b. Preventive Dentistry. This branch of dentistry is concerned with the
prevention of oral disease or deformities and the complications from the conditions
which develop. In most dental clinics, preventive dentistry includes patient education in
oral hygiene, nutrition, oral pathology, and the need for regular professional
examinations.
c. Operative Dentistry. This branch of dentistry is concerned with the
restoration of diseased or damaged teeth to health and function by the placement of
metallic and nonmetallic restorations. It accounts for the greatest portion of clinical
procedures accomplished.
d. Oral Surgery. This branch of dentistry involves the diagnosis and the
surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects of the jaws and
associated structures.
e. Prosthodontics. This branch of dentistry involves the restoration and
maintenance of oral function through the replacement of missing teeth and structures by
a prosthesis. Prosthodontics is divided into "fixed" and "removable." Removable
prosthodontics includes maxillofacial prosthodontics, which is the art and science of the
fabrication and replacement of missing parts of the oral-facial complex. A fixed
prosthesis is an appliance, such as a crown or bridge, which is generally cemented in
place. It cannot be easily removed by either the patient or the dentist. A removable
prosthesis is an appliance, such as a complete or partial denture, that can be removed
and reinserted at the will of the patient.
f. Periodontics. This branch of dentistry is concerned with the prevention,
diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the periodontium, which includes the gingiva,
periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, and cementum of the teeth.
g. Endodontics. This branch of dentistry is concerned with the causes,
prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and injuries that affect the tooth pulp,
root, and periapical tissue. It also involves, if indicated, the removal of the diseased
pulp tissue, cleaning, and shaping of the pulpal canal followed by obturation (filling and
sealing) of the canal space with a suitable inert substance, such as gutta-percha.
h. Pedodontics. This branch of dentistry includes the diagnosis and treatment
of oral diseases of children ranging in age from newborn to young adults (less than 18
years). Pedodontic services in Army clinics are limited to those areas authorized family
member care (OCONUS).
i. Orthodontics. This branch of dentistry is concerned with the prevention and
correction of impairments of the masticatory (chewing) function or facial appearance
resulting from malposition or malformation of the teeth or their supporting structures.
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