Conservative Treatments

1) GINGIVAL RECESSION

Gingival recession is the process where the gingiva recesses from the root and the surface of the root is visible.

The possibility of gingival recession increases with age. Gingival recession is also possible at a younger age due to external and genetic factors.

• Using a tooth brush with strong fiber
• Brushing the gum harshly and in the opposite direction
• High level of uneven teeth
• Severe accumulation of tartar due to lack of hygiene
• Uncontrolled and severe systemic diseases
• Smoking can also result with gingival recession

Wrong coating and filling are also among the causes of gingival recession. Gingival diseases start at the soft tissue and extend to other tissues and to the bone if left untreated. Gingival recession may be the result of osteolysis due to inflammation.

It results with tooth decay and tooth loss due to tooth sensitivity, accumulation of plates, aesthetic issues and lack of cleaning.

2) AESTHETIC FILLING

Aesthetic filling is the process of ensuring a natural and confident smile by using composite materials with the same color as the patient’s teeth. Composite filling is strengthened by halogen light and chemically connected to the tooth. The objective is to ensure that the filling is similar to the tooth in terms of form and color and the borders are not apparent. Even the patient will not see the difference. It will be better protected against tooth breaking since it will be similar to the hardness of natural teeth and chemically connected to the tooth.

3) ORAL MALODOR

Oral malodor: malodor from the mouth or the nose, which discomforts the person and those around him.

Oral malodor has a negative impact on communication and results with social pressure or self-confidence issues. Even social or individual isolation may happen due to oral malodor. Research on oral malodor is recently on the rise. Volatile sulphide compounds in saliva and breath can now be measured and the sources and reasons of malodor are now clearer.

Oral malodor is the number two reason to visit a dentist, after periodontal diseases.

Oral malodor is common for all ages. 50% of adults experience oral malodor in one time in their lives, especially in the morning.

Research shows that men are 3 times more inclined to suffer from oral malodor than women. Furthermore, individuals over 20 are 3 times more inclined than younger people.

Despite the fact that oral malodor is reported at a rate of 50%, few people visit a dentist for treatment. Failure of people with oral malodor to notice the condition is called the ‘odor paradox’. Halitosis treatment includes caring for oral hygiene, brushing the teeth and the tongue, cleaning between the teeth and having gingivitis treated. People with oral malodor should avoid smoking, consume healthy food, eat regularly and visit a dentist every 6 months.

4) ENDODONTIA (CANAL TREATMENT)

This is the field of dentistry concerned with the root canal treatments of teeth. Under the enamel and dentin layers of the teeth, there is a part called the dental pulp, where the vessels and nerves that ensure the vitality of the teeth are located. When the dental pulp gets infected for any reason, the nerves of the tooth must be removed, then the canals must be sterilized and refilled. Root canal treatment is usually performed on vital teeth in a single session and on teeth that have lost vitality in two sessions.

5) ORAL, DENTAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

A) Third Molars

Third molars are at the very back of the mouth. They are hard to reach and see, and therefore it is more difficult to brush and care for them. Third molars can easily decay and cause pain and malodor due to lack of brushing.

In some cases, third molars cannot be seen due to lack of space in the jaw. They can be fully or semi-impacted under the gingiva. This may result with foot being stuck at this part, causing infections. The condition where there is gingival swelling and rash around the third moral, severe pain extending to the neck and the ears, swelling of the lymphatic glands and pain while swallowing is called pericoronitis.

Fully-impacted third collars can compress the teeth and cause dental crowding.

They can also cause pressure on the adjoining teeth and cause them to decay. Third collars which go unnoticed for many years can cause large jaw cysts which will cause serious problems.

It may be required to extract a third collar, which does not cause any problems to ensure that other teeth are placed properly. Third collars are extracted with local anesthesia.

They are extracted by a maxillofacial surgeon.

B) Jaw Cysts

Jaw cysts are odontogenic cysts inside the mouth. They can be noticed due to pain and swelling or reach huge sizes without being noticed. Method of treatment varies based on the location and the size of a jaw cyst but they have to be removed by a maxillofacial surgeon.

Odontogenic cysts are usually benign and slow-growing cysts. However, if not treated properly, they can grow and damage sinus, naval cavity and nerves or transform into malign cysts. A canal treatment will be implemented to the teeth associated with the cyst. The gingiva will be anesthetized with an anesthetic gel and no pain will be experienced. The gingiva will be removed at a location allowing easy access to the cyst. All borders are cleaned and closed with flaps, and the healthy bone is left for recovery. The sample should be examined in a pathology laboratory.

Very huge cysts may have to be removed under general anesthesia. The surgeon will decide the method to be implemented.

C) Impacted Teeth

The teeth which are below the gingiva or the bone are impacted teeth. Third collars, cuspids or molar teeth can be impacted. If it is certain that they cannot be properly placed with orthodontic wires, they may have to be extracted by a maxillofacial surgeon.

Third molars are at the very back of the mouth. They are hard to reach and see, and therefore it is more difficult to brush and care for them. Third molars can easily decay and cause pain and malodor due to insufficient brushing.

D) JAW DISEASE TREATMENT

Temporomandibular joint diseases are bone and soft tissue problems on the joint connecting the upper jaw with the lower jaw. Symptoms may range from a small clicking voice to jaw locking. There may be a number of reasons. (accidents, malpractice, stress, habits, etc.). Temporomandibular joint diseases gradually progress in time. Therefore, a treatment at an early stage will be more effective.