Oral and Dental Health

ORAL AND DENTAL HEALTH

Oral and teeth play an important role in many vital functions such as chewing, swallowing, speaking, and even digestion. The oral cavity hosts a complex oral flora made up of billions of bacteria. In a healthy environment, these bacteria coexist in balance. However, when this balance is disrupted due to poor hygiene, stress, smoking, or certain diseases, it can cause oral and dental diseases. An untreated tooth infection or gingivitis can also become a risk factor for other conditions. When a problem reaches this level, the entire system can be affected. Daviva Health Group’s Oral and Dental Health Department provides services with its experienced specialist team and modern technological infrastructure in the fields of dental and gum diseases, smile aesthetics, orthodontic treatments, and preventive dentistry.

What Is Oral and Dental Health?

Oral health refers to the overall health of the mouth, including the teeth, gums, tongue, palate, oral mucosa, salivary glands, and jaw. It reflects not only the absence of disease or discomfort, but also proper function and comfort in daily life, such as chewing, speaking, and smiling. Oral and dental health is closely related to overall health and quality of life. For example, tooth decay can lead to difficulty chewing, appetite problems, and sleep problems, reducing quality of life. The primary factors that cause tooth decay include oral hygiene and eating habits. Therefore, maintaining good oral hygiene is very important for a healthy mouth and teeth. Oral health is usually assessed based on the clinical examination performed by the dentist.

What Are Oral and Dental Health Diseases?

Tooth Decay

It is one of the most common oral and dental health problems. Tooth decay is a progressive and degenerative disease that affects the hard tissues of the tooth. It does not cause pain at first, but if not detected early, it gradually spreads to the pulp, which is rich in nerve endings. It causes sudden, sharp pain, especially when consuming acidic or sweet foods, as well as hot or cold foods.

Tooth decay affects all age groups. It appears with the eruption of the first teeth (primary teeth). Tooth decay is quite common in children. After the permanent teeth erupt, the frequency of tooth decay increases and then remains high in old age as well. Poor oral hygiene ranks first among the causes of tooth decay.

Tooth Abscess

A tooth abscess occurs as a result of the accumulation of bacteria, white blood cells, cellular debris, and plasma in the gums. It usually develops due to advanced tooth decay, trauma, or untreated gum disease. It is an extremely uncomfortable condition. The most common symptoms of a tooth abscess include redness and swelling of the gum, tingling, and pain with a throbbing sensation. Those with both periapical abscesses (due to deep decay) and periodontal abscesses (pus accumulation as a result of gum disease) experience intense and continuous pain accompanied by widespread swelling and sometimes fever.

Gingivitis

It usually occurs due to the buildup of dental plaque. It appears in the gums as redness, swelling, and bleeding. If gingivitis is not treated in time, gum recession and periodontitis can lead to serious consequences. The main cause is poor oral hygiene.

Advanced Gum Disease (Periodontitis)

It is the advanced stage of gum infection (gingivitis). It is a serious infection that can lead to tooth loss.

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

It is caused by bacteria present in the oral flora. It usually develops due to bacteria on the tongue. It can also be caused by stomach diseases.

Tooth Sensitivity

These are sharp, stabbing, or sudden pains that occur when the tooth comes into contact with hot, cold, acidic, or sugary foods. The most common cause is thinning of the tooth enamel.

Mouth Sores (Aphthae)

These are harmless inflammations commonly known as canker sores, which appear as small or deep sores inside the mouth. The pain experienced by the patient is quite severe and feels like a burning sensation.

Broken Tooth or Missing Teeth

This is the process of treating teeth broken for various reasons and replacing lost teeth with methods such as implants, bridges, or dentures.

Broken teeth are much more sensitive than healthy teeth, and discomfort may worsen especially while eating or consuming hard foods. Even touching the tooth with the tongue can turn into a sharp and throbbing pain.

Orthodontic Problems

Orthodontic problems include conditions such as crowded, spaced, or gapped teeth, and a jawline that is positioned forward or backward.

