Which dental specialty is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of missing or deficient teeth?

The specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of missing or deficient teeth is prosthodontics. This area of dentistry is dedicated to the design, manufacture, and fitting of artificial replacements for missing teeth and other parts of the mouth. Prosthodontists work with various types of dental appliances, including dentures, bridges, and crowns. Their primary goal is to restore both function and aesthetics, helping patients regain their ability to chew and smile confidently.

In terms of the other specialties, periodontics primarily focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease and the supporting structures of the teeth, not directly on missing teeth. Pediatric dentistry specializes in the oral health of children, encompassing a full range of dental services for younger patients. Orthodontics deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of misaligned teeth and jaws, which is unrelated to the replacement of missing teeth. Each specialty has distinct objectives and areas of expertise, but when it comes to missing teeth, prosthodontics is the specialized field that addresses these issues.