1. Oral Hygiene
2. Professional Dental Cleaning
3. Tooth Filling
4. Composite Filling
5. Root Canal Therapy
6. Porcelain Inlays and Onlays
7. Porcelain Veneers
8. Dental Crowns
9. Dental Bridges
10. Denture
11. Overdenture
12. Full Denture
13. Orthodontics

 

1. Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is the most important prevention method a person can take to reduce the risk of most dental problems. Good oral hygiene is essential for preventing the most common forms of dental problems ranging from tooth decay and gingivitis to bad breath.

Good oral hygiene results in a mouth that looks and smells healthy. This means that:

Your teeth are clean and free of debris Gums are pink and do not hurt or bleed when you brush or floss Bad breath is not a constant problem

A dentist or hygienist can help you learn good oral hygiene techniques and can help point out areas of your mouth that may require extra attention during brushing and flossing.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak properly. Good oral health is therefore important to your overall well-being.

In order to achieve good oral hygiene it is important to conduct daily preventive care in the form of proper teeth brushing and flossing with dental floss. These two simple techniques will help stop problems before they develop and are much less painful, expensive, and worrisome than treating conditions that have been allowed to progress.

Visiting a dentist regularly is also an excellent way of acieveing good oral hygiene. A dentist can perform routine teeth cleaning such as scaling and root planning to eliminate plaque and tartar that builds up on the teeth and are the main causes of oral hygiene problems. In between regular visits to the dentist, there are simple steps that can be taken to greatly decrease the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems. These include:

Brushing thoroughly twice a day and flossing daily Eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks between meals Using dental products that contain fluoride, including toothpaste Rinsing with a fluoride mouthrinse

Brushing and flossing each day are basic techniques, but it is essential that they are done properly to achieve the maximum benefit. Below are how a dentist recommends brushing and flossing.


2. Professional Dental Cleaning

Dental cleaning means the professional the cleaning you can only receive from a dentist or dental hygienist. A routine dental cleaning should include scaling, root planning and polishing. These three important steps are outlined in detail below.

Scaling: This is the removal of plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces with different types of scaling being used in relation to the amount of plaque and tartar.

Dental hygienists perform traditional scaling by hand. Advances in technology have led to more modern methods such as electric scalers, which allow dental cleaning to be done in much shorter period of time. However, to achieve best results, electric and manual scaling should be combined in dental cleaning.

Ultrasonic scaling uses a machine called a cavitron, which uses sound waves to remove tartar. Ultrasonic scalers can only remove 50% of total tartar buildup so hand scaling must follow cavitron scaling. People who wear pacemaker cannot get ultrasonic scaling because the ultrasonic sound can interfere with the function of the pacemaker.

Root planning: This is the cleaning of pockets to stop further gum problems.
Root planning is used to treat perio conditions, which are moderate to advanced gum diseases. When the gum is inflamed, gum pockets become deeper and they lose bone connections inside. The deeper these pockets are the easier it is for them to trap plaque deposits and make the gum worse.

Root planning is essentially inserting the pointy front of handle scalers into below the gum pockets to clean plaque buildup. Sometimes local anesthesia is needed to prevent any feeling of pain and depending on the degree of difficulties, root planning can take several dental visits.

Polishing: This is the finishing touch of rubbing on the surface of the teeth
There are two kinds of polisher, the prophy jet polishing and rubber tip polishing with prophy paste. Prophy jet polishing works by spraying high pressured water mixed with baking soda paste onto the surface of your teeth. This powered water can wash away the residue and plaque, while the baking soda removes the brown and yellow stains and neutralizes the acidic conditions in your mouth. Rubber cup polishing employs a low-speed hand piece with a rubber cup tip mounted on the top that contains a polishing paste that is made of abrasive ingredients ideal for removing stains.

The amount of time needed for dental cleaning depends on factors from plaque deposits, complication of dental restorations and your gingival health. People with more tartar and plaque buildup need longer appointments than those who have relatively cleaner teeth. In a moderate case dental cleaning should take about 25 to 30 minutes. Cleaning should be performed every six months to prevent excessive plaque build up. Lack of cleaning allows the growth of plaque, which if left unchecked can lead to the various types of conditions involved in tooth decay.


