BIDC General Dentistry

Services : Dental Diagnosis & GP

General Dentistry

General dentistry involves professional checkups and cleaning in maintaining teeth and gums so that they remain healthy for a life-time. The main streams under general practice includes: Dental Diagnosis Scaling and Polishing Dental Fillings

 

Dental Diagnosis Dental Diagnosis is the most important aspect in modern dentistry. Oral examinations and checkup are done to ensure a proper treatment plan is drawn and executed.

Scaling & Polishing Scaling is done to remove calculus or tartar on teeth that causes tooth decay and gum infections. Professional polishing is done to restore your teeth's natural sheen.

Dental Fillings Dental fillings are the most common restoration done to fill a portion of tooth after cavities or decay is removed.

Services : Dental Diagnosis & GP : Dental Diagnosis

Dental Diagnosis Dental Diagnosis is the most important aspect in modern dentistry. Oral examinations, x-rays and checkups are done to ensure a proper treatment plan is drawn and executed. The dental diagnosis determines what types of treatments and how an individual patient case is to be treated. Two main aspects are looked at on dental diagnosis at our clinic: Dental diagnosis policies and standards Dental diagnosis technologies

Dental Diagnosis Policies and Standards

At our dental clinic in Bangkok, our clinic is dedicated dental center with simple objectives:

1) Professionalism in code of conduct
2) International standards
3) Quality care of patients with compassion

Our policies and control checks are set to provide transparency. We believe in taking the time to educate each of patient on their options and setting realistic targets. Our dental specialists and dentists are a selected group of qualified and skilled individuals chosen to treat our patients in their specific field of expertises.

A hoslistic approach is taken to ensure that our patients are properly and professionally treated. As with all our treatments, our team takes into considerations the patients long-term prognosis.

Over 85% of our dental specialists are overseas graduates trained in the United Kingdom, United States and other parts of the world.

 

Dental Diagnosis Technologies

To aid our dentists and dental specialists in dental diagnosis and providing good quality dental care, modern equipments and techniques are utilized.

Our dental clinic has our own panoramic x-ray machines are used to facilitate systemic diagnoses and treatment plans. Our dental clinic has over 10 treatment rooms, each equipped with modern dental units designed for patient comfort .

Within each specific stream of dentistry, our dental specialists are also aided and guided by specialized instruments with the patient safety functions. The endomate and root apex locator are used in endodontic treatments. The OsseoCare unit for dental implants placement. Advanced laser systems are used in tooth whitening, prosthodontic treatments and oral surgeries.

Sterilization standards are of the uptmost importances at our clinic. Our dental clinic places emphasis on sterilization policies and controls, sterilization equipments, personalized sterilization options and have dedicated sterilization machines and technologies in protecting the safety of our patients. Tools such as autoclave sterilizer , ultrasonic cleanser , cold sterilizer, vacuum machine, sunction machines and one-time disposable materials are used to ensure high standards of hygiene and cleaniness are met.

Our clinical handpieces, dental units and other machines are selected not only for their technological advancements but also for their design focus on sterilization approaches.

Services : Dental Diagnosis & GP: Fillings

Dental Fillings

If part of a tooth has been lost through decay or damaged due to an accident, your dentist may put in a dental filling. Dental fillings are used to fill a portion of tooth or plug the hole and stop any future pain or discomfort.

Types of Dental Fillings

There are two basic types of dental fillings:

Traditional Amalgam Fillings
Composite Resin Tooth-Colored Fillings

Our clinics uses the 3M ESPE Filtek for composite resin fillings. The 3M ESPE utilises developments in nanotechnology enabling high-quality restorations as well as excellent mechanical properties and strength.

Benefits of 3M ESPE Filtek

1. Nanosized filler particles create a brilliant polish and retention
2. Gives excellent strength, durability and wear resistance for even the toughest posterior restorations
3. Can be used for simple to complex restorations involving layering and combining two and opacities
4. Low polymerization shrinkage for less stress on the tooth and less sensitivity potential for patients
5. Fluorescence contributes to a more natural looking restoration
6. Unique nanocomposite-based restorative combines strength and high-quality esthetics

The above information has been taken from 3M ESPE website.

 

Procedure for Composite Resin Dental Fillings Treatment

The course of treatment described here is one of several options available at our dental clinic. Consult your dentist to find out what the best solution is for you, given your specific condition.

1. First evaluation and fillings tooth preparation
   • decay in tooth is removed and clean cavity of bacteria and debris
   • prepare space for the filling
2. Application of dental fillings
   • tooth-colored material is placed in layers
   • a special light that "cures" or hardens each layer is applied
   • shape composite material to the desired result, trim off any excess material
   • polish final restoration

 

Recovery Expectations

Having dental fillings and fillings replacement done is a quick and relatively simple process. There should be little or no sensitivity in teeth.

Dental fillings treatment can usually be completed within one visit if warranted. If however, there are a large number of fillings, the visits may be separated for better patient comfort.

