Preventing Tooth Decay is Essential
During the pandemic, just like many other health issues, we postponed non-urgent oral and dental health treatments. This situation particularly affected individuals prone to oral diseases even more. Delaying the treatment of dental cavities led to an increased need for root canal treatments.
Postponing the treatment of gum diseases resulted in bone destruction, tooth mobility, the loss of teeth with chronic infections at their roots, and worsening effects of ill-fitting prostheses on oral tissues. The pandemic period, which altered many aspects of our lives, from our eating habits to social behaviors, also changed our oral health habits.
Chronic Patients are in the Risk Group
In general, individuals with chronic diseases, who were classified as high-risk during the pandemic, are also at greater risk concerning dental health. We observe that patients who avoided dental treatment during the peak of the pandemic now require more comprehensive procedures. Particularly, root infections from previously treated root canals, infections around old implants, and advanced inflammation affecting the gums and bone structure have made quick solutions to these problems more challenging.
Patients Must Consult a Dentist for the Treatment of Risky Teeth
For individuals with chronic diseases, more long-term and radical solutions are necessary. The extraction of risky teeth, retreatment of root canals, elimination of infected tissues that could serve as potential sources of infection, and the evaluation of the health of old implants are crucial steps. If needed, additional protective treatments should be applied to strengthen these implants. For patients with aesthetic concerns, modern technology allows for aesthetic planning while preserving natural tooth structures, which is crucial in preventing future dental problems.
Dental Clinics Contributed to Oral and Dental Health During the Pandemic
Additionally, dental clinics that took the necessary precautions during the pandemic significantly contributed to maintaining oral health. Clinics with effective ventilation systems and spacious facilities saw an increase in demand. Given the various specialties within dentistry, it can be said that the quality and number of dental professionals in our country have met expectations in many ways.
Health is a whole, and the impact of oral health on overall health is now a well-established scientific fact. With this in mind, I wish you many healthy days where we do not neglect our oral and dental health.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. İbrahim Duran
Specialist in Prosthetic Dental Treatment
