Dental Implants

Nobody relishes the idea of dentures when it comes to their teeth, but living with gaps in your teeth can make you self-conscious of your smile and has a detrimental effect on your dental health. Now with teeth implants from CTG Dentalcare you don’t have to keep suffering. Teeth implants cost very little compared to the day to day struggle with dentures or the shame of gaps in your smile and with our competitive prices and world renowned service it’s worth every penny.

How We Do It

Using cutting edge technology, a titanium tooth root is placed in your jaw during a low risk operation and a model of your missing tooth placed on the ‘root’ which will feel indistinguishable from the tooth you lost. Even though the cost of dental implants is so reasonable we only use the best materials for the job. Titanium is now considered the metal most compatible with natural tissues as it creates an amazing cellular connection with bone, this means there is very little risk of it ever becoming loose or causing discomfort.

The reasons are more than just cosmetic for replacing missing teeth; the gaps in your smile are putting strain on your jaw and surrounding teeth when you chew, potentially causing more problems with your other teeth in the future.  Teeth implants are the closest thing to nature’s original design, which is always the best. And of course you can laugh with confidence again.

Let’s Get You Smiling Again

With our finance and insurance scheme, the cost doesn’t have to be scary so arrange a free consultation in our clinic in London or Izmir or get a quote right now on our online form.  Contact us today and get smiling again. What Is an Implant?

Total prosthesis is not the only chance for toothless mouths anymore. An implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium in the shape of a tooth root and placed on the jawbone through an insignificant operation. Implants placed on the jawbone and prosthesis prepared getting support from these give the patients the feeling of chewing the food with their own teeth and are often preferred for this reason.

Why Titanium Implants?

Titanium is a metal of which tissue compatibility is perfect and which is used in many areas of the medicine with confidence. Its cellularly holds on the place where it has been located on creating a special connection with the bone. When such holding-on is completed (2-6 months), it is proceeded with preparing the prosthesis called upper structure. Today, implants are incontestably the best alternative to the natural tooth.

For Which Situations Implants are Recommended?

On toothless lower and upper jaws, when the patient is unable to use his/her prosthesis for reason of osteolysis. Prosthesis is located on the implants placed and thus, retention is increased.

In case of loss of big molar teeth, if the back area is terminated toothlessly, then a fixed bridge may be made using a few implants to be placed instead of a removable partial prosthesis.

In case of loss of a single tooth, a single implant can be placed in lieu of that tooth maintaining the teeth on both sides of the lost tooth.

For long toothless spaces, since lengthiness of the bridge body will constitute a problem when a fixed bridge is made, support and durability of the bridge can be improved by means of one or more implants to be applied on the toothless area.

Are Implants Reliable and Durable?

The study carried out to create a reliable and high-quality implant has been going on since 1809. While there are implants almost perfect and clinically followed up for 35 years in the market today, relatively new implant brands are also available. Your dentist will provide you with more detailed information in this respect.

What are the Benefits of Implant Applications?

Osteolysis occurred physiologically as the result of tooth losses or traumas experienced causes decrease in level and volume of the jawbone. It is an obstacle for proper functioning of the prosthesis to be applied. As a result, problems in chewing and talking are inevitable.

The main object of dentistry is to replace the lost teeth similarly to the natural tooth in terms of function and esthetics. The patient’s performing functions such as chewing, talking and laughing is more important than appearance. As the chewing function has been developed by the nature perfectly, complete repair of a lost tooth using any artificial thing is not possible. Implants, as a special application replacing the natural tooth, are a certain and the healthiest solution for any problem to be resulted from loss of teeth.

All-On-Four If you’re sick of your dentures, the way they slip in your mouth and how you’re unable to eat the foods that you really want to, then perhaps all-on-four dental implants are the right choice for you. Instead of worrying what your dentures are doing, enjoy a beautiful smile and fixed teeth with confidence. So, say goodbye to your dentures forever with all-on-four implants.

What Are They?

