Consernative Dentistry
ADVANTAGES OF DIGITAL DENTISTRY
Patient engagement.
It’s possible to present the final result to a patient even
before treatment starts (when using a dental smile design protocol, for
example), engage in dialogue with them around their expectations, and adjust
the plan based on their wishes regarding the esthetics and the treatment
timeline.
More accurate treatment
planning.
Software solutions for dental treatment planning enable designing
and planning with digital precision and accuracy, which is a good way to
minimize errors (for instance, recording occlusion ensures a better fit).
Time-saving.
Digital solutions allow dentists to take impressions quicker and
give patients the option to get treatment in a single visit, with less chair-time
for the patient. As for the labs, digital dental technologies speed up processes,
which lets them handle more orders in the same amount of time.
Cost-effectiveness.
Dentists can save money on impression materials and
transport by taking them digitally instead, and their patients also won’t need to
pay for time and material that isn’t spe
nt.
No more gag-reflex.
Dentists taking traditional impressions are often faced
with the patients’ gag-reflex or teeth hypersensitivity to cold washing agents.
The discomfort of conventional impression taking can be avoided by taking
impressions digitally.
Openness.
3D data is usually saved in a Standard
Triangulation Language (STL) format which can be opened and modified by
most of the “open” 3D capturing systems. Dental specialists don’t have to be
dependent on one brand, and patients can bring their results to a clinic of their
choice, which in turn makes them independent.
Entertainment. Digital dentistry can help patients experience dental
procedures as less stressful. Their 3D image on screen — looking like a video
game — helps them understand what’s happening
Consernative Dentistry
Conservative dentistry, also known as conservative dentistry, is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of dental problems while preserving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. The primary goal of conservative dentistry is to prevent the progression of dental diseases, such as tooth decay and gum disease, and to restore the teeth to their optimal function and aesthetics using minimally invasive techniques.
Key principles of conservative dentistry include:
1. Prevention: Conservative dentistry emphasizes preventive measures, such as regular dental check-ups, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and patient education on proper oral hygiene practices, to maintain oral health and prevent the onset of dental problems.
2. Minimally Invasive Treatments: Whenever possible, conservative dentistry utilizes minimally invasive techniques to treat dental issues while preserving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. This approach aims to conserve healthy tooth tissue and minimize the need for extensive dental procedures.
3. Tooth-Colored Restorations: Conservative dentistry mainly utilizes tooth-colored restorative materials, such as composite resin and porcelain, to repair damaged or decayed teeth. These materials blend seamlessly with the natural tooth color and provide durable and aesthetic results.
4. Dental Bonding: Dental bonding is a conservative treatment option used to repair minor cosmetic imperfections, such as chips, cracks, and gaps, by applying a tooth-colored composite resin to the affected tooth and sculpting it to the desired shape.
5. Biomimetic Dentistry: Biomimetic dentistry is an approach that mimics the natural structure and function of teeth to conserve tooth structure and enhance longevity. This technique involves using adhesive bonding and tooth-colored materials to restore teeth while replicating their natural biomechanics and aesthetics.
Conservative dentistry plays a vital role in preserving oral health, restoring dental function, and enhancing the appearance of the smile while minimizing the need for extensive dental treatments. By focusing on prevention and conservative interventions, dental professionals can help patients maintain healthy and beautiful smiles for years to come.
Prosthodontics
Prosthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation, and maintenance of oral function, comfort, appearance, and health for patients with missing teeth or oral and maxillofacial issues. A prosthodontist is a dental specialist who has undergone advanced training in the restoration and replacement of teeth, including crowns, bridges, dentures, and dental implants.
Prosthodontists utilize various treatment modalities to restore and enhance the function and aesthetics of a patient's smile.
These may include:
1. Crowns: Caps placed over damaged or weakened teeth to restore their shape, size, strength, and appearance.
2. Bridges: Fixed dental prostheses that replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants.
3. Dentures: Removable prosthetic devices that replace multiple missing teeth and surrounding tissues.
4. Dental Implants: Titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots, supporting crowns, bridges, or dentures.
5. Veneers: Thin shells of tooth-colored material bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance.
6. Full-mouth Rehabilitation: Comprehensive treatment plans aimed at restoring oral function, aesthetics, and health for patients with complex dental problems.
7. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders Management: Diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
Prosthodontists work closely with other dental specialists, such as oral surgeons, periodontists, and orthodontists, to develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. They prioritize patient comfort and satisfaction while striving to achieve optimal oral health and function.
