Centro Policlínico de Olhão Lda, Dental Clinic

Tooth decay presents as cavitated or non-cavitated lesions (with or without visible loss of tooth tissue) affecting the mineralised tissues of the tooth.

Toothache is usually felt in a tooth when a cavity has formed. However, in the early stages, tooth decay causes no symptoms; these only appear when the lesions become more extensive.

If treated properly and in a timely manner, the progression of tooth decay can be stopped, preventing the risk of tooth loss.

Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress and affect the bone surrounding and supporting your teeth. It is caused by bacteria in the film that naturally forms around the teeth and gums.

Gingivitis is the initial, reversible stage of gum disease. It is inflammation of the gums caused by the growth of plaque in the area between the tooth and gum. If brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, toxins are produced that can inflame the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. Bleeding may occur while brushing, and this is the first warning sign of the disease.

Periodontitis is the irreversible stage of the disease, when the bone and supporting fibres that hold the teeth in place have been irreversibly damaged.

Tooth sensitivity is tooth pain caused by the wearing away of any tooth surface or gum tissue. The most common cause of tooth sensitivity in adults is exposed tooth roots due to gum recession

Tartar, also known as calculus, is plaque that has mineralised and hardened on your teeth. Tartar begins to form along the gumline and spreads below it, causing inflammation of the gum tissue. Tartar can threaten the health of your teeth and gums, as well as affect the appearance of your smile.

Tooth decay is the most common oral condition in our population. It is treated by removing the affected area of the tooth and restoring it.

At our clinic, almost all restorations are made using resin. These composite materials provide excellent aesthetic results, making them indistinguishable from natural teeth without a dental examination.

Teeth whitening involves applying a whitening agent to the surface of the teeth. It acts within the teeth to lighten their colour by several shades.

Teeth whitening treatments should be preceded by a clinical examination by a dentist, who will assess the colour of your teeth using a shade guide and determine whether the treatment is suitable. Not all types of stains or discolouration can be reversed; in such cases, other cosmetic solutions may be considered.

Dental implants replace a natural tooth by placing an artificial titanium root, known as a dental implant. This root supports a new tooth.

This process therefore has two stages. First, the implant is placed (it serves as the root of the new tooth). Then, after the implant has healed, which takes about 4 months, the dentist places the tooth on the implant.

Implants can replace one tooth, several teeth or all teeth, and their placement is painless.

When tooth decay reaches the tooth pulp (commonly known as the nerve), the pulp must be removed, the bacteria eliminated and the root canals sealed. This procedure is called endodontic treatment and is commonly known as root canal treatment.

This makes it possible to eliminate sources of dental infection while keeping the tooth. Root canal treatment may be the only solution for a tooth, thus avoiding extraction.

Periodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease and conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth.

The treatment involves “cleaning” the area beneath the gum line, that is, removing bacteria from the area below the gum line and above the bone. It is performed under local anaesthesia and is painless.

Removable dentures are used to replace missing teeth. They can be easily removed and inserted by you, without the dentist’s assistance. After carefully examining your mouth, the dentist will make a model of it. Your dentures will be ready after just 2 or 3 additional fitting appointments.

Tooth loss affects not only chewing function but also the appearance of your teeth. Over time, changes in tooth position can lead to serious problems with the jaw joint.

After the dentist has assessed the abutment teeth, we begin fitting the definitive dental prosthesis: a crown or bridge. This treatment usually takes between 3 and 6 weeks from that point. Fitting a prosthesis is painless and is performed under local anaesthetic.

Before starting treatment, the dentist prepares a cephalometric assessment, which includes creating and analysing models of your mouth, a photographic study, and panoramic and profile X-rays. This assessment helps determine the treatment duration, the type of braces to use and the forces to apply during treatment.

Surgery comprises a range of procedures, the most common being tooth extraction. Advances in techniques and knowledge have made it possible to save more teeth and reduce discomfort during treatment. All tooth extractions are performed painlessly, helping to reduce anxiety.

It is the most effective way to prevent oral diseases caused by bacterial plaque (cavities, gingivitis and periodontitis).

This involves removing plaque from the tooth surfaces to prevent premature loss of teeth and bone and reduce gum inflammation caused by plaque bacteria.