Toothache

Toothache can present in different ways depending on the underlying cause. While the most common cause is tooth decay, gum disease can also lead to pain. Toothache usually starts suddenly, but in some cases it can develop gradually.

Toothache can range from mild discomfort that negatively affects daily life to severe pain. It may be constant or intermittent.

The pain may become throbbing, radiate to the head, jaw, or ear, and negatively affect daily life. The affected tooth may be sensitive to touch, hot, or cold stimuli.

Toothache is not always caused by infection, trauma, or inflammation. In some cases, it may also appear as a secondary symptom of conditions not directly related to the teeth, such as earache, excessive stress, teeth grinding (bruxism), or acute or chronic sinusitis.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth (third molars) are so named because they usually erupt after adolescence, between the ages of 17 and 25. When wisdom teeth become trapped under the gum (impacted), they increase the risk of cysts and other problems. Abscesses, tooth decay, and other gum inflammations are the most common problems caused by wisdom teeth. In such cases, direct extraction is usually recommended.

When and Why Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

It is definitely not true that wisdom teeth always need to be removed. In some patients, these teeth manage to erupt completely without causing any discomfort, and the patient can prevent decay by cleaning them properly. Even small cavities can be treated and filled.

The reasons for removing wisdom teeth include the following.

• In recurrent pain, the tooth may need to be extracted, because it will continue to cause persistent discomfort over time.
• Improper positioning of the wisdom tooth increases the risk of decay in the adjacent tooth. When cavities are very deep and even affect the pulp, requiring root canal treatment, each case must be evaluated separately to decide whether to preserve, treat, or extract the tooth. The anatomy of wisdom teeth is highly variable, which can make root canal treatment difficult. If the cavities are destructive and make the tooth unrestorable, the tooth should be extracted.
• If the wisdom tooth is pressing on the root of the adjacent tooth, it needs to be removed. The wisdom tooth may damage the root of the neighboring tooth or cause decay. This may require extraction of the wisdom tooth.
• Before starting orthodontic treatment, wisdom teeth may need to be removed, although not always, to facilitate the movement of other teeth or create more space in the dental arch.
• Wisdom teeth may be impacted within a cyst. In this case, the teeth need to be removed because the cyst can grow over time and damage the surrounding bone. Cysts are more common in lower wisdom teeth.

Wisdom tooth extraction is a procedure performed under local anesthesia. The difficulty of the procedure varies significantly depending on the case and the patient’s overall condition.

What Treatment Methods Are Used in Oral and Dental Health?

What Is Dental Implant Treatment?

A dental implant is a permanent and aesthetic treatment method applied with titanium or titanium alloy screws placed into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. Implant dentistry is the modern branch of dentistry that includes this application.

Implant treatment aims to restore both aesthetic appearance and chewing function in patients who have lost their natural teeth. Thanks to advanced technology today, implant procedures offer safe, comfortable, and long-lasting solutions. Implant treatment is usually performed under local anesthesia.

The treatment process consists of the following stages:

• Implant placement: The dentist makes a small incision in the gum to reach the jawbone. A socket of appropriate diameter is prepared in the bone, and the titanium implant is placed in this area.
• Osseointegration process (the fusion process of the implant with the jawbone): After the implant is placed, the fusion process with the bone begins. This biological process is called osseointegration. It usually takes 2 to 6 months. At the end of this process, the implant becomes strong enough to support the artificial tooth.
• Placement of the prosthesis: After healing is complete, the abutment and fixed prosthetic tooth are placed on the implant. Thus, a result closest to the natural tooth is achieved both aesthetically and functionally.

Who Is Implant Treatment Suitable For?

Dental implant treatment is a suitable option for patients who are in good general health, have sufficient jawbone to support the implant, and pay attention to oral hygiene. If necessary, additional procedures such as bone grafting may be planned.

What Is Filling Treatment?

Dental filling is a common treatment method applied to repair teeth damaged due to decay, fracture, or wear.

Fillings are used to fill the cavity formed after removing decay, repair broken or cracked teeth, and replace old fillings.

