Diagnostics Aids
The Tooth
There are two sets of teeth, ones anchored in the upper jaw (maxilla) and the ones anchored in the lower jaw (mandible). Ideal Complete set of teeth in a child is 20(temporary teeth) and 32 (permanent teeth) in adults. However, there may be dental anomalies in some like Hypodontia (the absence of ne or more teeth), Oligodontia (missing of six or more teeth and Anodontia (complete absence of teeth).
Types of teeth:
- Central Incisors
- lateral Incisors
- canine
- premolars (1st and 2nd)
- molar (1st,2nd,3rd)
Tooth Structure:
What we normally see when we smile is called Crown, the ones we don’t see is called the Root which is inside the jaw .
The following are the Parts of a Tooth:
ENAMEL – outermost covering of the tooth, hardest mineralized tissue part of the human body.
DENTIN – inner part of the tooth next to the ENAMEL from the outside, where there are many very tiny tubes that lead directly to PULP.
PULP – soft tissue found in the innermost part of the tooth, it has blood vessels and nerves, provides nutrition and sensitivity to the tooth
CEMENTUM – hard tissue that covers the root of the tooth
PERIODONTAL LIGAMENTS – these are collagen fibers and attach the teeth to the bone and gingival tissues
GUMS – usually pinkish soft tissue that surrounds the teeth
(Always seek professional help )
Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is significant to your general health . Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth and teeth clean to prevent dental problems like tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontitis, bad breath, and more.
If we want to keep our teeth forever, we must maintain cleanliness of our teeth and gums.
Every time we eat, food residues may remain in the mouth and attach itself to tooth surfaces. If these residues will stay for a longer period of time, it may form plaque or calculus that will promote tooth decay which leads to dental problems. To prevent dental problems we need to have a good oral hygiene.
How You Can Keep Your Teeth Healthy
- Brush at least twice a day — after breakfast and before bedtime. If you can, brush after lunch or after sweet snacks. Brushing properly breaks down plaque.
- Brush all of your teeth, not just the front ones. Spend some time on the teeth along the sides and in the back. Have your dentist show you the best way to brush to get your teeth clean without damaging your gums.
- Take your time while brushing. Spend at least 2 or 3 minutes each time you brush. If you have trouble keeping track of the time, use a timer or play a recording of a song you like to help pass the time.
- Be sure your toothbrush has soft bristles (the package will tell you if they’re soft). Ask your parent to help you get a new toothbrush every 3 months. Some toothbrushes come with bristles that change color when it’s time to change them.
- Ask your dentist if an antibacterial mouth rinse is right for you.
- Learn how to floss your teeth, which is a very important way to keep them healthy. It feels weird the first few times you do it, but pretty soon you’ll be a pro. Slip the dental floss between each tooth and along the gum line gently once a day. The floss gets rid of food that’s hidden where your toothbrush can’t get it, no matter how well you brush.
- You can also brush your tongue to help keep your breath fresh!
It’s important to visit the dentist at least twice a year. Besides checking for signs of cavities or gum disease, the dentist will help keep your teeth extra clean and can help you learn the best way to brush and floss.
It’s not just brushing and flossing that keep your teeth healthy — you also need to be careful about what you eat and drink. Remember, the plaque on your teeth is just waiting for that sugar to arrive. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and drink water instead of soda. And don’t forget to smile!
(Always Seek Professional Help)
Orthodontics
Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry which basically deals with the diagnosis, prevention and correction of malpositioned teeth.
There is a need to have a well-aligned teeth to achieve the following:
- proper chewing
- cleaning the surfaces is easy thereby preventing build up of caries that will cause tooth decay.
- Facial profile will improve
Every patient will have a unique case therefore, only your dentist can diagnose and determine the kind of orthodontic treatment to use
The Doctor may use fixed appliance (brackets attached or cemented on the front surfaces or back of the teeth), which you can not remove during the duration of treatment, or may use removable appliance which you can remove at home and clean.
Tips that may help you if you wish to have an orthodontic treatment:
- See you preferred Dentist
- Explain why you want to undergo Orthodontic Treatment. Make Sure that you Set realistic Expectations.
- You Dentist would normally perform visual inspection of mouth to check your teeth and gums and bite.
- If he/she thinks that you may be a candidate for orthodontic treatment a panoramic and cephalometric x-rays of your jaw and head will be taken.
- Diagnostics casts and photo profiles will also be needed.
- From these, you orthodontist will check the kind of malocclusion (improper bite) that you have.
- A treatment plan will be made for you, which will include the type of appliance that will be used for your case.
