We offer a wide variety of high-level treatments here at Iida Dental. As technology advances, better materials and methods are being developed on a regular basis, and we always stride to keep up with the evolving field of dentistry. We have no boundaries when it comes to researching new knowledge, looking into both domestic and international database for the most appropriate methods of treatment.

Without the limitation of material and method selection of designated by the National Healthcare System, we are able to offer far more effective and superior results through our own-expense treatments.

Below are brief introductions of our own-expense treatment plans. If you have any questions, we are more than happy to answer them in person or via email.

Pulp Preservation Treatment

One of the most common dental conditions is tooth decay. Dental caries occurs when acid produced by oral bacteria dissolves the tooth. Dental pulp may be exposed during the process of caries removal when tooth decay is too deep. Once the pulp is exposed, bacteria can freely enter into the pulp cavity and cause an inflammation of the pulp known as pulpitis. Even if the pulp is not completely exposed, pulpitis may still occur when the remaining layer of dentin protecting the pulp is too thin.

Common treatment for exposed pulp is root canal treatment, in which the pulp is removed from the root to prevent bacterial infection. The downside of such treatment is that once the pulp is removed, the tooth “dies” due to lack of nutrients and blood cells supplied by the dental pulp. A devitalized tooth is susceptible to fracture, which may result in the extraction of the tooth depending on its range. In other words, the life expectancy of a tooth largely depends on the survival of dental pulp.

Direct Pulp Capping Technique

For a tooth with completely exposed pulp, direct pulp capping technique can be applied to cover the exposed pulp.

Indirect Pulp Capping Technique

For a tooth with a thin layer of dentin protecting the pulp, indirect pulp capping technique is used.

Although both concepts have long existed in the dental field, the success rates of these techniques have been mediocre. In the recent years, however, the development of a new capping material called MTA cement has significantly boosted the pulp survival rate.

The application of MTA cement allows the tooth to re-calcify – creating a strong layer of odontoid tissue to protect the dental pulp. Along with its calcifying property, MTA cement also possesses bactericidal effects which helps prevent bacteria infiltration into the pulp cavity.

Endodontic Treatment

In the unfortunate outcome when the dental pulp is irreversibly infected with microorganisms, endodontic treatment becomes necessary. Commonly known as “root canal treatment”, endodontic procedure is a process that involves: ①complete removal of the infected pulp, ②sterilization of the pulp cavity, and ③enclosure of the cavity to prevent further bacterial invasion. The success of an endodontic treatment depends largely upon how precisely these three steps are executed.

Microscope

The microscope is an absolute must for enhanced precision. It enables us to see the tooth under 24X magnification, thus ensuring superb accuracy.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)

Although generally, the human teeth are anatomically similar in people, some teeth are quite different in shape and structure. When we encounter a tooth that is anatomically unique, we turn to computed tomography for the complete understanding of the tooth morphology. Computed tomography is a radiographic imaging system that can visualize every detail in 3-D. No root canal will escape the scrutiny of the three-dimensional radiograph.

MTA Root Canal Filling

The final step in endodontic treatment is the enclosure of the vacant pulp cavity. In comparison to the traditional material used in root canal filling, MTA-based filling ensures excellent prognosis due to its chemo-physical properties. MTA contains calcium hydroxide which calcifies the tooth, increasing resistance to fracture. Also, in addition to its bactericidal effect, MTA cement expands as it hardens, thus sealing the pulp cavity completely. This is crucial because a completely sealed cavity means there is no room for bacteria to growth. These are the reasons why MTA cement yields a much higher success rate in comparison to the traditional filling material.