All-on-four dental implants are designed to replace a whole mouthful of missing teeth in a single day. They include a combination of implants and bridges. Four implants are inserted into your jawbone, and temporary dental bridges to form replacement teeth for your entire mouth, if needed, are screwed onto them by your dentist. They then remain there for four to six months before being replaced by permanent bridges when your jaw has healed properly. They look and function as normal teeth, can improve facial structure as well as speech, and give you confidence in situations where dentures would not.

How Long Do They Last?

Once the permanent teeth have been placed in your mouth, they can last a lifetime. If you make sure that they are looked after properly with a good dental hygiene regime, including brushing twice a day and regular professional cleaning, then they will last longer than they would if you were less vigilant.

Some Things to Consider

This procedure is only suitable if you have a mouthful of missing or unhealthy teeth. If you have indications of severe parafunction, such as clenching or grinding of teeth, you may not be eligible for all-on-four implants as you could damage them and leaving you with no teeth at all. You need to have a certain amount of bone to be eligible for dental implants as it needs to be able to support the artificial teeth.

Dental veneers

A beautiful, healthy smile makes you look beautiful and healthy too, so if you want perfect pearly whites then perhaps dental veneers are the answer. Quick and easy, you could have a sparkling new smile and the confidence to use it in no time.

What are they?

Dental veneers are used to improve the aesthetics of your smile. Made from very thin porcelain, ceramic or composite material, veneers are bonded to the enamel of the front of your tooth to change the color, shape or size. They can be matched to a similar color and shape of your other teeth so they will look natural and pleasing to the eye.

What can Veneers Correct?

Veneers can correct a whole range of different conditions, including damaged and chipped teeth, stained teeth, gaps and misaligned teeth. They are not a suitable correction for non-aesthetic problems or for teeth near the back of the mouth.

How Long Do They Last?

Porcelain veneers are quite strong and can last between 5 and 10 years, whereas a composite material will only last a short time, perhaps two years. If you look after your teeth thoroughly your veneers will last much longer- you need to make sure that you are brushing twice daily and having them professionally cleaned every 6 months.

Some Things to Consider

Once a veneer is in place, you can never go back to your natural tooth, as part of the process of fitting it is to take some of the enamel off. The veneer must be replaced if it were to become damaged. The colour of the veneer is also permanent and cannot be changed by teeth whitening procedures.

There are two ways of bleaching as Home and Office bleaching’s. Home Bleaching is a safe, effective way to lighten the color of teeth. A mold of the teeth is taken to fabricate bleaching trays which custom fit the patient’s mouth. The patient wears these trays usually for 30-45 minutes or overnight depending on the product strength selected. Most treatment takes two weeks; however, more time may be needed in severely stained or discolored teeth.

Another option for bleaching is Office Bleaching. Whitening can get your smile looking its best. You should look for a whitening procedure that is:

• Fast and convenient.
• Long lasting.
• Low sensitivity.
• Proven to be safe and effective.
• Performed by a Dental Professional.

Nothing whitens better or faster than ZOOM! Whitening system.

Q1: What is Zoom! tooth whitening?

A1: Zoom! is a bleaching process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin. You may have seen the Zoom! process used on ABC’s Extreme Makeover.

Q2: How long does Zoom! Chairside Whitening take?

A2: The complete procedure takes less than an hour. The procedure begins with a preparation period followed as little as by 45 minutes of bleaching. (A cleaning is recommended prior to the actual Zoom! whitening session.)

Q3: How does the Zoom! In-off ice system work?

A3: The Zoom! light activated whitening gels active ingredient is Hydrogen Peroxide. As the Hydrogen Peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching colored substances while the structure of the tooth is unchanged. The Zoom! light aids in activating the hydrogen peroxide and helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth. A study has shown that use of the Zoom! lamp increases the effectiveness of the Zoom! gel by 26% or more, giving an average improvement of up to eight shades.

Q4: What will I experience during the Zoom! In-Office Procedure?

A4: During the procedure, patients may comfortably watch television or listen to music. Individuals with a strong gag reflex or anxiety may have difficulty undergoing the entire procedure.

Q5: How long do the results last?