3. Tooth Filling

Teeth that have been affected by tooth decay (caries or cavities) require a filling.

A tooth filling is a very common procedure and is used to fill up the cavities in the teeth. There are generally 3 types of tooth filling:

amalgam, or alloy mixed with mercury composite, or white filling with same color as that of teeth indirect filling, or filling made in a lab amalgam

Dental amalgams, also known as silver fillings, are comprised of a mixture of mercury (45 to 50 percent), and an alloy of silver, tin, and copper (50 to 55 percent). When it is combined with other materials in dental amalgam, mercury's chemical nature changes and it is no longer considered harmful to the body.

The procedure to fit an amalgam filling involves excavating the intended tooth and removing all the decay present. The tooth is then shaped in a specific manner in order to accept silver filling. After shaping the tooth a band is placed around the tooth and the amalgam is condensed into the prepared tooth. The final filling is then carved and adjusted to the persons bite.

A new filling takes almost two weeks to become fully hardened with light sensitivity to cold or hot occurring for up to six weeks after surgery is completed.


4. Composite Filling

 

A composite resin filling (also known as a white filling) is a tooth-colored plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide) and is a composite quartz resin that usually contains some sort of light sensitive agent.

Introduced in the 1960s, dental composites were confined to the front teeth because they were not strong enough to withstand the pressure and wear generated by the back teeth. Since then, composites have been significantly improved and can be successfully placed in the back teeth as well. Composites are not only used to restore decayed areas, but are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth. A composite filling can be tinted to match any tooth color and it forms a natural bond with the existing tooth in a way that metal fillings cannot. The end result is nearly invisible fillings.

In order to bond a filling material to your tooth it is first necessary to remove decay, prepare the tooth and then to condition the enamel and dentin. Once conditioned, a thin resin is applied which bonds to the etched surface. Placement time depends on the size and location of the cavity and the larger the size the longer it will take. After placement, composites are hardened by shining an intense light on them for a specified period of time, usually around 40 seconds.

Composite fillings tend to be used as an alternative to metal, or silver amalgam, fillings and are used to treat decay on a portion of a tooth, replace an old silver amalgam filling and to maintain a white smile.

Composite fillings are more than just attractive and they have distinct advantages over other types of fillings, especially metal ones. Composite fillings are environmentally non-toxic because they use no mercury. They are stronger because they bond directly to the surface of the tooth. They protect the tooth from fracturing because they don't require the severe "undercut" (removal of healthy tooth structure) of mercury fillings.

There are some disadvantages to composite fillings and these include the fact that the initial investment in a composite filling is higher than that for a mercury filling. This is due to the fact that the composite material is more expensive and the restoration is more difficult and time consuming to place. However, this initial higher investment is offset in the long run by the health benefits and reduced likelihood of restoring potentially fractured teeth.

Another type of 'white filling' is called a Composite or Porcelain Inlay. These fillings are usually placed in back teeth when esthetics is of utmost concern, in order to increase their strength and longevity, they are fabricated in the laboratory and then bonded into position at the dentists.


5. Root Canal Therapy

 

Root Canal Therapy or endotontic therapy refers to the specialized dental procedure of removing infected pulp from a tooth and filling it with an inert material. It is a method that prevents the further spread of infection and the possibility of that tooth falling out.

Root Canal Therapy is recommended in instances where an abscess (a pocket of pus that forms at the tip of the tooth's root) becomes visible. This is a sign that there is damage to the tooth's pulp. This infection is generally a result of a deep cavity or a cracked tooth, in which the pulp has become exposed to bacteria. If the pulp is damaged beyond repair, it essentially means that the tooth has died. Therefore root canal therapy is a way to avoid tooth extraction while repairing the esthetic look of the tooth through dental restorations such as a crown.

The completion of root canal therapy requires one to three visits to the dentist. The first step to root canal treatment is the numbing of the affected tooth and the use of a rubber dam. A rubber dam is placed around the affected tooth and its purpose is to prevent saliva, which contains bacteria, from re-contaminating the tooth while the treatment is performed.

