FAQ
Should every wisdom tooth be extracted?

No, if the wisdom teeth have fully erupted in the mouth and are in a clean condition without any deep caries, there is no need for them to be extracted. However, if they have caries that cannot be treated, if they are protruding towards the cheek, causing the person to involuntarily bite their cheek or tongue, if they are causing damage to neighboring teeth or have the potential to do so, then the extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary. It is important to consult with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon when wisdom teeth are observed in the mouth.

What to do after tooth extraction?
  • Do not rinse your mouth for at least half an hour to promote clotting. Rinsing the mouth prevents the formation of the blood clot, which will ensure healing after extraction, and may delay healing of the wound.
  • After tooth extraction, bite the gauze pad placed by your dentist firmly for 15-20 minutes and swallow normally. Accumulating saliva in the mouth and constantly spitting it may prevent the formation of blood clots and cause bleeding to continue.
  • Bleeding that may occur as leakage can last between 6-24 hours. Blood may stain your saliva. Therefore, do not panic by thinking that your bleeding is excessive. You can consult your dentist about this issue.
  • After tooth extraction, you may feel pain. You can take a painkiller other than aspirin after consulting your dentist. Especially when the numbness wears off, the pain may peak, don't worry.
  • Since teeth are connected to the jawbone, the bone becomes exposed after extraction. Therefore, you may think that a piece of the tooth remains. Do not touch this area with your tongue or any object. The exposed bone will be covered with your gum within a few days.
  • Avoid hot, spicy foods that may irritate the extraction site.
  • Do not smoke or drink alcohol for 24 hours after extraction.
  • If possible, avoid driving immediately after extraction.
  • After tooth extraction, if possible, place a high pillow under your head and rest. Avoid taking hot baths.
  • Do not eat anything until the numbness in your mouth wears off; you may inadvertently bite the numb areas and cause injuries.
  • Continue normal oral hygiene practices 24 hours after tooth extraction.
  • If you experience swelling on your face, persistent pain after tooth extraction, bleeding lasting more than 24 hours, a bad taste or odor in your mouth, contact your dentist without delay.
  • If you had a surgical operation on your tooth or stitches were placed after tooth extraction, don't forget your follow-up appointment.
  • It is advisable to avoid swimming pool and sea activities as much as possible during the 3-4 days following tooth extraction.
  • Until the stitches are removed, the stitched area should not be touched or pulled by stretching the stitches.
Should unerupted teeth always be extracted?

Impacted teeth, those that have not fully erupted, are typically moved to their appropriate position over time through surgical intervention and orthodontic treatment. Impacted teeth that will not be used orthodontically and have caused pain or cyst formation should be extracted.

What is an implant?

Implants are artificial roots made of titanium or ceramic, known for their biocompatibility, designed to best mimic a natural tooth to eliminate tooth loss. These are placed in the area where the tooth is missing.

Can everyone receive implants?

Implants can be applied to any healthy individual whose growth and development are complete and who has suitable jawbone conditions.

How long do dental implants last?

The lifespan of dental implants can vary depending on several factors. Poor oral hygiene and factors that contribute to natural tooth loss can also affect implants. Routine check-ups every six months are necessary to maintain healthy implants. Although implant treatment is long-lasting, the lifespan of implants can be influenced by an individual's oral health, overall health, and habits.

If a cyst is formed at the root end of a tooth, does it always need to be extracted?

For cysts in the onset stage, the tooth may not need to be extracted. Such teeth are primarily treated with root canal therapy, followed by surgical intervention at the root tip under local anesthesia to resolve the problem, allowing the tooth to remain in the mouth for a long time.

What is oral and maxillofacial radiology?

Oral, dental, and maxillofacial radiology is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on the use of imaging techniques to diagnose and treat diseases and conditions of the mouth, teeth, and jaws. When patients come to our hospital with complaints, they are first examined by dentists before starting their treatment. If deemed necessary, dental radiographs are taken. After oral examination and radiographic evaluations are completed, they are primarily referred to the relevant clinic for the required treatment.

Why is a good examination necessary?

During the initial examination, the first priority is to learn if the patient has any systemic diseases, what their medical history is, and what illnesses they have experienced.

The therapeutic procedures to be performed and the selection of medications are arranged based on the information acquired during the initial examination in line with the patient's health.