PERIODONTOLOGY
Periodontology is the branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions that affect the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums (gingiva), periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone. These structures collectively form the periodontium, which plays a critical role in maintaining the health and stability of the teeth within the jawbone.
Here are some key aspects of periodontology:
1. Periodontal Diseases: The primary focus of periodontology is the management of periodontal diseases, which include gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, characterized by inflammation of the gingiva (gums) due to plaque accumulation. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that involves destruction of the supporting tissues and bone around the teeth.
2. Risk Factors: Periodontal diseases are multifactorial in nature, with various risk factors contributing to their development. These may include poor oral hygiene, smoking, genetic predisposition, systemic conditions (such as diabetes), hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy), certain medications, and other factors that compromise the body's immune response.
3. Diagnostic Techniques: Periodontists use a variety of diagnostic tools and techniques to assess the health of the periodontium and diagnose periodontal diseases. This may include clinical examination, probing of periodontal pockets, dental radiographs (X-rays), and other imaging modalities to evaluate the extent of bone loss and periodontal attachment loss.
4. Non-Surgical Treatment: Non-surgical periodontal therapy, often referred to as scaling and root planing or deep cleaning, is typically the initial treatment approach for managing periodontal diseases. This involves removing plaque, tartar (calculus), and bacterial toxins from the tooth surfaces and root surfaces below the gumline to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
5. Surgical Treatment: In cases where non-surgical therapy is insufficient to resolve periodontal disease or to address advanced periodontal damage, surgical intervention may be necessary. Periodontal surgery aims to access and clean deep periodontal pockets, regenerate lost bone and soft tissue, reshape the gumline, and improve periodontal health and aesthetics.
6. Maintenance Therapy: Following periodontal treatment, ongoing maintenance therapy is essential to prevent disease recurrence and maintain periodontal health. This typically involves regular professional cleanings (periodontal maintenance visits) and meticulous oral hygiene practices at home, including daily brushing, flossing, and other interdental cleaning methods.
7. Implant Dentistry: Periodontists are also involved in the placement, maintenance, and management of dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots used to support replacement teeth (crowns, bridges, or dentures) for patients with missing teeth. Proper implant placement and peri-implant tissue management are critical for long-term success and stability.
Overall, periodontology plays a crucial role in preserving the health and function of the teeth and supporting structures, as well as promoting overall oral health and well-being. If you have concerns about your periodontal health or are seeking treatment for periodontal diseases, it's important to consult with a qualified periodontist for evaluation and personalized care.
Endodontic Treatment
Endodontic treatment, commonly known as root canal therapy, is a dental procedure performed to treat infections or damage inside a tooth's pulp chamber and root canals. During the procedure, the infected or damaged pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned, disinfected, and then filled and sealed with a material called gutta-percha. This helps to save the tooth from extraction and alleviate pain caused by infection or inflammation. Endodontic treatment is typically performed by endodontists, who are dentists specializing in treating issues related to dental pulp and the tissues surrounding the roots of teeth. It's a common and effective procedure for preserving teeth and restoring oral health.
1. Indications: Endodontic treatment is recommended when the pulp tissue inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, cracks or chips in the tooth, or trauma to the tooth.
2. Procedure: The procedure typically involves several steps. Firstly, the dentist or endodontist will numb the tooth and surrounding area with local anesthesia to ensure the patient's comfort. Then, they create an opening in the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals. The infected or damaged pulp tissue is removed using specialized instruments, and the interior of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and shaped to prepare it for filling. After cleaning, the empty space inside the tooth is filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, and a dental cement is used to seal the access opening.
3. Aftercare: After the procedure, it's common for patients to experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. It's essential to follow any post-operative instructions provided by the dentist to ensure proper healing. In some cases, a crown may be recommended to strengthen and protect the tooth, especially if it was significantly damaged before the endodontic treatment.
4. Success Rate: Endodontic treatment has a high success rate, with most treated teeth lasting a lifetime. However, like any dental procedure, there can be rare instances of complications or the need for retreatment if the infection recurs or persists.
5. Alternatives: In cases where endodontic treatment is not feasible or unsuccessful, the alternative option may be tooth extraction followed by tooth replacement options such as dental implants, bridges, or removable dentures.
Overall, endodontic treatment is a valuable procedure that can save natural teeth and restore oral health and function. If you suspect you may need endodontic treatment, it's important to consult with a qualified dentist or endodontist for an evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) refers to a group of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. TMD can cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, leading to discomfort and difficulty with activities such as chewing, speaking, and even opening and closing the mouth.
