Dentistry is a general term that is used to refer to the science and art of preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases, injuries and malformations of teeth, jaws and mouth. Dental Surgery focuses on the surgery and medical procedure that is performed to alter, modify or correct the teeth and jaw bones. Dental Surgery is an interdisciplinary programme and it encompasses major specialty areas such as Orthodontics (straightening teeth by applying pressure to the teeth with braces or other appliance); Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (operations on the mouth, jaws, teeth, gums, neck and head); Periodontics (treating gums and bone supporting the teeth); Prosthodontics (replacing missing teeth with permanent or removable fixtures) and Oral Pathology (diagnosis for diseases that affect the mouth). Besides diagnosing and treating problems with teeth and tissues in the mouth, specialists in Dental Surgery also give advice and administer care to help prevent future problems.