The specialty that involves both surgical treatment and aesthetic aspects of dental care is known as?

The specialty that encompasses both surgical treatment and aesthetic aspects of dental care is Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. This field addresses a variety of surgical procedures that can include the extraction of teeth, treatment of jaw fractures, corrective jaw surgery, and even cosmetic facial surgery to enhance appearance. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to manage a wide range of issues—from functional problems, such as difficulty in chewing or jaw alignment, to aesthetic enhancements, like facial reconstructions or dental implants, which contribute to the visual appearance of a person’s smile.

Understanding the roles of other specialties clarifies why they do not fit this description as closely. Prosthodontics primarily focuses on the diagnosis, treatment planning, and management of dental prostheses to replace missing or damaged teeth, emphasizing functional and aesthetic restoration rather than surgical intervention. Endodontics deals specifically with diseases and injuries related to the dental pulp, focusing on root canals and related procedures, which tends to concentrate on preserving teeth rather than performing surgical facial procedures. Dental Public Health focuses on promoting oral health through community education and preventive measures but does not involve individual surgical or aesthetic treatments.