- It is important that you should consider orthodontic treatment seriously and commit yourself to work hand and hand with your orthodontist to achieve the best results.
- NEVER use DIY(do-it-yourself) braces that are sold online to prevent unwanted complications.
These are guidelines only, it is best that you personally visit your preferred orthodontist for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.
(Always Seek Professional Help)
Prosthodontics
Prosthodontics deals with replacing missing tooth/teeth and associated soft and hard structures. Common Replacements may be Removable Dentures, Fixed Dentures, or maybe supported or retained by implants.
- Removable Dentures
- Removable Partial Dentures (RPD) – are replacements if not all teeth are missing
- Complete Dentures (CD) – are replacements if all teeth are missing
Base Materials for these replacements maybe made of, but not limited to, acrylic, silicone, metal or combination of metal and acrylic. One advantage of these dentures is it can easily be removed and cleaned. However, for this to serve its purpose, the patient should use it for eating and must be see his/her dentist regularly so adjustments may be done if the denture is loose or becomes ill-fitted.
- Fixed Dentures
Fixed dentures also known as non-removable dentures are coverings or replacements that will feel like natural teeth. It can replace one tooth or more and can not easily be removed. These are custom-made but should follow the shape of the ideal tooth and meant to protect the tooth it covers. More importantly, it should be functional.
Crown – it is a covering or a cap that is used for single tooth. It is indicated if the tooth is discolored, cracked or has loose large fillings.
Fixed Bridge – It is a covering with similar materials with crowns, that is use to replace missing or extracted tooth or more than one tooth. It may use existing tooth/ teeth near the missing tooth/teeth as anchorage or abutments where they are securely bonded for retention and stability
Types of Fixed Dentures according to materials may be made of the following(but not limited to) :
- Metal Crowns/bridges – Gold Alloy and its alternatives
- Non- Metal Crowns – Acrylic Resin or Porcelain
- Combination of metal and plastic or Prorcelain Fused to Metal
Steps involved in Fixed Denture Fabrication:
- Diagnosis of the involved tooth/teeth and its surrounding structure. There will be visual inspection to check mobility of the tooth/teeth, its integrity, opposing tooth (if present), and gums should not be swelling. Radiographic inspection is done to check if there is root fracture, bone loss, unerupted tooth(teeth). This step will determine the prognosis.
- Impression is taken to make a diagnostic cast or study model
- Tooth Preparation will be done to form or shape the involved tooth/teeth so that crown/bridge to fabricated by the laboratory will fit the prepared tooth/teeth.
- Final impression is taken , shade determined and will be sent to laboratory.
- Ideally, a temporary cover may be placed over the tooth while waiting for the final material.
- When the crown is ready it will be fitted first to allow the patient to check for any uncomfortable feeling especially when biting and the shade is check as well (Trial Phase)
- Patient will give the Go-signal if everything is okay then the crown/bridge will be cemented over the involved tooth
- Patient will be given post installation instructions
Always Seek Professional Help
When cavities in teeth reach the inner most part, the Pulp, it cannot be directly restored by ordinary tooth fillings. Sometimes it becomes infected. To save the involved tooth, it should be treated first — and this procedure is called Root Canal Treatment (RCT). The procedure includes taking x-rays of the tooth involved to determine the length and extent of infection, and sessions of cleaning and irrigation to make sure it is free of any debris or bacteria. After the infection has been removed, a filling is placed inside the root to replace the contents of the cavity. When RCT is done, the tooth maybe restored by a composite restoration material. In some cases, a Crown may be placed over the tooth if the affected area is large.
Please avoid self-diagnosis and seek professional help to determine whether the tooth involved is a good candidate for Root canal treatment or extraction. Your dentist will be able to guide you to make a logical decision.
(Always Seek Professional Help)
When cavities in teeth reach the inner most part, the Pulp, it cannot be directly restored by ordinary tooth fillings. Sometimes it becomes infected. To save the involved tooth, it should be treated first — and this procedure is called Root Canal Treatment (RCT). The procedure includes taking x-rays of the tooth involved to determine the length and extent of infection, and sessions of cleaning and irrigation to make sure it is free of any debris or bacteria. After the infection has been removed, a filling is placed inside the root to replace the contents of the cavity. When RCT is done, the tooth maybe restored by a composite restoration material. In some cases, a Crown may be placed over the tooth if the affected area is large.
Please avoid self-diagnosis and seek professional help to determine whether the tooth involved is a good candidate for Root canal treatment or extraction. Your dentist will be able to guide you to make a logical decision.
(Always Seek Professional Help)
