Knowra Dentistry Dentistry Dentistry is the health profession concerned with preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions of the teeth, gums, mouth, and related structures.
Restorative dentistry : The branch of dentistry that repairs damaged or decayed teeth to restore their function and appearance. Fillings, crowns, and related repairs treat common damage while preserving tooth structure.
Dental caries : A progressive breakdown of tooth mineral caused by acids produced when oral bacteria metabolize fermentable carbohydrates. Understanding caries explains why dentistry combines fluoride, diet advice, and restorative care.
Tooth anatomy : The structure of a tooth, including enamel, dentin, cementum, pulp, and its supporting tissues. Each layer responds differently to decay, injury, and dental treatment.
Pierre Fauchard : An eighteenth-century French surgeon whose 1728 book helped establish dentistry as a systematic profession. His treatise organized knowledge about dental anatomy, disease, and treatment.
Oral health : The condition of the mouth and its ability to support functions such as eating, speaking, and social interaction. Dentistry contributes to oral health through prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Endodontics : The dental specialty focused on diseases and injuries of the dental pulp and tissues around tooth roots. Root canal treatment can save teeth whose pulp is infected or irreversibly inflamed.
Dental plaque : A structured microbial biofilm that forms on tooth surfaces and can contribute to caries and gum disease. Plaque control is central to preventing two major forms of oral disease.
Oral mucosa : The moist tissue lining the inside of the mouth, including specialized regions on the tongue and palate. Examination of oral mucosa helps identify lesions beyond the teeth and gums.
The Dentist (Fauchard book) : Pierre Fauchard’s 1728 two-volume work describing dental anatomy, diseases, instruments, and treatments. It is a landmark text in the formation of modern dental practice.
Edentulism : The condition of having lost all natural teeth in one or both dental arches. Tooth loss can impair chewing and speech, and prosthetic care can restore some function.
Show all 27