General dentistry

General dentistry

General dentistry is the foundation of good oral health, aimed at the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of dental conditions. The primary goal of dentistry is to maintain the teeth, gums and mouth in optimal condition, promoting a lifelong smile as well as full functionality.

Not only does general dentistry treat existing problems, but it also focuses on prevention, which is very important for all problems and/or diseases of the mouth.

Visiting the dentist every six months allows for early detection and treatment of any problems, thus avoiding major complications. In addition, good oral health is related to general wellbeing, as dental problems can have an impact on other factors.

General dentists offer essential dental care services, most notably:

Dental check-ups and cleanings: regular examinations to detect problems early and professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar.
Preventive treatments: application of dental sealants, fluoride and advice on oral hygiene.
Restorations: fillings to treat cavities, crowns and bridges to repair damaged teeth.
Endodontics: root canal treatment to save teeth with infections or severe damage.
Extracciones dentales: exodoncia de dientes cuando es necesario.
Diagnosis of oral problems: identification of gum disease, caries, tooth wear or other abnormalities.

Dental cleaning with ultrasound

A clean mouth is a healthy mouth.

HC Marbella features the most effective treatments for dental cleaning and oral hygiene. We offer you an advanced dental cleaning treatment that combines ultrasound technology and the innovative Airflow system, guaranteeing deep, comfortable and effective oral hygiene.

This procedure is ideal for removing bacterial plaque, tartar and surface stains, leaving your teeth cleaner, brighter and, most importantly, healthier.

It is also suitable for patients with implants, crowns, veneers, and those who suffer from sensitivity.

What does ultrasound cleaning consist of?

This treatment uses high-frequency waves to remove tartar and bacterial plaque that has accumulated on the teeth and under the gums. This method is completely non-invasive, precise and highly effective in treating hard-to-reach areas, thus ensuring a thorough cleaning without damaging the tooth enamel. In addition, it is a quick and painless procedure for the patient.

Ultrasound is combined with the Airflow®system, a technology that employs a mixture of water, pressurised air and fine powder particles to remove stains caused by coffee, tea or other agents that end up adhering to the teeth. This not only improves the aesthetics of your teeth, but also smoothes the tooth surface, making it harder for new plaque to adhere.

A perform cleaning in three steps:

Ultrasonic cleaning

Airflow® bicarbonate

Polishing and prophylactic brushing

Benefits

Superior effectiveness: it completely removes tartar, plaque and stains.

Comfort: it is totally painless and minimally invasive.

– Immediate results: whiter teeth and a feeling of freshness from the very first session.

Prevention: it reduces the risk of caries, gingivitis and periodontitis.

In addition, our team of hygienists will assess each patient’s case, offering personalised care, as well as guidelines and advice for effective oral hygiene at home.

Tooth decay

Tooth decay is an infectious disease caused by acids in bacterial plaque deposited on the teeth. These acids demineralise the hardest tissue in the body, the tooth enamel, leading to the progressive destruction of the tooth.

Tooth decay is one of the most common health problems in the world. Early detection is vital, as if left untreated, it will continue to progress and penetrate the tooth, reaching deeper layers and eventually the pulp (nerve), causing a more serious problem.

The dentistry service at HC Marbella emphasises the importance of annual check-ups and dental cleaning, as tooth decay may not show any symptoms in its early stages.

Symptoms

Tooth decay has different symptoms, including:

White or brown spots on the teeth.

Increased sensitivity to cold, heat, and even sweet or acidic foods.

Pain when chewing or pressing with the affected tooth.

Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth.

Prevention

At HC Marbella, we stress the importance of preventing tooth decay through good oral hygiene. You should brush your teeth two or three times a day and use interdental brushes. It is also advisable to reduce your consumption of sugars and carbohydrates.

Treatments

Once a tooth is decayed, there are different treatments available, such as:

Fillings

Inlays

Crowns

Root canal

Extractions

Root canal

A root canal, also known as endodontic treatment, involves removing the damaged or infected pulp from the tooth, preserving the tooth in the mouth to avoid the need for extraction.