Following that, the root canal treatment begins and a small hole is drilled into the affected tooth. This is done to give access to the pulp chamber of the tooth to the dentist. The placing of the hole varies between back teeth (hole is made on the chewing surface of the tooth) and front teeth (hole is made on the tooth's backside.)

From this point, the tooth is cleaned out and any bacteria, toxins, nerve tissue, and related debris within the tooth are removed. The cleaning process extends the entire length of the tooth's root canal(s) but not beyond. Following the cleaning portion of the root canal procedure is the filling in and sealing up of the tooth's root's interior with root canal filling material, usually gutta percha (a natural rubber). The hole that was drilled in order for access to the tooth's root is then sealed with the placing of a filling.


6. Porcelain Inlays or Onlays

 

Porcelain inlays or onlays refer to indirect fillings made of porcelain that fit into or onto the affected tooth. Its purpose is to make the tooth stronger by holding it together while retaining a natural, esthetically pleasing colour. They are used in instances when there is deficient tooth structure to support a filling but the tooth is still in a condition that does not require a crown.

Indirect fillings are similar to regular fillings with the exception being that they are permanently cemented by one's dentist and are made in a dental lab as opposed to being molded to shape in one's mouth. These fillings take two different forms: inlays which fit into the space remaining after the decay of an old filling or cavity has been removed and onlays (partial crowns) which sit on the tooth and builds up its shape. The advantages of indirect fillings are that they are more durable than fillings, lasting between 10 and 30 years. Whereas fillings have been known to reduce the strength of a tooth by up to 50%, inlays and onlays can actually increase a tooth's strength up to 75%. They are also able to be made from a variety of materials including porcelain, gold, and tooth-coloured composite resin.

The advantage that porcelain inlays or onlays have over gold inlays or onlays is its esthetic value. However, it has the disadvantage of being more brittle and consequently more likely to break than indirect fillings made of gold material. Additionally, porcelain has been known to cause accelerated wear of the opposing tooth when biting, something that gold does not.

Receiving porcelain inlays or outlays requires two visits to a dental specialist. In the first visit, the decay of an old filling or cavity is removed and an impression is taken. This impression is used by a dental laboratory to create the indirect filling and records the shape of the damaged tooth and the surrounding teeth. While the inlay or outlay is being made, the patient is given a temporary filling to protect the damaged tooth. During the second visit, this temporary filling is removed and the indirect filling is fitted. If it is an acceptable fit, it is permanently cemented into place.


7. Porcelain Veneers

 

Porcelain veneers (also known as dental veneers or dental porcelain laminates) refer to a cosmetic dentistry operation in which a thin layer of porcelain is bonded to a natural tooth. In this procedure, a half millimeter of enamel is removed from the front surface of the tooth. The tooth is then exposed to phosphoric acid, in which after the resin cements a veneer is then applied to the tooth. This procedure is used to replace lost tooth structure, straighten teeth, change the color or shape of a tooth, and/or close teeth spaces.

Porcelain veneers have a number of esthetic advantages over other types of cosmetic bonding. Since porcelain is able to capture and reflect light, porcelain veneers gives the damaged tooth the look of a natural tooth. Additionally, since porcelain is a ceramic material and is therefore glass-like, the surface of a porcelain veneer will not pick up permanent stains.

The lifespan of porcelain veneers tend to be between ten and fifteen years, while the costs range from $750 to $2000 per unit (or tooth.) However, the use of porcelain veneers on a single tooth is rare and in most instances the procedure is used for the upper six front teeth. In addition to the costs, porcelain veneers may not be the best option for a number of people. These include those with unhealthy teeth (porcelain veneers cannot be placed on teeth where there is decay or active gum disease), weakened teeth (teeth whose teeth structure has been reduced due to decay or fracture), teeth in which an inadequate amount of enamel exists on the tooth, and those who clench or grind their teeth (these actions can chip or break porcelain veneers.)

Receiving porcelain veneers generally takes two dental appointments. During the first visit, the side where the porcelain veneer will be bonded must be trimmed back at approximately the same thickness of the veneer. This amount is generally .5 to .7 millimeters. Following this, your dentist will make a copy of the affected teeth in order for the porcelain veneers to be created with the correct dimensions. Following a waiting process that lasts between one to two weeks, the porcelain veneer will be fitted on the affected teeth. Once the fit has been deemed appropriate it will be bonded onto the affected teeth.

