geriatric dentistry

dentistry

(dent'i-stre) 1. The branch of medicine dealing with the care of the teeth and associated structures of the oral cavity. It is concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the teeth and gums. 2. The art or profession of a dentist.

esthetic dentistry

Any of those dental treatments that improve the location, visual appearance, and function of the teeth and jaws.

forensic dentistry

The area of dentistry particularly related to jurisprudence; usually, the identification of unknown persons by the details of their dentition and tooth restorations.

Whereas forensic medicine often is used to establish the time and cause of death, forensic dentistry may be used to establish identity on the basis of dental records only.

four-handed dentistry

Extensive use of a chairside dental assistant to facilitate and enhance the productivity of the dentist.

geriatric dentistry

Dental geriatrics.

hospital dentistry

The practice of dentistry in a hospital where the dentist is an integral part of the comprehensive health care team.

operative dentistry

The restoration of dental structure with amalgam, gold, or other suitable materials.

preventive dentistry

That phase of dentistry concerned with the maintenance of the normal masticatory apparatus by teaching good oral hygiene and dietary practice, and preserving dental health by early restorative procedures. See: table

Disease	Prevention	Details	Special Considerations
Tooth decay	• Brush teeth regularly • Floss regularly • Avoid eating simple sugars • Use fluoride toothpastes	• Use a soft or very soft brush • Brush gently twice a day • Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line • Brush for 2 min at a time • Use dentifrice with fluoride • Get annual or biannual check-ups with a dental professional	• Diabetes mellitus: brush teeth after each meal and snack; maintain blood glucose levels at less than or equal to 125 mg/dl • Cancer patients: brush after each meal and snack; keep mouth moist with frequent fluid intake • Children: have dentist apply dental sealants regularly; begin using small amount of fluoride-containing dentifrice by 13th month
Periodontal disease	• Floss regularly • Brush teeth regularly • Avoid eating simple sugars • Consider antimicrobial rinses	• Daily or twice a day • Get annual or biannual check-ups with scaling or root planing as indicated	People with established periodontitis may require: • periodontal rinses • scaling and planing • antibiotics • periodontal surgery
Oral cancer (e.g., squamous cell carcinoma)	Avoid cancer-causing agents	Get regular professional check-ups	• Avoid cigarettes, pipes, and cigars • Avoid smokeless (“spit”) tobacco • Limit alcohol intake

prosthodontic dentistry

The replacement of defective or missing teeth with artificial appliances such as bridges, crowns, and dentures.

public health dentistry

The area of dentistry that seeks to improve the dental health of communities by epidemiological studies, research in preventive methods, and better distribution, management, and use of dental skills.

ger·i·at·ric den·tis·try

(jerē-atrik dentis-trē) Dentistry that deals with the special knowledge and technical skills required to provide oral health care for older people.