If a tooth needs a root canal and this is not treated, it can lead to tooth loss and/or fracture, the spread of infection, facial cellulitis and osteomyelitis, among other pathologies.

Symptoms

Although tooth decay is the main cause of tooth nerve inflammation, there are also other reasons why a root canal may be necessary, such as excessive sensitivity to cold, severe pain, swelling and sensitivity of the gums, discolouration of the tooth and even tooth mobility and calcification.

Treatment

The HC dentistry team will conduct a comprehensive assessment of each patient’s situation, taking periapical X-rays to confirm and determine the extent of the pulp damage, performing percussion tests and a complete clinical examination. The patient will also be given an explanation of why they need a root canal and how the treatment will be carried out.

Types of root canal treatments

Types of root canal treatments:

Uniradicular: this procedure is performed on teeth that have only one root or canal (incisors or canines).

Biradicular: this procedure is performed on teeth that have two canals (lower molars or upper second premolars).

Multiradicular: this procedure is performed on teeth that have three or more canals (upper molars).

Exodontics

Exodontics or tooth extraction is the surgical procedure by which a tooth is extracted from the maxillary and/or mandibular alveolar bone. It is performed by the dentist and/or maxillofacial surgeon when a tooth cannot be restored.

Also, a tooth can be extracted if it is located in a bad position and can damage or move the more immediate teeth. This is often the case with wisdom teeth. There are also cases in which, when wearing orthodontic appliances, the dental specialist decides to extract a tooth in order to facilitate the placement of the other teeth.

When is extraction necessary?

Extensive caries: when the damage is so severe that it cannot be restored with fillings or crowns.

Severe infections: in cases where the infection has compromised the root or surrounding bone.

Dental crowding: the purpose is to create spaces in cases where dental orthodontics is required.

Impacted teeth: in the case of wisdom teeth that do not erupt properly.

Dental trauma: in cases of fractured teeth that cannot be saved.

Types of extractions

Simple: performed on visible and accessible teeth, usually carried out under local anaesthesia.

Surgical: necessary in cases of broken, impacted or partially erupted teeth. This procedure may require incisions in the gum and, in some cases, general anaesthesia.

Oral rehabilitation

LOral rehabilitation is a dental specialty that focuses on restoring the functionality, aesthetics and health of the mouth by means of different treatments.

These types of procedures are designed for patients who have lost teeth, have severe tooth wear, bite problems or structural damage to the oral cavity.

What does an oral rehabilitation include?

Comprehensive diagnosis: a complete evaluation of teeth, bones, gums, muscles and joints to design a personalised plan for each patient.

Dental restorations: crowns, bridges, veneers or implants to replace or repair damaged teeth.

Dental prostheses: these can be fixed or removable, depending on the needs of the patient.

Orthodontics: correction of dental alignment to improve bite and aesthetics.

Periodontal treatments: gum and bone care to ensure a healthy base.

Dental aesthetics: whitening or smile design for natural and harmonious results.

Benefits of oral rehabilitation

Improved chewing and speech.

It helps restore confidence with an aesthetically pleasing smile.

It prevents future problems such as uneven wear and joint pain.

It promotes overall oral health.

Ideal patient

With loss of one or more teeth.

With tooth wear due to bruxism or erosion.

With bite problems (malocclusion).

With aesthetic or functional deterioration of the smile.

Tips for daily dental care

Tips

Brush your teeth at least three times a day with fluoride toothpaste.

Use dental floss or interdental brushes daily to remove food debris between teeth.

Complement your oral hygiene with mouthwash.

Maintain a balanced diet, avoiding excessive sugars and acidic foods.

Avoid harmful habits such as smoking or biting hard objects, your nails, etc.

In addition to this care, the HC Marbella Dental Unit recommends that you visit your dentist at least twice a year. If you experience dental pain, sensitivity, bleeding gums, persistent bad breath or any change in your mouth, please do not hesitate to make an appointment with your specialist.