Upon receiving porcelain veneers there are a number of ways to ensure its longevity. These include: daily brushing and flossing; avoiding clenching and grinding of teeth; the use of a mouth protector in sports activities; and lifestyle changes such as avoiding excessive smoking as well as the drinking of coffee, tea, and red wine to minimize staining.


8. Dental Crowns

 

Dental crowns, also known as dental caps, cover damaged or discoloured teeth. Crowns cover the entire tooth, starting at the gum line. They are usually made of gold, porcelain, or a combination of both.

Though crowns can be used to improve the appearance of a tooth, they are not primarily cosmetic devices. Dentists recommend crowns to protect or strengthen weakened teeth, or to restore a disfigured tooth to its original shape. "Capping" a tooth requires buffing away part of a tooth to make room for the crown, so dentists often discourage it as a cosmetic method unless the teeth are damaged.

Crowns strengthen teeth by binding the sides of the weakened tooth together, much the way a splint holds together a broken bone. Large fillings taking up over a third of the tooth may weaken that tooth over time; crowns are often used in cases where such weakened teeth threaten to break.

The "capping" procedure takes place under anaesthetic. Because the crown is about two millimeters thick, the dentist first shaves this same amount off your existing tooth to avoid awkward-looking, oversized teeth. The dentist will also re-shape your tooth into a form upon which a cap can easily sit. He or she will then make a replica of your tooth. Usually, this replica will be a putty mold. This mold is then sent to a laboratory, where the crown will be made based on this mold. In the case of a porcelain crown, the dentist will choose a shade close to the colour of the surrounding teeth. You will return about two weeks later to have the crown fitted and, once both you and your dentist are satisfied with the "look and feel" of the crown, cemented over your original tooth.


9. Dental Bridges

 

Dental bridges replace missing teeth by "bridging" the gap between two remaining teeth. You and your dentist can discuss the different types of bridges to choose the best option for you:

- Traditional bridges, also called fixed bridges—the dentist creates a pontic, or false, tooth with a dental crown on either side. The crowns are fitted over the remaining teeth to hold the false tooth in place.

- Resin bonded bridges—the pontic tooth is fused to a metal band. The metal band, in turn, is bonded to the back of the remaining teeth with white resin cement.

- Cantilever bridge—dentists recommend this bridge when there are only teeth on one side of the gap. While traditional bridges have a crown on either side of the pontic, cantilever bridges consist of two side-by-side crowns and only one is connected to the pontic.

To design a bridge, a dentist must first shrink, then reshape the teeth to make room for the crowns. He or she then makes a mold of the teeth. This mold is then sent off to a laboratory, where the actual crowns and bridge are made.

With proper oral hygiene, bridges can last up to ten years. However, improper or infrequent brushing and flossing, irregular dental visits, and excessive sugar and starch intake can all bring untimely damage to the bridge.


10. Denture

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth. A denture is made of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals, and comes in two types; complete denture or partial denture. Complete dentures replace all the teeth, while a partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from changing position.

Complete dentures are either "conventional" or "immediate." A conventional denture is placed in the mouth about a month after all the teeth are removed to allow for proper healing, whereas an immediate denture is placed as soon as the teeth are removed, however a drawback to the immediate denture is that it may require more adjustments after the healing has taken place.

People who have lost most or all of their teeth are ideal candidates for complete dentures. A partial denture is suitable for those who have some natural teeth remaining.

Advantages of using a denture are that it improves chewing ability, speech and provides support for facial muscles whilst greatly enhancing the facial appearance and smile.

Fitting a denture takes about one month and five appointments. The process required to have a denture fitted is more complex than people think and follow the following pattern. An initial diagnosis is made then an impression and a wax bite are made to determine vertical dimensions and proper jaw position. After the taking dimensions a "try-in" is placed to assure proper color, shape and fit. Only after these steps have been taken is the patient's final denture placed.

New denture wearers need time to get accustomed to their new teeth because even the best fitting dentures will feel awkward at first. While most people can begin to speak normally within a few hours, many people report discomfort with eating for several days to a few weeks after having dentures fitted.

