Home > Encyclopedia of Science > Dentistry

• Historical dental practices
• Words to Know
• Cavities and fillings
• Tooth replacement
• Gum disease
• The art of moving teeth

Dentistry is the medical field concerned with the treatment and care of the teeth, the gums, and the oral cavity. This includes treating teeth damaged by tooth decay, accidents, or disease. Dentistry is considered an independent medical art, with its own licensing procedure. Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with tooth problems such as gaps between the teeth, crowded teeth, and irregular bite. Periodontics, another branch, focuses on gum problems.

Historical dental practices

Dental disease has been one...