Treatments Offered

This branch involves the surgical and related treatment of diseases, injuries and deformities affecting both the functional and esthetic aspects of the head, face, mouth, teeth, gums, jaws and neck. The procedures we perform include:

• Orthognathic surgery — cosmetic correction of severe jaw discrepancies
• Management of facial bone fractures
• Cleft lip and palate deformities
• Minor surgeries such as extraction of wisdom teeth

This branch deals with conservation of tooth structure lost as a result of caries, trauma or fracture. The tooth is filled with tooth-coloured (composite) material. We do not use amalgam fillings, which contain mercury — ours is a mercury-free clinic.

Root canal treatment (endodontics) is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth is infected through decay or injury. In some cases the tooth darkens in colour, which may mean the nerve is dead or dying and requires root canal treatment. The aim is to remove all infection from the root canal; the root is then cleaned and filled to prevent further infection. A local anaesthetic is used, so it feels no different to having an ordinary filling. Afterwards a crown is placed over the tooth to protect it.

Periodontics involves the diagnosis and management of diseases of the gingiva and periodontium. We are committed to motivating and educating the community about oral hygiene maintenance, as poor hygiene is one of the leading causes of early loss of teeth.

Prosthodontics means the replacement of missing teeth and associated structures by removable partial dentures, fixed partial dentures and complete dentures. Complete dentures are made when all the teeth have been lost. Partial dentures replace anything from a single tooth to many teeth, either removable or fixed. Fixed partial dentures are made with crowns and bridges.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, injury or other reasons. While high-tech in nature, implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since they do not rely on neighbouring teeth for support.

What dental implants can do

• Replace one or more teeth without affecting bordering teeth
• Support a bridge and eliminate the need for a removable denture
• Provide support for a denture, making it more secure and comfortable

Every tooth consists of three layers. The outermost and hardest layer is enamel, the second layer is dentin, and the third is the pulp — the cavernous space where the live tissue and nerve of each tooth is located.

If the pulp space is exposed to the outside, the tissue becomes contaminated and eventually infected. This exposure happens in many circumstances, such as a large cavity or a fractured tooth, and your dentist can explain the exact reason for the damage. Root canal treatment is the process of going inside the pulp space and removing the infected, dead tissue. The space is then disinfected and sealed with special materials.

Nowadays, root canal treatments are performed with advanced techniques and materials, making them far more comfortable and faster. Once complete, your restorative dentist will usually place a crown on the tooth to safeguard against fracture. If you have any questions about root canal treatment, give us a call today.

A crown (cap) is a restoration placed on teeth that have lost a lot of their structure. There are various types, ranging from full porcelain to full metal crowns; your dentist will explain the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Crowns may also be used to securely attach a bridge when the surrounding teeth are inadequate on their own. A bridge is a dental appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth, designed to be cosmetically appealing and to restore proper occlusion. Like crowns, bridges are fully customizable and made of various materials, including porcelain and metals.

Both crowns and bridges are created to match the colour, height, texture and overall appearance of your teeth. Most will last for life and only need replacing if they fall out or become loose. You can prolong their durability by practising good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.

Despite many advances in dentistry, loss of teeth is still an ongoing problem — around 26% of adults between the ages of 65 and 75 have lost all of their teeth. Several options are available, and one of the most versatile and affordable is a set of removable dentures.

Partial dentures

Partial dentures replace only a limited number of teeth, not an entire set. A partial denture is a single-piece fitting supported by the remaining teeth and gums. They are much more secure and comfortable than standard full dentures.

Standard full dentures

Standard full dentures comprise a full set of upper and lower teeth and use suction to stay in place. They are made of a pliable material that makes suction easy — which is also why they require routine visits to the dentist.

Cosmetic dentures

Cosmetic dentures are made to look as natural as possible. Unlike standard dentures made with a heat-curing process that become ill-fitting over time, cosmetic dentures use a special acrylic base that eliminates shrinking and warping. Some cosmetic dentures achieve a natural appearance using implants: the denture rests on or snaps onto the implant, holding it firmly in place so it stays comfortable and does not move around.

The first step is to choose a good toothbrush — always use a soft brush with a small head. A soft brush is firm enough to remove plaque, yet gentle enough not to damage your teeth or gums.

Next, select a good toothpaste. In general any toothpaste that contains fluoride will do the job, unless you have special needs determined by your dentist.

Start from a specific spot and work your way around to the opposite side, continuing through the whole mouth so that you finish where you started — this way you won't miss any area. A pea-sized amount of toothpaste is enough, and an adequate brushing should take at least 2 minutes, preferably around 4.

Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle toward the teeth and gums and gently press so the tips of the bristles go between the gum and the teeth. Apply a few lateral strokes, then roll the brush to sweep plaque away from the teeth and gums. Repeat 6 to 10 times, then move on to the next 2–3 teeth. On chewing surfaces, short strokes work best to clean the grooves and pits; when brushing the back of your front teeth, hold the brush vertically to reach the teeth better.

Ideally, brush after each meal. If you can't, brush at least twice a day — after breakfast and before going to bed.