A denture is fragile, so it is important to handle it with care. Cleaning the denture is also important and requires the removal and brushing of the denture daily, preferably with a brush designed specifically for cleaning dentures. You should never use harsh, abrasive cleansers, including abrasives toothpastes, when cleaning dentures as they may scratch the surface of the denture. Sterilizing your denture with boiling water will cause it to become warped and is not a good idea.

If you wear a partial denture remove it before brushing your natural teeth and when not in use soak it in a cleanser solution or in water.

While you may be advised to wear your denture almost constantly during the first two weeks under normal circumstances it is considered best to remove dentures at night as research has shown that removing the denture for at least eight hours during either the day or night allows the gum tissue to rest and allows normal stimulation and cleansing by the tongue and saliva. This promotes better long-term health of the gums.

To maintain a proper denture fit over time, it may be necessary to adjust your denture or possibly remake your denture. Never attempt to adjust a denture yourself and do not use denture adhesives for a prolonged period because it can contribute to bone loss.

Dentures are no longer the only way to restore a mouth that has little or no non-restorable teeth. Strategically placed implants can also used to support permanently cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The cost tends to be greater, but the implants and bridges more closely resemble the feel of real teeth, although not everyone is a candidate for implants.

Sometimes dentures or partial dentures may irritate soft tissues in the mouth. If the irritation continues, a person may develop mouth sores, which can be found on the upper jaw, lower jaw, under the tongue, or on the palate. They are usually red and a little swollen. The main causes of theses denture sores include alcoholism, allergies, smoking and chewing tobacco.


11. Overdenture

 

An overdenture is a type of denture that is secured by precision dental attachments. The attachments are placed in tooth roots or dental implants, which have been placed specifically for the overdenture attachment. Types of overdentures include bar joint dentures and telescopic dentures.

If you lose most or all of your lower teeth, there is nothing to hold a denture down while you chew. An overdenture fastens a denture to the jawbone, much in the way natural teeth are anchored. The adjacent teeth may be altered with locking devices or connecting bars to ensure the denture fits properly. These bar joints support the dentures better than individual implants, though implants are still required to support the bars. Generally, the more implants, the stronger the bar, and bars on the upper arch always require more implants than bars on the lower arch due to the lesser bone density in the upper jaw.

When patients have compromised bone density due to age or oral disease, a telescopic denture, a type of overdenture system is probably the best option. The procedure consists of a double crown system, “the telescopic," and involves fitting inner metal crowns and outer crowns on the remaining natural teeth to create a natural looking removable overdenture. Though this is a reliable denture system that ensures even bite stress distribution, the procedure is extremely complicated and requires root canal therapy for each remaining natural tooth and the insertion of a metal post to ensure the root is strong enough.

Some of the benefits of overdentures include the prevention of bone loss (dental implants actually strengthen the surrounding bone structure), esthetic appeal, improved speech (when compared with other types of dentures), proper jaw alignment, and improved chewing efficiency.

These overdenture systems can last a lifetime and increase chewing power by up to 300%.


12. Full Denture

 

An important step in maintaining a healthy smile is to replace missing teeth. When teeth are missing the remaining ones can change position, by drifting into the surrounding space. Teeth that are out of position can damage tissues in the mouth. In addition, it may be difficult to clean thoroughly between crooked teeth.

Complete or full dentures replace all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Complete dentures are either "conventional" or "immediate." A conventional denture is placed in the mouth about 4 to 8 weeks after all of the teeth are removed to allow for proper healing. A conventional denture is also made to replace an existing denture. An immediate denture is placed as soon as the teeth are removed. The drawback with an immediate denture is that it may require more adjustments after the healing has taken place. A denture helps you to properly chew food, a difficult task when you are missing teeth. In addition, a denture may improve speech and prevent a sagging face by providing support for lips and cheeks.

