Dentistry

Oral Surgery is dedicated to the diagnosis and surgical treatment of pathologies that affect the teeth, gums, and jaw bones.

An evaluation during an Oral Surgery appointment, which may include complementary diagnostic exams such as panoramic X-rays, may be necessary in the following situations:

• Teeth with extensive destruction due to decay and without the possibility of conservative treatment
• Teeth fractured at the crown or root
• Impacted or partially impacted teeth
• Wisdom teeth causing pain, inflammation, or recurrent infection
• Teeth with significant mobility due to loss of bone support
• Persistent root infections
• Presence of cysts or other lesions in the oral cavity
• Need for bone regularization before placing prostheses

Oral Surgery procedures are performed under local anesthesia, ensuring effective pain control during the intervention. After surgery, the patient receives specific post-operative instructions, including recommendations on diet, oral hygiene, and medication, to support a safe recovery.

Main Oral Surgery Procedures

• Tooth extraction (Exodontia): Indicated when a tooth cannot be preserved through restorative or endodontic treatments.

• Wisdom tooth extraction: One of the most common Oral Surgery procedures, especially when the wisdom teeth are impacted or partially impacted.

• Apicoectomy: A surgical procedure that removes the tip of the tooth’s root when a persistent infection does not respond to conventional endodontic treatment. It allows the tooth to be preserved whenever clinically possible.

• Removal of cysts and oral lesions: Oral Surgery includes the removal of odontogenic cysts, fibromas, and benign lesions of the oral mucosa. When indicated, the removed tissue is sent for pathology analysis.

• Gingivectomy: A surgical technique used to remove excess gum tissue or correct gum alterations with functional or aesthetic impact.

• Pre-prosthetic surgery: Procedures performed to regularize the bone and gum tissues before placing dental prostheses, improving adaptation and stability.

Endodontics focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the tissue inside the tooth, which is composed of nerves, blood vessels, and other connective tissues. At Joaquim Chaves Saúde, the primary goal of Endodontics is to preserve natural teeth that would otherwise require extraction.

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is the most common endodontic procedure.

It consists of:

• Removing the inflamed or infected dental pulp
• Eliminating bacteria from inside the root canals
• Disinfecting and shaping the canals
• Filling and sealing the space with biocompatible material

This treatment allows the tooth to remain in the oral cavity, restoring chewing function and preserving aesthetics.

When is a Root Canal Needed?

A dentist may recommend a root canal when there are:

• Deep cavities that reach the inner part of the tooth
• Intense and persistent pain
• Prolonged sensitivity to cold or heat
• Pain when touching or chewing
• Dental abscess
• Trauma or fractures that expose the pulp
• Pulp inflammation or necrosis

Without treatment, these situations can progress to more extensive infections and often lead to the need for extraction.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, ensuring effective pain control. Depending on the type of tooth (incisor, premolar, or molar) and the complexity of the case, root canal treatment may require two to three appointments.

After completing the endodontic treatment, a dental restoration or crown may be necessary to restore strength and functionality to the treated tooth.

Aesthetic Dentistry focuses on correcting changes in the shape, color, size, and alignment of the teeth, contributing to a more harmonious and natural smile. The goal is not only to improve appearance but also to achieve a balanced, functional, and long-lasting result.

What problems can be corrected?

Aesthetic dentistry can address situations such as:

• Fractured or worn teeth
• Stained or darkened teeth
• Alterations in tooth shape or size
• Gaps between teeth (diastemas)
• Minor misalignments
• Visible cavities in the anterior region

Main Aesthetic Dentistry Treatments

• Aesthetic restorations: These use tooth-colored materials (composite resins) to repair fractures or lesions caused by cavities, achieving excellent aesthetic integration. They are conservative solutions that preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible.

• Dental veneers: Veneers are thin ceramic or composite shells applied to the visible surface of the tooth. They correct permanent discoloration, shape irregularities, slight misalignments, or diastemas. Depending on the case, minimal enamel reduction may be required to ensure a natural, imperceptible adaptation. Veneers are often combined with teeth whitening to optimize the overall smile result.