Symptoms of TMD can vary from person to person but commonly include:
• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Difficulty or discomfort when chewing
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint
• Locking of the jaw joint, making it difficult to open or close the mouth fully
• Facial pain or headaches, especially in the temple region
• Earaches or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Jaw muscle stiffness or spasms
The exact cause of TMD is often multifactorial and may involve a combination of factors, including:
• Jaw misalignment or malocclusion
• Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
• Trauma or injury to the jaw joint or surrounding structures
• Arthritis or other degenerative joint diseases
• Stress or anxiety, leading to muscle tension in the jaw and face
• Poor posture, which can affect the alignment of the jaw and neck muscles
Diagnosis of TMD typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a dentist or healthcare professional experienced in treating TMJ disorders. This evaluation may include a review of the patient's medical history, a physical examination of the jaw and surrounding muscles, and imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to assess the condition of the TMJ and surrounding structures.
Treatment for TMD aims to alleviate symptoms, improve jaw function, and address underlying contributing factors. Treatment options may include:
• Lifestyle modifications: Avoiding hard or chewy foods, practicing relaxation techniques to reduce stress, and maintaining good posture can help alleviate symptoms of TMD.
• Medications: Pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to alleviate pain and muscle tension in the jaw.
• Dental treatments: Occlusal splints or mouthguards can help to protect the teeth and reduce the effects of teeth grinding or clenching. Orthodontic treatment or dental restorations may be recommended to correct bite misalignment or malocclusion.
• Physical therapy: Jaw exercises, massage, and stretching techniques can help to improve jaw mobility and reduce muscle tension.
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections or Botox injections into the jaw muscles may provide temporary relief from pain and muscle spasms.
• Surgery: In severe cases of TMD that do not respond to conservative treatments, surgical interventions such as arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, or open joint surgery may be considered to repair or replace damaged joint structures.
It's important for individuals experiencing symptoms of TMD to seek evaluation and treatment from a qualified healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate course of action based on their specific needs and circumstances. Early intervention can help to prevent worsening of symptoms and improve long-term outcomes for individuals with TMD.
BOUNATSOS DENTAL CLINIK
Clinic's Implants
Dental implants are a widely used and highly effective treatment option for replacing missing teeth. They are small titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone beneath the gums. These implants serve as artificial tooth roots onto which replacement teeth or dental prostheses are securely attached. Here's an overview of the key components and steps involved in dental implant treatment:
Implant Fixture
Implant Fixture: This is the titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone. It serves as the foundation for the dental restoration. The implant fixture fuses with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration, which typically takes several months.
Abutment
Abutment: Once osseointegration has occurred and the implant has become stable within the jawbone, an abutment is attached to the implant fixture. The abutment is a connector piece that protrudes through the gum line and serves as the attachment point for the dental restoration.
Dental Restoration
Dental Restoration: The dental restoration, which can be a crown, bridge, or denture, is custom-made to fit onto the abutment(s) and mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth. The restoration is designed to match the color, shape, and size of adjacent natural teeth for a seamless and natural-looking result.
The process of getting dental implants typically involves several steps:
Initial Consultation
Initial Consultation: During the initial consultation, the dentist or prosthodontist evaluates the patient's oral health, discusses treatment options, and develops a customized treatment plan based on the patient's needs and goals.
Implant Placement Surgery
Implant Placement Surgery: The surgical placement of dental implants is usually performed under local anesthesia. The oral surgeon or implant dentist makes an incision in the gum tissue to access the jawbone and then drills a small hole for each implant. The implants are carefully placed into the bone, and the gums are sutured closed.
Implant Placement Surgery
Implant Placement Surgery: The surgical placement of dental implants is usually performed under local anesthesia. The oral surgeon or implant dentist makes an incision in the gum tissue to access the jawbone and then drills a small hole for each implant. The implants are carefully placed into the bone, and the gums are sutured closed.
Healing and Osseointegration
Healing and Osseointegration: After implant placement, the bone around the implants gradually heals and fuses with the titanium surfaces through osseointegration. This process typically takes several months and is crucial for the long-term success and stability of the implants.
Restoration Placement
Restoration Placement: After the gums have healed around the abutments, the final dental restorations are fabricated and attached to the abutments. The dentist ensures that the restorations fit properly and function well within the patient's bite.