Stomatology is the medical specialty focused on conditions of the mouth.
Stomatology is the specialty of medicine focused on oral conditions . The term mouth, meanwhile, refers to the cavity located in the head where the teeth and tongue are located.
The mouth is the upper opening of the digestive tract . The expert in stomatology, known as a stomatologist , is able to diagnose, prevent and treat diseases and disorders that occur in any of the structures and parts of the mouth .
Features of stomatology
We said that stomatology is an area of medicine. Therefore, the stomatologist is a doctor . This is a professional who specializes in oral health , including everything related to the palate, gums, tongue , jaw, teeth, etc.
Although there may be some differences depending on the country, in general it can be stated that a stomatologist is a graduate in Medicine who has specialized in stomatology.
In other words, the stomatologist is trained and authorized to practice general medicine , but is distinguished by his knowledge focused on oral problems. In this framework, you are prepared to relate oral diseases with other pathologies (such as cardiovascular failure or diabetes ).
To treat diseases and disorders, stomatology can use various procedures.
Differences with dentistry
Confusion between stomatology and dentistry is common. As we already pointed out, stomatology is linked to the health of the mouth. In the case of dentistry, it focuses specifically on the teeth .
Both the stomatologist and the dentist are colloquially known as dentists . In fact, both professionals can treat dental ailments. The main difference is that the stomatologist is a doctor, while the dentist was not trained in medicine but studied a university degree in his area (dentistry).
Many times, stomatologists and dentists work together. Even dental clinics usually have both professionals on their team to provide comprehensive care to patients.
Suppose a dentist detects a certain abnormality in the oral cavity. To diagnose the pathology, he understands that a biopsy is required but, due to his training, he is not qualified to perform it. On the other hand, the stomatologist can carry out this type of procedure. Thus, the dentist can refer his patient to the stomatologist.
Promotion of stomatology
Beyond the advance in recent decades of university training in dentistry, to the detriment of specialization in stomatology, there are various associations that continue to work to promote the sector.
The Argentine Society of Stomatology-Oral Medicine ( SAE-MO ) is one of these entities. Its purpose is to promote cultural and scientific expressions related to the prevention, prognosis, diagnosis and prevention of oral diseases. With this objective , it organizes courses, congresses, conferences and other events, in addition to producing reports and editing technical publications.
Among the activities carried out by the SAE-MO , the development of oral cancer prevention campaigns appears. These actions aim at early detection and differential diagnosis of the disease , for example.