A5: By following some simple post whitening care instructions, your teeth will always be lighter than they were before. To keep your teeth looking their best, we recommend flossing, brushing twice daily, and occasional touch-ups with Zoom! Weekender or Nite White gel. These are professional formula products designed specifically to keep your teeth their brightest. They are available only through your dental professional.

Q6: Are there any side effects?

A6: Sensitivity during the treatment may occur with some patients. The Zoom! light generates minimal heat which is the usual source of discomfort. On rare occasions, minor tingling sensations are experienced immediately after the procedure, but always dissipate. You can also ask your dentist to supply you with anti-sensitivity toothpaste for use prior to treatment.

Q7: What causes tooth discoloration?

A7: There are many causes. The most common include aging and consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, colas, tobacco, red wine, etc. During tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline, certain antibiotics or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration.

Q8: Do many people whiten their teeth?

A8: More people than you might imagine. A bright sparkling smile can make a big difference for everyone. The Zoom! Chairside Whitening System makes it easier and faster than ever before.

Q9: Who may benefit from tooth whitening?

A9: Almost anyone. However, treatment may not be as effective for some as it is for others. Your dental professional can determine if you are a viable candidate for this procedure through a thorough oral exam, including a shade assessment.

Q10: Is whitening safe?

A10: Yes. Extensive research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, many dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. As with any tooth whitening product, Zoom! is not recommended for children under 13 years of age and pregnant or lactating women.

 

A dazzling smile can make you feel like you’re worth a million dollars, so if your smile isn’t quite up to scratch then we can help restore your confidence. If your teeth are cracked, broken, worn or decayed, then you may need a filling.

What are Dental Fillings?

Fillings are implemented when there is a cavity in the structure of your tooth, whether caused by decay, bruxism (the grinding of teeth) or damage. Some fillings can last up to fifteen years if looked after properly and are seen as a less invasive alternative to crowns. Different cavities are filled with different types of dental material. Amalgam fillings are made of a combination of metals, including silver, tin, copper and mercury. Though durable and able to withstand grinding and pressure, they are not as aesthetically pleasing and can be seen in the tooth. However, tooth-colored fillings to match the color of your teeth are also available. Commonly used in teeth that are visible, the material is not suitable for the back teeth where grinding may occur. The most common are called composite and glass ionomer. They are soft and can be molded to the shape of a tooth before they harden. Tooth-colored filling materials can also be used on the outside of the tooth, for instance on chipped or worn teeth.

Some Things to Consider

The filling procedure can leave teeth sensitive, sometimes lasting a long time afterwards. Fillings can also fall out, crack, corrode and leak, and end up needing a replacement.

What is Root Canal Therapy?

No artificial tooth can be as healthy and durable as the natural teeth. For this reason, you should take good care of your teeth. We should try to save them until the last stage by treating them. When one of your teeth cause a problem, the most wide-spread treatment method is the canal therapy.

If the living tissue or pulp (pulp = the package of veins and nerves) in the tooth root, which is conventionally called as nerves, is suppurated or unable to maintain its liveliness, the root canal therapy is required.

Years ago, damaged teeth had been immediately extracted as they could not been saved. However, by virtue of the root canal therapy, inner area of such teeth is cleaned, and it is prevented to disturb the other teeth and is filled again, and thus it can be available to be used again and lack of a tooth is prevented.

Why is the Root Canal Therapy made?

The root canal therapy (endodontics) is a way of treatment made to prevent such teeth to be extracted. If the pulp inside the tooth is damaged so that it is unable to treat itself, that tooth dies and becomes senseless. Such teeth can be worked on without applying morphine.

You do not feel pain, because that tooth has lost its nerve endings. This usually takes place because of the trauma occurred in the tooth root when your tooth is broken or the bacteria which grow in the tooth decay. If the dead pulp is not taken out, you lose your tooth, and it also gives harm to the tissue around that tooth and threatens your other teeth.

What happens if the Root Canal Therapy is not Made?

Decay in the tooth kills the pulp as it grows and makes it sick so that it cannot cure itself. In this case, the tooth loses its aliveness, and the infection starts to spread out the whole tooth. If the root canal therapy is not made, the infection gets the root apex and starts to damage the tissue. In the space occurred, abscess, intense pain and swelling break out and in this stage, the swelling is tried to be brought down through antibiotics. When the swelling is brought down, if the tooth is not in a very bad condition, it is not extracted, and the root canal therapy is applied.