• Teeth whitening: Whitening is a procedure that uses a bleaching gel to lighten the color of the teeth, making them visibly whiter. When performed under proper clinical supervision, whitening does not wear down or weaken the teeth.

• Dental crowns: Crowns are indicated when it is necessary to strengthen structurally weakened teeth, improve shape and alignment, or correct more extensive aesthetic alterations. They may be made of ceramic, offering high durability and excellent aesthetic results. Crowns can be placed on natural teeth or dental implants, restoring both function and smile harmony.

How is aesthetic planning done?

The treatment plan is defined after a detailed clinical evaluation, which may include:

• Intraoral examination
• Photographic records
• Smile analysis
• Functional assessment of occlusion

Each intervention is proposed based on a balance between aesthetics, oral health, and preservation of tooth structure.

Implantology focuses on replacing missing teeth through the placement of dental implants. Dental implants replace the natural root of the lost tooth, serving as a foundation for placing crowns or fixed prostheses with an appearance and functionality similar to natural teeth.

When are dental implants indicated?

Implantology may be recommended in situations such as:

• Loss of one or more teeth
• Teeth that cannot be restored
• Instability or discomfort with removable dentures
• The need to avoid wear on neighboring teeth (as occurs with traditional bridges)

The absence of teeth can lead to changes in chewing, shifting of adjacent teeth, and bone volume loss over time.

Main procedures in Implantology

• Placement of dental implants: A surgical procedure usually performed under local anesthesia. After the implant is placed, a healing period is required to allow integration into the bone before the final crown or prosthesis is placed. In specific situations, immediate loading may be possible, with placement of a provisional crown on the same day.

• Fixed implant-supported prostheses: These solutions restore chewing function, stability, and aesthetics in a more comfortable way than removable dentures.

• Sinus lift: A complementary procedure indicated when there is insufficient bone volume in the posterior maxilla. It creates suitable conditions for the safe placement of dental implants.

• Bone regeneration: In cases of significant bone loss, regeneration techniques may be performed to ensure adequate support for the implant.

Advantages of dental implants

• Fixed and stable solution
• Effective and comfortable chewing
• Preservation of the jawbone
• No need to wear down neighboring teeth
• Aesthetic appearance similar to natural teeth
• Significant improvement in quality of life and self-confidence
• Better stability and comfort compared to removable dentures

Pediatric Dentistry is dedicated to the oral health of babies, children, and adolescents. Its main goal is to ensure a healthy and functional mouth from the first months of life through preventive and corrective treatments adapted to each child’s age.

At Joaquim Chaves Saúde, every child is followed by a pediatric dentist with specialized training in children's dentistry, prepared to use techniques, language, and approaches appropriate for each stage of development. The focus is to promote good oral hygiene habits early on, helping prevent future complications in young patients.

Why is Pediatric Dentistry important?

Oral health during childhood has a direct impact on dental health in adulthood. Issues such as early childhood cavities, changes in tooth eruption, or harmful oral habits can influence the development of the jaws and permanent dentition.

Regular follow-ups allow for:

• Preventing cavities and gum disease
• Monitoring tooth eruption
• Tracking jaw development
• Correcting habits such as prolonged pacifier or bottle use
• Reducing fear and anxiety associated with dental visits

We always prioritize prevention over intervention, avoiding painful situations or more complex treatments in the future.

How often should I take my child to the pediatric dentist?

The frequency of Pediatric Dentistry appointments varies depending on age and cavity risk:

• From 0 to 3 years: 1 appointment per year, starting when the first teeth appear
• From 3 years onward: appointments every 6 months
• Children at high risk for cavities: appointments every 3 months

The ideal frequency should be defined by the dentist after a clinical assessment.

Orthodontics is dedicated to the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of improper positioning of the teeth and jaws.

At Joaquim Chaves Saúde, orthodontic treatments aim to ensure harmonious dental alignment, improve chewing function, and contribute to overall facial aesthetic balance.

Correct tooth positioning is not only an aesthetic concern, it is also essential for oral health and proper jaw joint function.