In order to fit a denture a dentist will take an impression of your jaw, along with measurements of how your jaws relate to one another and how much space is between them (bite relationship). The color, or shade, of your teeth will also be determined either from your natural teeth or a denture you may already be wearing. The impression, bite and shade are given to a dental laboratory so a denture can be made just for you. The dental laboratory makes a mold of your jaw, places the teeth in a wax base, and carves the wax to the exact form wanted in the finished denture. Usually a "wax try-in" of the denture will be done at the dentist's office so any adjustments can be done before the denture is completed. The denture is completed at the dental laboratory using the "lost wax" technique. A mold of the wax-up denture is made, the wax is removed and the remaining space is filled with pink plastic in dough form. The mold is then heated to harden the plastic. The denture is then polished and ready for the patient to wear. It usually takes a little while to get used to wearing a full denture. There may also be minor adjustments that your dentist will make to fine-tune the fit of your denture. It is very important to wear a new denture every day. If you don't wear your denture for an extended period of time, the denture may no longer fit as well as it should. Over time, your mouth will change. The bone and gum areas may shrink or recede, causing the space between the jaws to change. Because your denture keeps its shape, adjustments will be needed to keep your denture fitting properly.

Caring for your dentures after they have been fitted is very important, not only for oral hygiene but also to make sure that the dentures last for a long time. In order to take good care of dentures a person should:
Rinse their denture thoroughly after every meal. Clean their denture thoroughly at least once a day, using a toothbrush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser. Don't use alcohol, abrasive cleaners, bleaches, whiteners or boiling water to clean or soak your dentures.

A complete denture should not be worn at night and should be removed and stored in normal tap water or in denture cleaning solution. Dentures can dry out and distort if they are left outside a moist environment.


13. Orthodontics

 

Orthodontics is the correcting of tooth alignment and bite problems. It deals with the straightening of teeth and with fixing over or underbites. A perfect smile should consist of straight teeth, be gap and overlap-free, and the top teeth should align with the bottom. Mouth injuries, prolonged pacifier use in infancy or thumb-sucking in early childhood can all cause misalignment. Most often, though, orthodontic problems occur simply because the teeth and mouth are growing at different speeds.

Orthodontic appliances such as braces and retainers put pressure on your teeth and/or jaw, forcing them into a more aligned form. These appliances are popular for their aesthetic benefits; they can pull teeth together to close gaps and push teeth apart to avoid overlaps. However, straightening your teeth improves more than just your smile. Crooked or overlapped teeth can impair chewing (and, therefore, digestion) and complicate dental hygiene. Poorly aligned teeth can lead to other complications (such as when teeth bite down on the tongue or gums). Jaw irregularities can cause the roof of your mouth to block your nasal cavities, leading to breathing difficulties. All of these potential problems can be prevented with the use of orthodontics. Finally, recent evidence even suggests that braces might play an indirect role in preventing cardiovascular disease: former braces-wearers learn to care for their teeth, thus reducing the amount of oral bacteria; a oral bacteria dissolves calcium in the mouth and pushes it into the arteries, possibly leading to cardiovascular disease.


Orthodontic treatment can occur at any age, although dentists recommend starting the process while the child is still growing, as the teeth and jaw will move into place quicker. Most orthodontic patients are in their early teens; however, orthodontists recommend interceptive orthodontic treatment, wearing a face brow and/or palatal expander to stretch your jaw and/or widen your mouth, at the age of eight or nine, in time for the permanent teeth to come into place. With interceptive orthodontic treatment, once the child's permanent teeth have grown and he or she is ready for braces, the mouth has already been shaped in such a way that the teeth can easily fit into place. Interceptive treatment can reduce the braces-wearing period down to 3-6 months in some cases. Successful orthodontic treatment can occur later in life, too, but in general, the earlier you start, the less the process hurts.

On average, orthodontic treatment tends to take about two to two and a half years. After a few initial assessment appointments, the orthodontist will glue metal or clear brackets to your teeth, held together by a wire. If you have an over or underbite, he or she may also assign headgear or a facebow to push or pull your jaw into place. Expect to see your orthodontist at least once a month, to have your braces checked and the wire holding your brackets together tightened. When the braces are removed, you will have to wear a retainer for a specified period of time to keep your new smile in place.



Sanoral dentistry and oral surgery
1073 Budapest, Hungary / Erzsébet körút 44-46.
+3613210577 / +36209452146 / +36209711655


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