Does the Root Canal Therapy Give Pain?

Contrary to the popular belief, the canal root therapy is less painful and less sensible than tooth extraction. If you get your tooth extracted, you must get prosthesis for the empty part or just wait for it to be covered. In this case, the teeth sliding towards the empty area will cause crookedness in the mouth. It also will cause an unpleasant appearance. However, if your tooth must be extracted, it can be replaced with an artificial tooth by means of advanced technology fixed prosthesis such as the implant.

For how long does the Root Canal Therapy Maintain the Tooth?

If the tooth is not re-infected and decay-preventing measures are taken, that filling can be used lifelong. You can recognize the beginning of an infection in your regular dentist checks. Additionally, the tooth must be prevented from re-decaying applying a good oral care.

Laser Root Canal Treatment

New laser technology promises to change the way you experience traditional root canal therapy. After all, we now have air abrasion to fix cavities, so why not incorporate technology to improve the root canal procedure for busy or dental anxiety patients? Laser root canal therapy uses a parallel beam of intense light to clean out root canals. Laser therapy “melts” away debris consisting of bacteria and infection, known as the “smear layer” of the root, and cleans the root more thoroughly than traditional treatments. With less time and pain than a conventional root canal, laser dentistry can remove your infection so that you can get on with your life.

Just Add Water

The invention of the Waterlase® Dental Laser from Biolase Technologies has changed the way some dentists perform root canals. Waterlase uses a laser and high-pressure water system to remove dead tissue and infection from the root’s canal. The only root canal laser approved by the FDA, the Waterlase system produces enough heat and pressure to remove debris without using drills or hand files, cutting down the time spent in the dental chair.

The Waterlase laser cleans the root more thoroughly than conventional root canal techniques. Microorganisms can hide in the dentinal tubules, or tiny holes, of the dentin surrounding the root. With conventional root canals, the cleaning process doesn’t always reach all the tubules, leaving behind some of the bacteria well after the root canal is filled and sealed.

The laser penetrates deep into the porous tubules, removing bacteria without damaging the surrounding tissue. While traditional root canal instruments only clean out the tooth’s root, the laser actually sterilizes it, increasing your chances of a successful procedure.

A dazzling smile can be marred by a missing tooth, making you feel unconfident and unwilling to smile, even when you want to. This is where dental bridges can help you by filling in that dark space and making you feel beautiful again.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a replacement for missing teeth. There are a few different types of bridges. The conventional bridge, a fixed bridge, consists of a false tooth or teeth attached to crowns. They are then fused to the teeth either side of the gap where your missing tooth should be, thus filling in the space. The teeth either side are prepared so they become like abutments (like those that are inserted for dental implants) and the bridge is attached.

An adhesive bridge is simply a false tooth bonded by wings to the adjacent teeth, which is not as stable as the fixed bridge. A cantilever bridge is like the fixed bridge, but with just one crown attached to neighboring teeth as opposed to two.

How Long Do They Last?

Looked after properly, i.e. brushing twice daily with professional cleaning every 6 months, a conventional bridge can last from 10 to 15 years, with other types of bridge lasting up to five years.

Some Things to Consider

The preparation of the adjacent teeth can mean that they are sensitive to temperature for a period after the procedure. Occasionally, teeth can become permanently sensitive and in some extreme cases they need root canal treatment. Teeth and gums are prone to infection if proper oral hygiene is not followed.

A beautiful and healthy smile is all that you need to have the confidence to achieve all you’ve been dreaming of. But if your smile isn’t quite up to scratch, perhaps your teeth are weak or unsightly, then dental crowns could be the answer to get you smiling once more.

What Are They?

A dental crown is used to restore a damaged tooth, usually one that has a cavity that is affecting the whole tooth. A prosthetic tooth is cemented over the gum, either to a synthetic implant or the remaining portion of the tooth, essentially replacing the tooth.

