Dental Science

Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery

Maxillofacial operation is a special branch of dentistry that involves surgical procedures to correct facial defects, injuries or diseases of the jaw or mouth. An advanced dental surgeon performs surgery to restore oral function, reduce pain or correct deformities. The operation is done on the mouth palate, teeth, tissues, and bones of the maxillofacial area – jaw and lower face.

Root Canal

A root canal is a common dental procedure to repair an infected tooth that might be causing tooth pain. In the procedure, the inflamed pulp is removed by the endodontist and root canal and the pulp chamber is cleaned and disinfected. A temporary filling seals the tooth, keeping out saliva and debris.

Tooth Extractions

A tooth extraction is done when the tooth is infected, fractured, decayed or crowded. During the extraction, the entire tooth is removed from the socket. It is done as a last resort when the tooth is beyond the point of repair.

Filling

A dental filling is placed in the tooth when a cavity has been removed, or a root canal is done. These dental fillings are made of either a single material or a mix of glass, metals, plastic, or other materials. Common dental filling materials are silver amalgam, porcelain, gold, plastic, or composite resin.

The best type of dental fling for your tooth depends on the procedure, filling material cost and the dentist’s recommendation.

Dental Implant

A dental implant is a surgery that replaces a lost or damaged tooth. The implant is an artificial structure that is inserted into the jaw bone using screws to hold the artificial tooth, also known as a crown. An abutment is used to connect the implant to the artificial tooth. The implant looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth. A dental implant is a permanent solution.

Dental Crown

A dental crown is a snug cap for the teeth that resemble the shape of the tooth. It is used to repair teeth that are broken, weak, decayed, or worn down. Dental crowns are also commonly used to cover dental implants and teeth that have gone through a root canal.

Bonding is applied to the teeth after the enamel has been reduced to attach a dental crown. Each dental crown lasts from 5 to 15 years.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

An adult has three sets of molars. The third set is the wisdom tooth which comes in from the ages of 17 to 25. The wisdom tooth needs to be extracted when it does not have room to grow and causes infection, pain, and other dental issues. There are 4 molars in total, and the dentist may decide to remove all 4 if they might cause problems in the future while growing.

Braces

Dental braces are devices applied on the teeth to straighten them and correct problems like crowded, crooked, gapped teeth and the bite. There are various types of braces, such as metal, lingual, ceramic, clear aligners, and more.

All work similarly by using mild constant pressure to move the teeth into the correct position. Braces can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to work, depending on the issue and the type of braces you choose.

Dental Bridge

When an individual loses a tooth, they can fill the gap using a dental bridge. This involves attaching abutments to the false teeth (pontics) and attaching them to the real teeth on either side of the missing tooth to replace it. It can help restore chewing function and help you speak properly. A dental bridge is a more temporary solution than an implant since it needs to be replaced every 5 to 15 years.

Teeth Whitening

A dentist uses a teeth bleaching gel or a whitening solution to lighten the teeth shade much faster. The solution essentially bleaches the teeth using a higher percentage of whitening chemicals, which is quicker than at-home teeth whitening procedures.

Veneers

Veneers are customised tooth-coloured shells that fit on the front surface of natural teeth. They effectively conceal stains, chips, gaps, and cracks. Veneers are the go-to solution for cosmetic imperfections of the teeth and are a common dentistry treatment.

Tooth Decay Treatment

Tooth decay, more commonly known as cavities, are holes in the tooth caused by the erosion of the tooth enamel due to the mouth’s acid. As tooth decay progresses, it can go down to the tooth’s centre, causing immense pain.

Tooth decay treatment can range from fluoride treatment, filling, crown and root canal to tooth extraction, which is done when no other treatment is feasible.

Gingivitis Treatment

Gingivitis is an early stage of a gum disease called periodontal disease. In gingivitis, the closest part of the gums around the teeth become red, irritated, and swollen. It is a mild disease but makes it crucial to receive immediate treatment since it can become periodontitis and cause tooth loss and bone loss in the jaw.

Gingivitis treatment includes professional teeth cleaning to remove plaque, bacteria, and tartar. Others include scaling and root planning, antimicrobial mouthwash, upgraded oral hygiene plan, and so on.

Bruxism Treatment

If you gnash, grind, or clench your teeth constantly, you may have a condition called Bruxism. Even while sleeping, patients may clench their teeth or grind them. Bruxism can cause jaw disorders, damaged teeth, headaches, and dental issues.

Treatment includes symptomatic medication for pain, night guards to keep the teeth safe while sleeping, therapy for stress and anxiety management, and so on.