Dental treatments, otherwise referred to as oral medicine and dental science, is actually a branch of medical science that includes the analysis, diagnosis, and prevention of dental conditions, diseases, and disorders. The word 'dentistry' is derived from Greek words meaning "of the mouth." Dental science has become one of the leading areas of research in the recent years. As most people are familiar with dentistry, we are often shocked when we hear of dental surgery or dental implants. We tend to forget about some of the more mundane procedures such as teeth cleaning, filling of cavities, covering of teeth with veneers, etc.
There are two major types of treatments that dentists perform; surgical and nonsurgical. Both surgical and nonsurgical treatments are available, but only surgical treatments are performed for severe cases. These include tooth extractions, root canals, dental implants, bone grafts, and oral surgery.
Dental interventions can be divided into two groups, traditional and non-traditional. Traditional treatments require the use of sedatives or anesthesia. Such treatments are usually considered as an adjunct of surgery, but they have the advantage of being less invasive and less time consuming. In contrast to traditional treatments, non-traditional treatments are the ones that involve the use of techniques that do not involve anesthesia. Non-surgical treatments may also involve the use of natural products for treating a specific problem or disease. Among the most common non-traditional treatments are herbal and homeopathic remedies.
Before choosing a dental intervention, it is important to decide on what kind of treatment you really need. If your teeth are badly decayed, or if there are cracks, chips, or breaks, you might want to a restorative dentistry procedure. Braces are usually worn by adults and children alike. Children wear them to make their teeth straighter. Adults wear them for aesthetic purposes. They are made out of metal and are often used to correct misaligned teeth.
Surgical treatments, such as tooth extractions, are also commonly used to treat severe conditions. Oral surgery can involve the removal of teeth, but it also can involve root canal therapy and dental implants. Surgical treatments help reduce pressure on the gums and other structures, reduce bleeding, and infection, and promote healing. They may also involve tooth replacement of broken teeth.
Dental interventions can also be performed to improve the appearance of your smile. In addition to cosmetic enhancements, dentists will provide periodontal treatment to improve gum health and prevent gum diseases such as periodontitis. Periodontal treatment can also be used to improve the functionality of teeth by strengthening the gums.