Specialty Dentistry

Specialty Dentistry in Harare

Specialty dentistry is a growing field of dentistry that focuses on one specific area of dental health, such as implants, periodontics, and orthodontics. This makes it different from general practice dentists who treat a variety of conditions. Specialty dentists have invested a large amount of time and training to focus their skills on one specific area. However, the past decade has seen increasing numbers of professionals opting to specialize in a wide range of fields. Specialty care is vital to ensure the highest level of dental performance and satisfaction.

Endodontics

Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that treats diseases and injuries of the dental pulp. Endodontics focuses on the inside of the tooth, particularly on the treatment of dental pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels.

The pulp extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the roots where it connects to the tissues surrounding the root. Endodontists can perform various procedures that include the following:

Endodontic therapy
Treating Dental Trauma
Surgery
Cracked Teeth Treatment
Dental Trauma Treatment

Dental Extractions

Dental extractions are the pulling of teeth. The teeth are removed either by simple extraction or surgical extraction. Most teeth are extracted because they are damaged, decayed, or impacted. However, some people choose to have teeth pulled to make room in the mouth for dentures. The following information will help you decide whether you should consider a dental extraction.

What is a Simple Extraction? A simple extraction is performed on a tooth that can be seen in the mouth. Using an instrument called an elevator, your dentist will loosen the tooth and forceps will be used to remove it. If there is pain after the extraction, your dentist may prescribe pain medicine. What is a Surgical Extraction? A surgical extraction is a more complex procedure, which is used if a tooth may have broken off at the gum line or has not erupted in the mouth.

A surgical extraction requires an incision into your gum tissue and may require cutting through your jaw bone to remove the tooth. After the extraction, gauze will be placed over the wound to stop bleeding and a stitch may be needed to close the gum tissue over the socket (hole in your jaw where the tooth was). The area around an extraction site can be sore for about three days after surgery and pain medication

Orthodontics

This is a specialised field of dentistry dealing with the correction of improperly positioned teeth and jaws. Teeth that don’t fit together or are crooked are difficult to keep clean, and have a higher risk of being lost early to tooth decay and other oral diseases. This naturally causes stress to chewing muscles causing headaches, back, shoulder and neck pain.

Crooked teeth or those not in the right position can also have a negative effect on one’s appearance. Orthodontic treatment has the benefit of giving you a healthy mouth and better appearance. Your teeth also have a greater probability of lasting throughout your life.

Prosthodontics

Prosthodontics is a dental specialty involving the diagnosis, treatment planning, prevention and rehabilitation of conditions related to the oral function and esthetics. Prosthodontists are primarily responsible for restoring teeth that have been damaged by disease or injury. Prosthodontists often work closely with periodontists and oral surgeons in treating patients. They may also work alongside orthodontists in treating conditions of the jaw, mouth and face.

Oral surgery

Oral surgery is the branch of dentistry that is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects involving the structures of the mouth, jaws, teeth, and facial areas. The oral surgeon performs a number of tasks ranging from wisdom teeth extraction to soft tissue grafts or reconstruction of jaws and facial bones.

Dentures

Dentures are custom made removable appliances designed to replace missing teeth. There are different types of dentures depending on the amount of teeth that are missing and where they are missing. Dentures can be made in full or partial. Full dentures replace all the teeth while partial dentures replace a few missing teeth.

Root Canal

Root canal therapy is used to restore badly damaged and infected teeth due to tooth decay. It involves the removal of the pulp and nerve of the tooth. Afterwards, the inside of the tooth in cleaned then finally sealed. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are put in the jawbone to replace missing teeth. A dental implant is a titanium post placed into the jawbone, which acts as a foundation for attaching an artificial tooth. Dental implants are a great alternative for people who have lost their teeth, commonly due to severe gum disease or injury.

Treatment of Gum Disease

Gum disease is when the gums get inflamed and when left untreated will end up affecting the bone surrounding your teeth. Gum disease manifests in three stages which are gingivitis, periodontitis and advanced periodontitis. Gum Disease Treatments Treating gum disease depends on the stage of disease, how you may have responded to earlier treatments, and your overall health. Deep cleanings are often used to treat gum disease. There are also certain procedures that can help prevent or slow down gum disease.