What are Dental Crowns Made Out Of?

Crowns can be made from a wide range of materials, either dental ceramic, metal, or a combination of both (porcelain-fused-to-metal).

How Long Do They Last?

Dental crowns last between 5 to 15 years. The better your oral hygiene, the longer they will last i.e. brushing twice a day and professional cleaning every 6 months.

Some Things to Consider

The necessary preparation to crown a tooth means that much of it may be removed. Therefore, it must only be done when absolutely necessary as it could mean that healthy sections of tooth are removed. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can also be unsightly, as they have a metal substructure and require an opaque below the porcelain. This can mean that occasionally a darker line will be visible at the edge of the crown, near to the gum when it recedes with age.

A beautiful smile could be ruined when you need a crown. There are several different types of crown made from different materials, gold, porcelain and zirconium. Gold is soft and long-lasting; full porcelain is the most popular material but can break, and neither look completely natural. They often have a dark line where the crown meets the gum, which looks especially unpleasing when next to a natural tooth. Zirconium crowns look the most natural, so are the obvious choice for your new crown.

What Are They?

Made from solid blocks of Zirconia, they are formed into the right tooth shape and are then baked at an extremely high temperature. This means that are almost unbreakable, putting them at a distinct advantage over porcelain crowns, as they withstand the pressure of grinding. The crown is then coated in porcelain to retain a natural color, it is then attached to an abutment in your gum (either synthetic or a portion of tooth). The crown reflects light in a similar way to a natural tooth, which means that it remains unnoticeable next to them. They do not corrode so you will not see a dark line next to the gum as with other crowns. One advantage of these types of crowns is that they can be attached to bulkier abutments as they have more strength by volume than porcelain.

How Long Will They Last?

As they are virtually unbreakable, zirconium can last a very long time. Whereas other crowns last around ten years, if well looked after a zirconium crown can last a lifetime.

Things To Consider

As zirconium is such a hard material, it can cause damage to other teeth, especially if you have a tendency to clench or grind your teeth.

Orthodontics is a specialty focusing on correction of both abnormally sequenced teeth and disharmony between lower and upper jaws. While only visible front teeth were corrected years ago, later on occlusion, relation of teeth with the counter jaw and the jawbone has been started to be corrected. Today, correction of position of the jawbone in the face skeleton and even congenital anomalies such as cleft lip or cleft palate has been included in the specialty, along with the previous objects.

A dentist specialized in the field of orthodontics is called an “Orthodontist”. A doctor who received Doctorate or Specialization education is also called an “Orthodontist” in short generally. To obtain this title, it is required to complete a Specialization or Doctorate education which lasts for 4-6 years after being a dentist, and to submit a thesis and pass an exam.

Your dentist will provide you with general information with regards to whether an orthodontic treatment is required, but the most detailed and sufficient information will be provided by an Orthodontist in terms of details, duration and cost of the treatment according to operations to be carried out. Following a comprehensive interview and a detailed examination including many diagnosis methods such as your medical and dental history, oral and dental examination, creation of your jaw models and some special x-rays and photos at your first visit, it can be determined whether you require an orthodontic treatment or whether tooth extraction is required, and type and duration of the treatment can also be determined.

If one of the following conditions is available, then you may require orthodontic treatment:

Overbite: Upper front teeth are located ahead of lower front teeth.

Underbite: Lower front teeth are placed ahead compared to upper front teeth or upper teeth are placed behind compared to lower teeth.

Crossbite: Lower and upper front teeth are overlapped when closed.

Over Jet: Upper front teeth are ahead so as the mouth sometimes cannot be closed.

Open bite: Lower and upper front teeth do not touch each other when closed.

Midline shift: Midline of your upper front teeth do not coincide with the midline of your lower front teeth.

Gaps: Gaps between teeth due to tooth extraction or for natural reasons.

Crooked teeth: There is no sufficient place in the jaw for sequence of the teeth.

Harmful habits: Habits such as thumb sucking, improper swallowing, tongue-pushing, pen-biting, and nail-eating that negatively affect tooth and jaw development.

Now Orthodontic treatment is applied to the youth and adults, as well as children.

