DENTAL

This is the process of removing inflamed or infected pulp from within the tooth. The dental pulp is very sensitive comprises of blood vessels and nerve.

BENEFITS OF THE TREATMENT

This procedure helps to prevent tooth loss and it’s an alternative to extraction. It is usually done when there deep tooth decay, cracked tooth, traumatic dental injury and elective purposes.

This procedure helps to stop the progression of tooth decay and restore fractured teeth. A filling helps bring back the normal shape and function of a tooth.

HOW DOES FILLING WORK

First, the Dentist examines the mouth, checks the teeth surfaces and sees whether there is a need to have a cavity filled. The filling is determined by the extent of the damage. If the person is amenable to it, the decay will have to be removed from the tooth first, the area is cleaned, and afterward, it is filled using a variety of materials.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT FILLING MATERIALS 

There are different type of filling materials. Choosing which type of filling to use depends on the extent of the repair necessary, patient’s budget and allergy to certain materials. In some cases, the filling can be a combination of different materials. The Dentist can help a patient decide which type best fits them.

This procedure helps to restore malocclusion, proper alignment and arrangement of tooth for aesthetics purpose. Orthodontics is that specific area of the dentistry that has responsibility to study and supervision of the growth and development of the dentition and its related anatomical structures from birth to dental maturity. 

It includes all preventive and corrective procedures of dental irregularities requiring the repositioning of teeth by functional and mechanical means to establish normal occlusion and pleasing facial contours.

Aims of orthodontic treatment

1. Functional efficiency.
2. Structural balance.
3. Esthetic harmony.
4. Prevention speech defect.
5. Correction of mouth breathing.
6. Caries prevention.

It is the scraping of the gingival wall of a periodontal pocket (abnormal hole beneath the gum around tooth) to separate diseased soft tissue. The Rationale is to remove chronically inflamed granulation tissue that forms in the lateral wall (inner surface) of the periodontal pocket and enhance gingival shrinkage thus reducing pocket depth.

Dental extraction is the removal of the whole tooth (crown and root) from its socket in the gums by a Dentist. There are several causes of tooth extraction such as badly decayed tooth, abscessed tooth, periodontal diseases, impacted tooth, orthodontic treatment purposes etc

This procedure is usually performed under localized or generalized anesthesia by a dentist office in a dental clinic, and it’s generally painless and well-tolerated

TYPES

There are two types of tooth extraction

1. Simple
2. Surgical 

Simple extraction involves using specialized dental instruments to loosen the tooth and carefully lift it from its socket.

Surgical extraction usually done for more complex cases such as impacted tooth (tooth not fully erupted into the mouth). It involves creating an access to the tooth by incising the gum, bone removal surrounding the tooth, breaking the tooth into parts and removing the parts.

PREPARING FOR THE PROCEDURE 

Prior to the procedure, patient need to undergo dental examination and imaging (dental x-ray) to ensure that tooth extraction is the best treatment.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A TOOTH EXTRACTION?

When the procedure is complete, Dentist will try to stop bleeding by placing a piece of gauze over the extraction site and the patient is asked to close down with firm, steady pressure. This helps slow bleeding so a blood clot can form. (Clotting is a normal aspect of recovery which promotes healing). Medications are prescribed and Instructions are given to the patient to enable healing of the extraction site and prevent infection such as dry socket.

This involves improving the appearance of the teeth by making them lighter. Tooth whitening can be a very effective way of lightening the natural colour of teeth without removing any of the tooth surface. It cannot make a complete colour change, but it may lighten the existing shade.

WHAT DOES TOOTH WHITENING INVOLVE?

Professional bleaching is the most usual method of tooth whitening. A dental examination is needed to be able to tell you if one is suitable for the treatment. Once suitable, a rubber shield or a gel is placed on the gums to protect them. The whitening product is then applied to the teeth, using a specially made tray which fits into the mouth or an applicator like dental brush.

The ‘active ingredient' in the product is usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. As the active ingredient is broken down, oxygen gets into the enamel on the teeth and the tooth colour is made lighter.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?

Some people may find that their teeth become sensitive to cold during or after the treatment. Others may have discomfort in the gums, a sore throat or white patches on the gum line. These symptoms are usually temporary and should disappear within a few days of the treatment finishing.

If any of these side effects continue you should go to your Dentist.

Pediatric dentistry is an age-defined specialty that provides both preventive and therapeutic dental care for infants, children and adolescents.

Pediatric dental services involves an ongoing assessment of the changes a child’s oral health, monitor a child’s oral needs and provide advice and treatment to ensure a winning smile and good oral hygiene.

From teething infants to appearance-conscious teenagers we help maintain disease-free teeth and gums. To help prevent tooth decay, we make sure our patients receive optimum fluoride exposure and we apply pit and fissure sealants when appropriate. In addition, proper brushing and flossing techniques are demonstrated and we assists patients and their families in identifying foods that promote tooth decay. We assist in promoting good oral health habits that can be maintained for a lifetime.

Dental X-rays are images of your teeth that your dentist uses to evaluate your oral health. These X-rays are used with low levels of radiation to capture images of the interior of your teeth below the gums. This can help dentist to identify problems, like cavities, and impacted teeth.

Dental x-ray can also be used track the progress of a dental treatment.

RISKS OF DENTAL X-RAYS

While dental X-rays do involve radiation, the exposed levels are so low that they are considered safe for children and adults. We use digital X-rays instead of developing them on film, the risks from radiation exposure are even lower.

Pregnancy is an exception to the rule. Women who are pregnant or believe they may be pregnant should avoid all types of X-rays because radiation is not considered safe for developing fetuses.

 A dental crown is a cap placed on the top surface of a tooth to restore its shape and strength. It is cemented in place and serves to cover the tooth to protect it. It also functions to prevent the tooth from breaking apart. In some cases, it is placed to cover a misshapen tooth or protect a tooth following a root canal treatment procedure.

A dental bridge is a set of dental prosthetics meant to replace the gap created by one or more missing teeth. It is composed of one or more false teeth placed in the gap, with dental crowns covering the natural teeth on both sides. Aside from its aesthetic benefits, a dental bridge also assists in the person’s ability to chew food properly, maintain the shape of the face, prevent misalignment of remaining natural teeth, and allow proper enunciation of words.

RECEMENTATION OF CROWN AND BRIDGE 

Dental crowns and bridges that have been detached or have fallen off for any reason can be reattached through a dental recementation procedure. This dental recementation process is considered a safe and simple procedure. The process typically involves the analysis on why the dental crown and bridge fell off in the first place. Patients are encouraged to take proper care of their teeth to avoid the need for additional dental procedures later on.  

Oral and maxillofacial is a branch of dentistry concerned with diseases, injuries, abnormalities and cancers of the mouth, jaws and face. Oro and maxillofacial (OMF) surgeries are procedures performed in the treatment of these disorders and diseases.

Treatment include simply biopsy, incision and drainage, reduction of fractures, cleft lip and palate repair and so on.

When the layer of enamel which protects the dentin and the pulp is eroded, irritants such as food particles and water can reach tubules present in the dentin causing sensitivity and pain. Some of the causes behind enamel erosion are: excessive intake of acidic foods or beverages, bulimia, acid reflux, receding gums, using a hard toothbrush, cracked teeth, teeth grinding, poor oral hygiene, etc.

Desensitization is a process that aim at blocking the dentinal tubules thereby relieving patient from pain and shocking sensation.