An orthodontic consultation may be recommended when there are:

• Misaligned or crowded teeth
• Excessive spacing between teeth
• Crossbite
• Open bite
• Deep bite
• Jaw position deviations
• Difficulty chewing
• Abnormal tooth wear

Poor alignment can make oral hygiene more difficult, increase the risk of cavities and gum disease, and lead to temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

Types of orthodontic appliances

• Fixed appliances (brackets): Fixed appliances use metal or ceramic brackets bonded to the teeth, connected by an archwire that applies gentle, controlled forces to move the teeth into the correct position. They are indicated for most orthodontic corrections.

• Clear aligners: Clear aligners are removable, transparent, custom-made devices. They offer greater aesthetic discretion, can be removed during meals, and facilitate easier oral hygiene. They are an effective alternative for many cases of dental misalignment.

• Removable appliances: Mainly used during growth phases, these help guide jaw development and correct specific types of orthodontic alterations.

Benefits of Orthodontics

• Harmonious smile alignment
• Improved chewing function
• Better oral hygiene
• Balanced distribution of occlusal forces
• Reduced risk of abnormal tooth wear
• Positive impact on self-esteem and confidence

Periodontology is dedicated to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and the tissues that support the teeth, including the bone and periodontal ligaments.

At Joaquim Chaves Saúde, periodontal treatments aim to preserve natural teeth, control gum inflammation, and prevent the progression of conditions that may compromise bone structure and dental stability.

The main diseases treated in Periodontology are:

• Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums caused by the buildup of bacterial plaque. Symptoms include redness, swelling, sensitivity, and bleeding during brushing. It is generally reversible with proper hygiene and professional treatment.

• Periodontitis: The progression of untreated gingivitis that affects the bone and ligaments supporting the teeth. It may cause tooth mobility, increased spacing between teeth, abscesses, and tooth loss. Often associated with persistent bad breath and gum discomfort.

When should you see a periodontist?

A periodontal evaluation is recommended if you experience:

• Frequent gum bleeding or swelling
• Increased sensitivity or gum recession
• Tooth mobility
• Persistent bad breath
• Presence of periodontal pockets detected during routine check-ups

Early evaluation allows intervention before significant bone loss occurs, increasing the likelihood of long-term tooth preservation.

Main Periodontology procedures

• Scaling: Professional removal of tartar and bacterial plaque accumulated above and below the gumline, essential for preventing gingivitis and periodontitis.

• Root planing: A deep-cleaning procedure that removes bacteria and toxins from the root surface, promoting gum healing and periodontal stability.

• Gingivitis and periodontitis treatments: Use of minimally invasive techniques to control inflammation. Application of local or systemic antibiotics when indicated. Surgical procedures may be required in advanced cases for bone or gum regeneration.

Oral Rehabilitation, also known as Prosthodontics, focuses on restoring the function, aesthetics, and comfort of the mouth, including chewing, speech, and the appearance of the smile.

At Joaquim Chaves Saúde, Oral Rehabilitation aims to recover lost, fractured, or worn teeth, providing personalized functional and aesthetic solutions.

Goals of Oral Rehabilitation

• Restore efficient chewing
• Improve smile aesthetics
• Enhance speech and articulation
• Relieve discomfort associated with damaged or missing teeth
• Protect remaining teeth and optimize overall oral health
• Prevent further wear or tooth movement

Main Oral Rehabilitation solutions

• Dental veneers: Thin shells applied to the surface of the teeth to correct color, shape, or minor misalignments.

• Dental crowns: Used to rebuild fractured, worn, or structurally compromised teeth while preserving both function and aesthetics.

• Fixed prostheses on natural teeth: Reconstruction of damaged dental structure, maintaining both function and appearance.

• Fixed prostheses on dental implants: Replacement of missing teeth with single, partial, or full prostheses, offering comfort, stability, and durability comparable to natural teeth.

• Removable prostheses: A solution indicated when fixed prostheses are not feasible. More economical but with reduced comfort and durability. They effectively restore chewing function and aesthetics.