Why Are Dental Fillings Done?

When decay occurs, a cavity forms inside the tooth. If this cavity is not treated, bacteria can progress into the tooth and cause infection.

Dental fillings help prevent bacteria from causing further damage to the tooth by sealing areas that could lead to decay or infection. In this way, they also stop the decay. Fillings can also help restore the strength and function of a tooth weakened or broken by decay.

How Is a Dental Filling Done?

In a dental filling procedure, the tooth and surrounding area are usually numbed with local anesthesia. The decayed or damaged tissue is removed. The resulting cavity is filled with a suitable filling material.

The treatment is usually completed in a short time, and the patient can return to normal life on the same day. A dental filling is a simple and effective treatment that stops the progression of decay and helps protect the healthy structure of the tooth.

What Is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment (endodontic treatment) is a procedure applied when the pulp tissue inside the tooth becomes inflamed or infected. It is also called endodontic treatment.

Although feared by patients, root canal treatment is actually a safe and effective method aimed at saving the tooth without extraction.

Why Is Root Canal Treatment Done?

Inside the tooth there is soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels. This area is called the dental pulp. In cases such as deep tooth decay, broken or cracked teeth, leaking old fillings, and trauma, bacteria can advance into the tooth. In this case, the pulp may become inflamed or lose its vitality. If left untreated, the infection can progress and lead to a tooth abscess and severe pain.

How Is Root Canal Treatment Done?

Root canal treatment generally consists of the following stages:

1. The tooth is numbed with local anesthesia.
2. The infected or damaged pulp tissue is removed from the tooth canals.
3. The canals are disinfected with special solutions.
4. The cleaned canals are sealed with filling material.
5. If necessary, a filling or crown is placed on the tooth.

Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?

Root canal treatment is an effective dental procedure that relieves pain and saves the natural tooth by cleaning the infected dental pulp. Root canal treatment is performed under local anesthesia. After the anesthesia wears off, there may be sensitivity in the tooth.

What Is Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that offers techniques aimed at realigning crowded teeth and restoring the smile. Thanks to orthodontic treatment, irregularities in the teeth are corrected, achieving both aesthetic and functional improvement.

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry focused on the development, diagnosis, prevention, and correction of teeth. Today, many orthodontic treatment options are available for different needs.

What Are the Types of Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontic treatments can be fixed (braces treatment) or removable (clear aligner treatment) and can be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic.

The main function of these treatments is to apply gentle and continuous pressure to gradually move the teeth into the correct position.

For many years, orthodontic braces were made only of metal. Today, both adults and children can choose removable clear aligners for a more aesthetic appearance.

In addition, metal braces are now less visible. Modern materials are more comfortable and allow for a faster treatment process.

How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?

Orthodontic treatment usually lasts 1 to 3 years. The treatment duration may vary depending on various factors such as the patient’s age, jaw structure, current position of the teeth, and the type of treatment applied (fixed braces or clear aligners).

What Procedures Are Performed in Aesthetic Dentistry?

Aesthetic dentistry aims to improve the appearance of the teeth, gums, and overall smile while preserving the health and functionality of the oral cavity and teeth. Treatments make it possible to have healthy, natural, and beautiful smiles by treating defects related to tooth color, shape, size, and alignment. The procedures performed in aesthetic dentistry are;

• Teeth whitening
• Dental veneers
• Gum aesthetics (pink aesthetics)
• Tooth contouring and reshaping
• Aesthetic orthodontics
• Aesthetic restorations and fillings
• Dental implants and aesthetic prostheses

What Are the Methods for Protecting Oral and Dental Health?

Proper oral and dental care includes:

• Brush your teeth twice a day.
• Replace your toothbrush about every 3 months or when the bristles become deformed.
• Avoid hard back-and-forth horizontal brushing motions, as they can damage the gums. Instead, prefer gentle, small circular movements.

Also, use dental floss or an interdental brush every day to clean the areas between your teeth. These are the areas where cavities and gum disease most often begin. Ask your dentist for advice on which product is right for you.