Brackets

Small pieces which are pasted on teeth and enable the force produced by braces to be transmitted to the teeth are called “brackets” in the orthodontics. While a wide range of types are manufactured depending on companies and techniques, generally metal or porcelain brackets are used in practice.

• Metal brackets:

They can be colored using rubbers which are removed in each session if desired.

Porcelain brackets: They are preferred for young and adult patients who require their brackets are less visible, and for patients who do not require use of very heavy force.

• Fitting of brackets:

Brackets are pasted on teeth and wires are passed through the brackets to apply force on the teeth. Thus, teeth are gradually moved by means of dentures changed, and it allows positioning the teeth properly. The treatment may continue a few months or a few years, and each month adjustments are made to enable improvement of the teeth to be as desired. Brackets used today are lighter and include less metal. They are manufactured in various shapes to motivate the children, and transparent for the adult.

• Fixed applications include the following:

Special Fixed Applications:

Those apparatus produced to break the habit of thumb-sucking are affixed to the teeth using tapes. They are recommended to be used as the last option as they are not very comfortable during eating.

Fixed Space Maintainers:

In case baby teeth are lost earlier than normal, space maintainers are used to prevent the other teeth to slide towards the space until permanent teeth grow.

Removable Apparatus are:

Aligners (treatment without brackets):

Being an alternative to the fixed treatment carried out using brackets for the adult, it is preferred by many orthodontists to align the teeth as there is no bracket and denture. Aligners are generally transparent and removed to eat, brush teeth and use dental floss. Although they are demanded by the patient insistently in recent years, they may remain insufficient for severe Orthodontic deficiencies. Your Orthodontist will make the decision in this respect and provide you with the required information.

Removable Space Maintainers:

It has the same function as fixed space maintainers. It consists of a acrylic base fitted on the jaw and fills the space between specific teeth with a plastic or wires.

Apparatus developed to reposition the jaw:

That apparatus called “splint” is placed on lower or upper jaw and helps the jaw to be closed in a better position. It is also used to rectify temporomandibular joint disorder.

Lip and cheek bumpers:

An apparatus which pushes the teeth backwards and prevents lips and cheeks to come between the teeth. Lip and cheek muscles may apply force on the teeth and bumpers cut such force.

Jaw expanders:

It is a screw apparatus which enables upper or lower jaw to be expanded. It is made of a special plastic material called acrylic and fitted on the palate. By virtue of the force applied by screws, jaw bones underneath the teeth and the palate grow and expand.

Removable Reinforcements:

It is a passive apparatus used to maintain position of the teeth and prevent them to revert back after the treatment ends.

Headgear (Gen):

It is an apparatus attached to upper molar teeth with a tape and metal wire placed on back of the head (on nape or skull). Headgears slow down development of the upper jaw and enable front teeth to move backwards while keeping back teeth as is. They are usually worn during the evening and night.

Which treatment is applied when?

If relation to each other of the lower and upper jaw bones carrying the teeth is normal and the problem is on the teeth only, such abnormalities can be treated on each age. However, problems related to the jaw-face skeleton can be treated especially in growth and development periods. Orthodontists determined the stage of growth and development period of the patient by means of “cephalometric” or “hand-wrist” x-rays, because bone age and chronological age of the patient do not always correspond to each other. In case active growth and development of the patient have ended, severe skeletal problems can be treated by the combination of orthodontic and surgical treatment called “orthognathic surgery”.

Objects of the Orthodontics

1. Protective Orthodontics: Primary duty of an orthodontist is to prevent formation of orthodontic anomaly in the children. Maintenance of places of baby teeth extracted in early ages is highly important for proper sequencing of the permanent teeth in future.
2. Suspensive Orthodontics: If formation of an anomaly in a child has not been prevented, the anomaly is stopped, and its occurrence is prevented. It covers tooth extractions to stop bad habits (i.e. thumb sucking) and prevent future occurrence of crookedness.
3. Therapeutic Orthodontics: Covers the therapies performed after the formation of an orthodontic anomaly. Therapy planning must be made by an Orthodontist.

