Oral and Dental Health

Oral and dental health is an integral part of general health. Covering the health of teeth, gums, jawbones, and intraoral soft tissues, this field is not only an aesthetic element but also one of the fundamental determinants of nutrition, speech, and quality of life. Koru Hospital Oral and Dental Health department offers modern and reliable services in a wide range, from preventive dentistry to surgical procedures, and from aesthetic dentistry to implantology.

What Does the Oral and Dental Health Department Do?

Dentistry is the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases related to the oral cavity and surrounding tissues. The primary services offered in this department include:

• Preventive dentistry: Practices aimed at preventing tooth decay and gum diseases, fissure sealants, and fluoride applications
• Restorative dental treatments: Caries treatment, filling applications, inlay-onlay restorations
• Endodontics (root canal treatment): Treatments aimed at preserving the tooth in cases where the dental pulp is infected or damaged
• Periodontology: Treatment of gum diseases, dental scaling, curettage, and flap operations
• Oral surgery: Impacted tooth extraction, wisdom tooth operations, cyst and tumor surgery
• Prosthetic dental treatment: Fixed prostheses (crowns, bridges), removable prostheses, and implant-supported prostheses
• Implantology: Titanium implant applications to replace missing teeth
• Orthodontics: Treatment of tooth and jaw irregularities, bracket and clear aligner applications
• Aesthetic dentistry: Teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, smile design
• Pedodontics: Pediatric dental health and preventive applications

Common Oral and Dental Diseases

Dental Caries (Tooth Decay)

Dental caries is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide. Acids produced by bacteria in the mouth fermenting sugary and starchy foods erode the tooth enamel, causing decay. Initially painless, dental caries can lead to hot-cold sensitivity, spontaneous pain, and infection as they progress. Early diagnosis is of great importance in this process, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Regular dental check-ups ensure that cavities are detected at an early stage and treated with minimal intervention.

Gum Diseases (Periodontal Diseases)

Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (advanced gum disease) are among the most important causes of tooth loss in the adult population. Starting with symptoms such as bleeding gums, swelling, redness, and bad breath, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which leads to gum recession, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss if left untreated. In the treatment of periodontal diseases, dental scaling, root planing, and in advanced cases, surgical periodontal treatment are applied. Furthermore, it has been scientifically proven that periodontal diseases are associated with systemic health problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and preterm birth.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth (third molars) are teeth that usually erupt between the ages of 17-25 and often do not find enough space in the jaw structure. Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth can cause problems such as pain, swelling, infection, decay in adjacent teeth, and cyst formation. The evaluation of these teeth is performed with panoramic X-rays and, when necessary, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The decision for surgical extraction is made by evaluating the position of the tooth, its relationship with adjacent anatomical structures, and existing or potential complications.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders

Jaw joint disorders manifest with symptoms such as pain during opening and closing the mouth, jaw locking, clicking sounds from the joint, and headaches. Factors such as teeth grinding (bruxism), stress, trauma, and malocclusion play a role in the development of TMJ disorders. Treatment involves the use of splints (night guards), physical therapy, medication, and surgical approaches when necessary.

Other Oral and Dental Problems

Aphthous ulcers, oral candidiasis (thrush), dry mouth (xerostomia), tooth sensitivity, tooth fractures, and intraoral lesions are also among the frequently encountered conditions. Especially sores that do not heal in the mouth for more than two weeks, or white or red lesions, must be evaluated by a dentist.

Diagnostic Methods

Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. The primary diagnostic methods used in the field of oral and dental health are:

• Clinical examination: Detailed examination of teeth, gums, oral mucosa, and the jaw joint
• Periapical X-ray: Detailed imaging of a single tooth or a small area
• Panoramic X-ray (orthopantomography): Evaluation of all teeth, jawbones, and surrounding structures in a single image
• Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT): Implant planning, evaluation of impacted teeth, and three-dimensional imaging in complicated cases
• Periodontal probing: Measuring the depth of gum pockets and evaluating periodontal status
• Vitality tests: Evaluation of the vitality of the dental pulp
• Digital impression systems: Taking precise digital impressions for prosthesis and restoration planning

Modern Treatment Approaches

Technology is advancing rapidly in dentistry, offering more comfortable, faster, and more aesthetic treatment options for patients:

• Laser dentistry: Minimally invasive applications in gum treatment, cavity cleaning, and soft tissue surgery
• CAD/CAM technology: Same-day crown, inlay, and onlay fabrication with computer-aided design and manufacturing
• Digital Smile Design (DSD): Designing the patient's new smile in a digital environment and previewing it before treatment
• Piezo surgery: A cutting technique in bone surgery that provides precision and minimizes trauma using ultrasonic waves
• Zirconium and all-ceramic restorations: Metal-free prosthetic solutions closest to natural tooth aesthetics
• Implant-supported prostheses: Advanced applications that make it possible to perform fixed prostheses even in completely edentulous patients
• Clear aligner orthodontics: Invisible teeth straightening systems that offer an aesthetic alternative to traditional brackets

When to Consult a Dentist?

It is recommended to consult a dentist in the following situations:

• Tooth pain or pain, swelling, or bleeding in the gums
• Extreme sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets
• Discoloration or staining of teeth
• Bad breath (halitosis) or a bad taste in the mouth
• Jaw joint pain, jaw locking, or clicking sounds
• Loosening or change in the position of teeth
• Non-healing sores or lesions in the mouth
• Dental trauma (fracture, crack, tooth avulsion)
• Incompatibility or breakage in prostheses
• Routine check-up at least twice a year, even if there are no symptoms

Regular dental check-ups become even more important in conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and pregnancy. Regular check-ups conducted with a preventive dentistry approach make it possible to detect problems at an early stage and treat them with less invasive methods.

Oral and Dental Health Services at Koru Hospital

Koru Hospital Oral and Dental Health department provides comprehensive dental services within the safety and comfort of a hospital environment. The advantages of our department include:

• Multidisciplinary approach: Possibility of immediate medical support for systemic problems that may arise during dental treatment
• Sterilization standards: Hospital-grade infection control protocols and sterilization practices
• Sedation and general anesthesia options: Treatment option under sedation for patients with dental phobia, children, and cases requiring comprehensive treatment
• Digital imaging: Low-radiation dose digital X-ray and CBCT systems
• Patient-centered treatment plan: Personalized treatment plans according to the individual needs of each patient
• Aesthetic and functional solutions: Modern restorative and prosthetic applications that offer natural appearance and function together

Daily Care Recommendations for Dental Health

To maintain a healthy oral and dental structure, brushing teeth at least twice a day, daily flossing, avoiding sugary and acidic foods, and regular dental check-ups are of great importance. It is recommended to get information from your dentist about the correct brushing technique, the choice of appropriate toothpaste, and the use of mouthwash.

In the Koru Hospital Oral and Dental Health department, our specialist physicians provide our patients with comfortable, safe, and effective dental treatment services using the most up-to-date treatment methods and technology. You can apply to our department for a healthy and beautiful smile.