planing)
  • Tooth extractions, including impacted wisdom teeth
  • Dental implants and bone grafting
  • Orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners
  • Management of dental emergencies, infections, and trauma

This integrated structure makes it easier to coordinate complex treatments and manage medically fragile or special-needs patients safely.

DENTISTRY

What dental specialties might be involved in your care?

DENTISTRY

Dentistry includes multiple recognized specialties that focus on specific types of problems or patient groups. Depending on your needs, your general dentist may treat you directly or refer you to a specialist for part of your care.

Examples of dental specialties include:

  • Orthodontics: correction of crooked teeth and bite problems using braces or aligners
  • Periodontics: prevention and treatment of gum disease and implant maintenance
  • Endodontics: diagnosis and treatment of dental pulp problems and root canals
  • Oral and maxillofacial surgery: surgical treatment of teeth, jaws, and facial structures
  • Prosthodontics: complex restorations, dentures, bridges, and implant-supported teeth
  • Pediatric dentistry: dental care tailored to infants, children, and adolescents

When should you see a dentist?

DENTISTRY

You should see a dentist for regular check-ups even if you have no symptoms, as many problems—including early cavities and gum disease—cause little or no pain at first. Most people benefit from a dental visit at least once or twice a year, and more often if they have a history of frequent cavities, gum disease, or other risk factors.

You should also book an appointment if you notice:

  • Toothache, sensitivity, or pain when chewing
  • Bleeding gums, swelling, or persistent bad breath
  • Loose teeth or gaps appearing between teeth
  • Sores, white or red patches, or lumps in the mouth that do not heal within two weeks
  • Jaw pain, clicking, or difficulty opening and closing your mouth
  • Broken, chipped, or lost fillings, crowns, or teeth

Prompt evaluation allows simpler, more conservative treatments and helps prevent emergencies.

What does dentistry look like at a center like Liv Hospital?

  • At a comprehensive center such as Liv Hospital Dentistry, patients can access preventive, restorative, surgical, and aesthetic services in one department. A team of general dentists and specialists provides care ranging from routine cleanings and fillings to implants, orthodontics, and jaw surgery, using digital imaging and modern materials.

    For international patients, dental treatment plans can often be organized into focused visits that combine consultation, diagnostics (such as X-rays, 3D imaging), and treatment sessions over a short time. Aftercare instructions, images, and reports help your local dentist continue maintenance once you return home.

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

What is the difference between a DDS and a DMD?

There is no difference in the level of education or qualification; DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery, and DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine, but both degrees require the same rigorous training and curriculum.

Most professionals recommend a check-up and cleaning every six months, though patients with gum disease or other high-risk factors may need to visit every 3 to 4 months.

Modern digital X-rays emit a very low dose of radiation, significantly less than traditional film X-rays and environmental background radiation, making them safe for routine diagnostic use.

A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is necessary when bacteria and tartar have accumulated below the gum line, causing infection and bone loss that a regular cleaning cannot reach.

Early-stage enamel demineralization can sometimes be reversed with fluoride and improved hygiene, but once a cavity has formed a physical hole in the tooth, it requires professional restoration.

Spine Hospital of Louisiana

Let's Talk About Your Health

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE...

Leave your phone number and our medical team will call you back to discuss your healthcare needs and answer all your questions.

Let's Talk About Your Health

Contact Us to Get Information!

Contact
Your Comparison List (you must select at least 2 packages)