 

Care for Dental Fillings

To maintain your fillings, you should follow good oral hygiene practices:

1. Brush at least twice a day. It is good practice to brush after eating and before bedtime.
2. Floss at least once to twice a day.
3. Rinse with fluoride rinse before bed. Swish the fluoride rinse vigorously in your mouth for at least one minute. Do not swallow any of the rinse and do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes
4. See your dentist for regular professional check-ups and cleanings. If your dentist suspects that a filling might be cracked or is "leaking", further assessment of the situation should be done
5. If your tooth is extremely sensitive, if you feel a sharp edge, if you notice a crack in the filling, or if a piece of the filling is missing, call your dentist

 

Amalgam Fillings versus Composite Resin Fillings

	Traditional Amalgam Fillings Most of us have had amalgam fillings (silver) or gold filling restorations. Amalgam fillings are sometimes called mercury fillings as some amalgam fillings contained minute amounts of mercury.   Advantages Durability – lasts at least 10 to 15 years or more Strength – can withstand chewing forces Expense – is less expensive than composite fillings Disadvantages Poor aesthetics – does not match the color of your natural teeth Destruction of more tooth structure – healthy parts of the tooth may need to be removed to make a space large enough to hold the amalgam filling Discoloration – amalgam fillings can create a grayish hue to the surrounding tooth structure and tend to blacken over time Rare Allergic reactions – a small percentage of people, approximately 1%, are allergic to the mercury present in amalgam restorations				Composite Resin Tooth-Colored Fillings Composite resin dental fillings or white fillings are tooth fillings colored to look like a natural tooth.   Advantages Aesthetics – shade/color can be matched to existing teethม well suited for front teeth use Versatility in uses – in addition to use as a filling material for decay, composite fillings can also be used to repair chipped, broken or worn teeth Tooth-sparing preparation – less tooth structure may need to be removed compared with amalgams Disadvantages Durability – may not last as long as amalgams on average Increased treatment time – because of the process to apply the composite material Chipping – depending on location, composite materials can chip off the tooth Expense – composite fillings can cost up to twice the cost of amalgams

Services : Dental Diagnosis & GP : Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Dental Fillings

• What Are Indirect Fillings?
• What's a Temporary Filling and Why Would I Need One?
• Are Amalgam-Type Fillings Safe?

What Are Indirect Fillings?

Indirect fillings are similar to composite or tooth-colored fillings except that they are made in a dental laboratory and require two visits before being placed. Indirect fillings are considered when not enough tooth structure remains to support a filling but the tooth is not so severely damaged that it needs a crown.

During the first visit, decay or an old filling is removed. An impression is taken to record the shape of the tooth being repaired and the teeth around it. The impression is sent to a dental laboratory that will make the indirect filling. A temporary filling (described below) is placed to protect the tooth while your restoration is being made. During the second visit, the temporary filling is removed, and the dentist will check the fit of the indirect restoration. Provided the fit is acceptable, it will be permanently cemented into place.

There are two types of indirect fillings – inlays and onlays.

1. Inlays are similar to fillings but the entire work lies within the cusps (bumps) on the chewing surface of the tooth
2. Onlays are more extensive than inlays, covering one or more cusps. Onlays are sometimes called partial crowns

Inlays and onlays are more durable and last much longer than traditional fillings – up to 30 years. They can be made of tooth-colored composite resin, porcelain or gold. Inlays and onlays weaken the tooth structure, but do so to a much lower extent than traditional fillings.

What's a Temporary Filling and Why Would I Need One?

Temporary fillings are used under the following circumstances:

• For fillings that require more than one appointment – for example, before placement of inlays and onlays
• Following a root canal
• To allow a tooth's nerve to "settle down" if the pulp became irritated
• If emergency dental treatment is needed (such as to address a toothache)

Temporary fillings are not meant to last. They usually fall out, fracture, or wear out within 1 month. Be sure to contact your dentist to have your temporary filling replaced with a permanent one. If this is not done, the tooth could become infected with other complications.

Are Amalgam-Type Fillings Safe?

Over the past several years, concerns have been raised about silver-colored fillings, otherwise called amalgams. Because amalgams contain mercury, some people think that amalgams are responsible for causing a number of diseases, including autism, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis.

The American Dental Association (ADA), the FDA, and numerous public health agencies say amalgams are safe, and that any link between mercury-based fillings and disease is unfounded. The causes of autism, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis remain unknown. Additionally, there is no solid, scientific evidence to back up the claim that if a person has amalgam fillings removed, he or she will be cured of these or any other diseases.

Services : Dental Diagnosis & GP : Scaling & Polishing

Tooth Scaling

Scaling or prophylaxis is the procedure of removing calculus (tartar), plaque and stains from the teeth. Tooth scaling is part of professional tooth cleaning.

Tooth Polishing

Polishing of tooth surfaces is used to make these surfaces smooth which makes it more difficult for plaque and debris to accumulate on your teeth that causes decay or gum disease. Polishing is a preventive procedure used as a first-line defense against dental problems.

Procedure for Scaling and Polishing Treatment

When scaling and polishing is done,essentially this is a deep clean of your mouth. A special tool is used to get rid of the hard build up of calculus (tartar) then follow up by giving the teeth a thorough polish. The areas concentreated on are just below the gum line, behind your teeth and in the gaps in between them, as these are the regions commonly missed when we brush our teeth. Scaling and polishing helps prevent gum disease.

At our dental clinic, our center uses the EMS Piezon technology. The EMS Piezon unit's small tip and high frequency scaling tool along with its water spray technology delivers higher patient comfort and makes the procedure for the removal of calculus (tartar) more time-effective. The EMS Peizon enables a more gentle and effective scale within a shorter treatment timeframe than conventional scaling tools. The unit is also designed for complete sterilization, a concept our clinic emphasizes on.