Orthodontic Treatment Targets

• To provide a good chewing, talking and breathing function.
• To provide good tooth, jaw and face aesthetics.
• To ensure permanency of the situation achieved as the result of the orthodontic treatment.

It is the branch of dentistry which deals with health of the teeth and the gum surrounding the roots. It has become very popular in the recent years as people have found out that the gum directly affects dental esthetic. The branch of Periodontology includes tartars, gum operations, flap operations, papilla operations, deep curettage and implantology.

Especially excessively visible gums while smiling (Gummy smile) where the gum is floppy over 3 mm cause an unpleasant esthetic. In recent years, the gum is made as desired by often application of gingivectomy and gingivoplasty for this operation.

We, as the CTG Oral and Dental Health Center, apply the other operations to our patients requiring cosmetic surgery after evaluating the situation.

How Should a Healthy Gum Appear?

Light pink gum in the appearance of orange peel.

An even gum boundary covering the teeth from root starts and following their counters.

No flushness, swelling or infection.

No bleeding during tooth-brushing or use of dental floss.

No uncomfortable feeling,

A durable and hard appearance.

Reasons for Gingival Diseases:

The main reason for gingival diseases is the residue called either bacterial plaque or “microbial dental plaque” consisted of a sticky, transparent layer which originates from ineffective and irregular tooth-brushing, and which holds on the teeth tightly. As it has the same color as the tooth, it is difficult to see it with eye. Structure of the plaque is soft, and it can be easily removed by use of a toothbrush and dental floss. If the plaque is not removed for a period, it calcifies, hardens and causes tartar. Rough structure of tartar leads to the plaque to accumulate more quickly; thus the infection grows more quickly too.

Other reasons for gingival diseases.

Smoking is highly harmful for oral mucosa and gums. It causes softening of the gums and growth of gingival diseases.

Genetic factors have effect on their formation at a level of 30% according to the study carried out.

During periods when hormonal changes such as pregnancy, puberty, menopause and menstruation are intensive, more attention must be paid to oral hygiene; during such periods, gums are more sensitive.

The study has shown that stress makes the body’s fighting against infection more difficult and influences formation of periodontal diseases.

Use of medication, contraceptive pills, antidepressants, heart pills affect our oral health. If you use any of those medications, please warn your dentist to ensure the treatment’s well-going and pay more attention to your oral hygiene.

Gritting or gnashing the teeth cause damage to periodontal tissue arising from decrease in the force between the teeth and the gum. Another reason for gingival disease is gritting teeth. Gritting teeth must be avoided by applying night plaque.

Diabetics are included in the high-risk group in term of periodontal (gingival) infection. They must have their gingival checks made by a periodontologist and pay attention to their oral hygiene.

Malnutrition leads to a weak immune system and consequently the body’s fighting against infections including gingival infections becomes more difficult.

Fillings, crowns and bridges pressing the gum and made intemperately also cause problems.

Considerations for a Healthy Gum:

Every day brush your teeth efficiently and regularly and use dental floss.

Apply a well-balanced diet and avoid useless calories and sticky food.

Learn to examine yourself and perform it routinely, thus you can recognize first signals of any oral or dental change.

Visit a dentist at least twice a year and get your tartar, if any, cleaned.

Periodontal Scaling & Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is an infection that affects the tissue surrounding the teeth, including gum and the tissue that comes between the teeth and the supporting bone. At its worst, periodontal disease can result in losing teeth. It is a slow and painless process, and often most adults with the disease are unaware that they have it.

Treatment

The main cause of periodontal disease is mainly an accumulation of bacterial plaque under the gum line. Plaque is constantly forming and must be removed regularly to maintain oral health. The bacteria cause tartar, and therefore the gums to become inflamed, which causes periodontal disease.

Periodontal scaling is a procedure to remove the buildup of tartar and plaque from the root surface. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthetic, and the periodontist scales the plaque and tartar from below the gum line using hand instruments or ultrasonic vibrating instruments.

If necessary, this procedure can be performed many times, though if the patients do not look after their teeth with regular cleaning then the procedure is futile.