The treatment plan, possible treatment alternatives and their advantages and disadvantages are thoroughly explained to the patients. In our hospital, radiographic evaluations and intraoral examinations of patients are performed using the most advanced technologies required for diagnosis. As a result of the evaluations, treatment plans are created and patients are directed to the relevant departments.

Which imaging methods do we use?

Panoramic Film: These are X-ray films that allow jaws, all teeth, and many disorders in the jaws and teeth to be viewed in a single film.

Periapical Film: A small type of film taken from inside the mouth that provides the closest image of the relevant teeth at actual size. It gives a detailed view of the related tooth group and jaw bone.

Bite-Wing Film (Interproximal Radiography): It is especially used for detecting caries between adjacent teeth.

Cephalometric Film: Particularly used in orthodontic treatment planning, it shows the relationship between the lower and upper jaws and the teeth with the base of the skull and other structures.

Occlusal Film: It is used for determining the horizontal positions of the teeth, examining the sutures of the jaw bone, or investigating the salivary glands and ducts.

Dental Volumetric Tomography: It is used for jaw tumors, implant planning, impacted teeth, and airway measurement (sleep apnea). It provides a three-dimensional and sectional analysis of the jaw and facial region.

In our radiology clinic, protection methods are applied to our patients in accordance with the standards of the International Radiation Protection Association and the Turkish Atomic Energy Authority.

Can I have radiography while pregnant?

Radiography is generally avoided in pregnant women or those with suspected pregnancy, unless there is an urgent medical indication and a doctor's request.

Are the X-rays used in dental radiology harmful?

The amount of radiation received during a panoramic radiography session is equivalent to the amount one would receive from spending a day outside in the sun. A lead apron, which should be worn for some radiographic procedures, prevents unnecessary X-ray exposure to other organs and tissues.

When do teeth erupt?

Teeth typically begin to erupt around 6 months after birth. If a child is 1 year old and has not yet had any teeth erupt, parents should consult a pediatric dentist about their child's dental development. By the age of 4, a child usually has a total of 20 primary (baby) teeth. Permanent teeth start coming in around the age of 6 and the process continues until about 12-13 years old. During this period, primary teeth fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth.

What age group does a pediatric dentist treat?

0-18 years

When should the first visit to a pediatric dentist be made?

Children should have their first dental examination by the age of 1, soon after the first primary teeth erupt.

Why are primary teeth important?

Primary teeth are crucial for your child's healthy growth and development. Besides facilitating chewing, which is necessary for nutrition, primary teeth are also essential for phonetics and an aesthetic smile. Another function of primary teeth is to maintain space for the permanent teeth coming in and to ensure the correct alignment of permanent teeth on the jaws.

Can tooth cavities be transmitted from mother to child?

Tooth decay is an infectious disease that can easily be transmitted from mother to child. When children are born, they are sterile from decay-causing microorganisms. However, due to the mother's traditional but incorrect habits, these microorganisms can easily be transmitted to the child.

What measures can be taken to prevent tooth decay in children?

It's important to consult a pediatric dentist from the time teeth begin to erupt until the child is 12 months old, and have the first examination. The most effective preventive method is to instill toothbrushing habits in children at an early age. Families should pay attention to children's dietary habits and keep them away from foods containing free sugars that can cause cavities. Nutritious and non-cariogenic (non-cavity-causing) foods should be preferred.

What is fluoride application and how often should it be done?

It is the application of agents such as varnish, gel, solution and fluoride compounds to the surface of the teeth in order to prevent, slow down, or stop tooth decay in children, adolescents, and young people.

The frequency of application is determined by the dentist according to the child's risk level of developing tooth decay.

What kind of health problems does tooth decay cause if left untreated?

Untreated decay in primary teeth can lead to infections in the roots over time. This infection can cause permanent developmental discoloration in the enamel of the underlying permanent teeth. Decayed primary teeth can serve as significant sources of infection, potentially leading to infections that extend to vital organs in the body.

Children who experience tooth decay and its consequences at an early age may suffer from disruptions in their nutrition, sleep patterns, growth, physical and social development, and overall quality of life.

For all these reasons, decayed primary teeth should never be neglected by assuming that they will fall out eventually. They should always be treated.

Should the gap left by the extracted primary tooth be preserved?

