Dental science is one of the branches of health care that offers treatment to the dental needs of people of all ages. It aims to promote the health of their teeth through education, prevention and early detection of tooth decay and gum disease. Dental science is also called dental medicine and oral surgery, and consists of the study of the oral cavity, the dental structure and the function of the various organs of the body, with special reference to the teeth.

Dental science is divided into two major branches – orthodontics and prosthodontics. The orthodontic branch of dental science deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of abnormalities of the teeth, the jaws and other related structures of the mouth. It also makes sure that the patient is fit and healthy so that he can eat properly and lead a healthy lifestyle. This branch includes not only dentists but also specialists such as physicians, pediatricians, orthodontists, speech language pathologists and audiology specialists. In prosthodontics on the other hand, the focus is on treating conditions that involve missing, broken or diseased teeth.

Dental veneers are basically used to cover up damaged, chipped or discolored teeth. A tooth is covered up by veneers to enhance the appearance and luster of a tooth. Veneers are fitted and bonded to the teeth, usually over missing teeth. To make them look more natural, they are crafted in different colors, shapes and sizes. A dentist will often prescribe dental veneers if a patient does not want to undergo the surgical procedure.

A dental crown is made from a soft material like porcelain, composite or enamel that is designed to cover the remaining tooth structure, especially teeth that were knocked out or damaged. If a tooth has an extensive amount of damaged tooth structure, a dental crown may be more suitable than a dental veneer. When tooth structures cannot support a filling, a crown may do the trick. However, some people prefer dental veneers because they feel that a dental crown is more aesthetically pleasing.

Single tooth replacements are when a single tooth has to be replaced with another. This can be due to tooth loss, broken or chipped teeth, extraction of a tooth or a disease. One of the most common procedures for replacing one single tooth is referred to as a dental implant. This is where a titanium post is placed into the jaw bone through surgery. Once the implantation is completed, a false tooth or teeth are attached to the posts using dental implants.

There are some cases where bone does not grow properly in the jaw. In such a case, dentists often recommend dental implants. If you are considering this procedure, you will first need to consult with your surgeon who will determine if the procedure is likely to cause further damage. If so, the surgical procedure will be stopped. You will then need to wait for some time till your bone grows around the implant and the implants take up residence on the jaw bone.