Application of laser in dentistry allows making tooth treatments without pain, bleeding and anesthesia, cleaning decayed tissue in the teeth, treating gingival infections, carrying out cyst operations, in short, applying any kind of oral treatment.

Laser dentistry provides great convenience in treatment of the patients from any age group who have dental treatment phobia by usually shortening treatment time, ensuring to obtain more successful results making less effort.

The greatest advantages of laser are that it does not make disturbing noises and cause vibration while operating, thus preventing the patient to feel fear and pain due to such fear. Additionally, it does not require an injection as no anesthesia is required, and causes less bleeding in gingival and cyst operations, a faster healing by creating a sterile environment on the area of application by virtue of laser light, and no sensitivity and pain following the treatment.

Any treatment in dentistry related to soft and hard tissues in the mouth can be made by laser.

• Cleaning of decayed tissues in the teeth.
• Tooth bleaching.

A certain amount of gel is used also in this method. However, unlike tooth bleaching made using chemical materials, a special high energy light beam is applied. Light source can consist of a series of LED or diode-laser. It must be performed under the supervision of a dentist.

In laser bleaching operations, a better solution is possible in short notice.

For patients with excessive hyperpigmentation on their gums genetically, that problem can be eliminated by virtue of laser peeling in 3 or 4 sessions. Biolase technology is used in our center as laser applications.

• Removal of the bone during extraction of the teeth embedded in the bone.
• Cleaning of cysts on root apex.
• Root canal therapy and its sterilizations.
• Treatment of gingival infections,
• Extension of tooth length by cutting gums for esthetic and cosmetic reasons.
• Lip and tongue tie cuts,
• Breaking of salivary stones,
• Treatment of oral aphtas and ulcers.
• Dental desensitization.
• Removal of black pigmentation arising from hyperpigmentation in the gums is carried out successfully using laser.

Also known as an orthopantomogram, a pentorex or a Dental Panoramic Radiograph, a panoramic x-ray scans both the upper and the lower jaw to provide a more comprehensive picture of the patient’s anatomy.

The Advantages of a Panoramic X-Ray

This type of x-ray has many advantages over other x-rays, including a lower radiation dose for the patient, a shorter time is required, as well as a broader coverage of the patient’s facial bones and teeth.

The panoramic film is contained in a machine that moves around the patient’s head, unlike other X-rays where the film is placed inside the patient’s mouth. This offers a benefit to those who cannot open their mouth or when the patient is too much pain. The image shows a two-dimensional view of the patient’s jaw from ear to ear. It can reveal deep cavities and fissures as well as dental gum disease. It is especially good for identifying jaw joint problems, those who have had recent trauma to the face or teeth and those who require removable dentures, dental implants or dental braces.

The numbered temple supports also allow accurate measurement of skull density for proper kVp settings.

Cone Beam Computer Tomography

The cone beam computer tomography (CBCT) is a form of CT scan. A CT, or computer tomography, scan combines rotating x-ray and computer technology to obtain cross-sectional images of the body, or in this case, of the jaw bone and teeth.  Typically used for diagnostic purposes, a CT scan is used most often for the diagnosis of cancer as it can show minute differences in soft and hard tissue. It is a non-invasive procedure that can save a patient the trauma of exploratory surgery. A cone beam computer tomography scan uses a cone-shaped x-ray beam to complete the scan in a single rotation as opposed to a regular CT scan that uses a fan-shaped, helical x-ray beam in an arc around the patient.

The Advantages of CBCT 

The advantages of a CT scan overall are that they give a much more detailed image of the anatomy that has been scanned. Whereas a normal x-ray just shows bone, and an MRI shows blood vessels and soft tissue, a CT shows a clear 3D image of bone, blood and soft tissue. The cone beam CT scan has an advantage over the normal CT scan as the cone-shaped x-ray beam means that the patient spends less time being exposed to radiation, and the scanner is smaller. The scanning time is typically under a minute, and the radiation dose is under 10 times less than a normal CT scan.

Risks

The equipment emits ionizing radiation, so this is a consideration of risk to the patient that must be considered. However, as above, the risk with cone beam technology is much less than that of a normal CT scan.