The gap left by an extracted primary tooth should be preserved, because when primary teeth are extracted, space is created for the eruption of the permanent teeth underneath. Therefore, it's important not to allow the extracted primary tooth's space to close. To prevent the space from closing, it's necessary to apply appliances called space maintainers.

Otherwise, neighboring teeth may drift into the gap left by the extracted primary tooth, reducing the available space for the proper positioning of the permanent tooth. In such cases, long and costly treatments may be needed to correct the teeth alignment. Therefore, preserving the gap left by the extracted primary tooth is crucial for the healthy eruption of permanent teeth.

It is possible to salvage severely damaged teeth?

It is possible to salvage severely damaged teeth. Before restorative procedures such as porcelain crowns, a treatment option called post and core therapy can be used to strengthen the tooth by obtaining support from the root canal.

Can crowning be done on a single tooth?

Severely damaged or aesthetically unacceptable teeth can be treated by crowning them with various materials.

Are there different alternative materials when crowning teeth?

Different material alternatives such as full metal, metal-supported porcelain, full porcelain (reinforced porcelain, zirconium) are used when crowning teeth.

Porcelain laminates, commonly known as "leaf porcelains" in colloquial language, are very thin porcelain coverings that are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth. These coverings can be used to close gaps between teeth, lengthen tooth size, and improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, cracked, or excessively stained.

What does porcelain laminates, commonly known as leaf porcelains, mean?

Porcelain laminates are very thin porcelain structures that are adhered to the front surfaces of the teeth. Porcelain laminates can be utilized to close gaps between teeth, lengthen tooth size, and improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, cracked, or excessively stained. Additionally, porcelain laminates are utilized in individuals who are not satisfied with the color of their teeth and desire a permanent whitening effect. They are also employed in smile design for patients who are dissatisfied with their smile and for the correction of mildly crooked teeth.

How long does it take to prepare temporary prostheses after tooth preparation for fixed prosthetics?

After tooth preparation for fixed prosthetics, temporary prostheses can typically be prepared and delivered within 1-2 business days at our hospital.

Will I get used to my prosthetics immediately and will I be able to eat as I used to before?

It takes some time to get used to prosthetics. Even with very well-made prosthetics, this process can vary from person to person. During this period, it's advisable to take small bites and chew food slowly.

Initially, it's beneficial to chew food on both sides of the mouth by placing a small bite on each side. It's recommended to consume soft foods during the first few days after the prosthetics are placed. If there are any areas where the prosthetics are causing discomfort, these areas will be corrected by the dentist.

Will I be able to talk normally with my prostheses?

Prosthetics may cause some difficulty in pronouncing certain sounds, albeit to a minor extent. In such cases, practicing reading aloud in front of a mirror and repeating words that are not pronounced correctly can help normalize pronunciation.

Will I be able to use my prostheses for life?

The use of prosthetics for a lifetime is not feasible. Although it is often suggested that some procedures may be needed every five years under normal conditions, this timeframe varies from patient to patient. The reason why prosthetics cannot be used for a lifetime is due to changes in living tissues. Over the years, the compatibility of prosthetics with tissues deteriorates.

Is tooth preparation painful?

Tooth preparation is a painless procedure performed under anesthesia. Patients who leave our hospital with temporary prostheses do not experience severe pain during their treatment.

How do we understand tooth decay?

We can pay attention to some symptoms to understand tooth decay. Cold sensitivity, especially a sudden and sharp pain that occurs with the consumption of cold or hot foods, can be a sign of tooth decay. Similarly, feeling pain when chewing sugary foods or upon contact with certain tissues can also indicate decay. The appearance of gray or brownish spots on the teeth and disruption of the integrity of the dental tissue may also indicate the presence of caries. In some cases, decay can start and progress without any symptoms. Therefore, regular dental check-ups are important for the detection and prevention of decay, and patients should have routine examinations every year.

What can we do to prevent tooth decay?

To prevent tooth decay, several steps can be taken. It's important to brush your teeth effectively twice a day using the correct toothpaste and brush recommended by your dentist, use dental floss, and regularly attend dental check-ups every six months.

Should amalgam fillings (silver fillings) be replaced with composite fillings?

If decay is observed underneath or around amalgam restorations, they can be replaced with composite fillings.

What are the aesthetic restorations made on front teeth?

Composite lamina; esthetic restorations for anterior teeth include composite veneers, which are preferred to restore the aesthetic appearance of the mouth in cases of fractures or shape alterations in the front group of teeth. Gaps between teeth (diastema) can also be closed. Today, aesthetic restorations in natural tooth color can be achieved using composite materials without abrading the hard tissues of the tooth.

In what cases can teeth whitening be done?

Tooth whitening can be performed on any healthy oral structure. Before the tooth whitening procedure, the dentist checks the suitability of the teeth.

Can whitening be done on a single tooth?

Whitening can be applied to a single tooth or several teeth.

What are the side effects of teeth whitening?

When tooth whitening is performed under the supervision of a dentist, it does not cause any permanent problems. However, the uncontrolled use of products sold on the internet or in stores can lead to permanent damage.

What is endodontics?

The inner part of the tooth contains small vessels and nerves (pulp tissue) that are important for the nourishment and protection of the tooth tissues. The pulp starts from the crown of the tooth and extends to the tip of the root. The branch of science that deals with the treatment of diseases originating from these tissues is called "endodontics."

How does pulp tissue become inflamed and how is it treated?

Untreated deep dentin caries and traumas to the teeth can lead to inflammation of the tooth's pulp tissue. Following this inflammation, there can be intense pain that starts either spontaneously or due to a specific trigger. Additionally, the pulp tissue can lose its vitality without causing pain due to these factors. In both cases, the tooth requires treatment. In such cases, "root canal treatment" is performed. The aim of this treatment is to remove the inflamed pulp tissue and fill the resulting space with biocompatible materials. Root canal treatment is performed under local anesthesia and has a success rate of over 90%.

What are the symptoms that indicate a tooth may need root canal treatment?

Signs that indicate a tooth may need root canal treatment include: intense pain in the tooth, which may worsen especially at night, spontaneous pain, sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, noticeable changes in the color of the relevant tooth, and swelling or tenderness around the gum line of the relevant tooth in more advanced cases.

Can I resume my daily life after root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is a procedure that is usually performed by numbing only the relevant area with local anesthesia. After the procedure, it's important to be cautious not to bite your tongue or cheek until the numbness wears off. Apart from that, you can resume your normal routine activities.

How are gum diseases diagnosed?

If there is tartar build-up, gum inflammation, swelling, recession, or bleeding, if some teeth have elongated and spaces have developed between them, if there is tooth loose and a bad taste and odor in the mouth, it is essential to visit a specialist in gum diseases.

Is smoking a risk factor for gum disease?

Smoking is identified as the strongest modifying agent for periodontal disease after bacterial plaque. It is observed that the prevalence of gingivitis and periodontitis increases in smokers. Additionally, the destruction associated with periodontal disease is more common. Smoking, in addition to having many systemic adverse effects due to its toxic and carcinogenic substances, also has significant detrimental effects on oral tissues.

What are the causes of gum recession?
  • Using a toothbrush with very hard bristles.
  • Brushing the gums vigorously in the opposite direction.
  • Severe misalignment of teeth.
  • Heavy tartar buildup due to lack of hygiene.
  • Severe systemic diseases that cannot be controlled.
What is the cost of orthodontic treatment?

The severity of the orthodontic problem and the duration of treatment vary for each patient. Therefore, a detailed clinical and radiographic examination is essential to determine the cost of orthodontic treatment.

How often should check-ups be scheduled after starting orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment check-ups are typically scheduled every four to eight weeks on average.

Can adults over 18 years of age benefit from orthodontic treatment?

Healthy teeth can be moved at any age.

What is the ideal age to start orthodontic treatment?

There isn't a single ideal age to begin treatment. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age. The Turkish Orthodontic Society recommends that all children undergo an orthodontic examination preferably before the age of 7 or when the presence of orthodontic problems is first noticed.

What should be taken into consideration regarding oral and dental care during orthodontic treatment?

Teeth should be brushed after every meal as prescribed by your orthodontist. Interdental cleaning should be done by using interdental brushes and dental floss at least once a day. You should visit your dentist regularly for check-ups to monitor for cavities and gum health. During orthodontic treatment, appointments should be attended routinely at the specified times. The appliances required for treatment should be used regularly and as instructed.