Originating from the latin word "ENDO" which means inside and "ODONT" which means the tooth, the science of Endodontics is the study of the problems inside the tooth and an "ENDODONTIST" is the specialist who treats the inside of the tooth. The outermost layer of a tooth is the Enamel which covers the Dentine. In the core of the tooth is the pulp which has blood vessels supplying nutrients to the tooth and a nerve which provides the sensations. These enter the tooth from the apex of the root and curve up to the pulp chamber which is literally in the center of the crown.

This pulp chamber which is normally sealed off from the outside world may sometimes get infected by microorganisms. More often than not, these microorganisms gain entry into the pulp chamber due to dental decay taking place on the tooth surface. The dental decay or more technically speaking caries, dissolves the enamel and dentine and over a period of time reaches the pulp chamber. Once it gets to the pulp chamber the bacteria quickly eat away and degenerate the blood supply and nerve tissue of the pulp and the canal till the root apex

A COSMETIC DENTIST is a dentist who has developed the competence to be able to expertly handle the materials and colors available for modifying tooth structure by means of continuing education programs. An AESTHETIC DENTIST can bring about dramatic changes in an individuals appearance in a couple of days. Such situations do not always exist. There are a large number of situations wherein the case dictates the need for collaborative work with an orthodontist for minor tooth movements prior to making wholesale changes. At other times, a teamwork may be required from a plastic cosmetic surgeon in conjunction with an AESTHETIC DENTIST.

If you feel that you want that million dollar smile that you see being flashed by models on catwalks or artists in films, do not despair. At Le Visage we have some of the best AESTHETIC DENTIST who can redesign your smile for you.

An ORAL SURGEON is a specialised dentist who carries out major surgical work primarily involving the upper and lower jaw bones and to a certain extent, the mid face. There are a vast array of circumstances which require surgical intervention. An example is injuries caused during an accident. It is very common for hits on the face to lead to a fracture of the upper or lower jaw bones, technically known as the Maxilla and the Mandible.

Such cases are best treated by an ORAL SURGEON since the positioning of the jaw bones requires an intimate understanding of how the teeth bite with each other.

ORAL SURGEONS are also required in complex work involving removal of teeth which do not fully erupt and get stuck midway in the bone. Such removals can range from the very simple to quite complex operations. ORAL SURGEONS will also play an important role in tumors and growths in the jaw bone. Many a times parts of the jaw bone have to be removed in totality

A "PEDODONTIST" is a dentist specialized in handling children, in obviating the fear in a child's mind that is usually created by seeing the complex gadgetery and plethora of drills all around. The "PEDODONTIST" is specially trained in winning the child's confidence, making the child aware of the responsibility of looking after his/her teeth and the importance of a healthy mouth.

A number of procedures are modified from the norm to become possible in small child's mouth. A PEDODONTIST will go to great lenghts to see to it that this is the case. Even if the teeth are lost the PEDODONTIST will work towards maintaining the space till such time that the permanent teeth are guided into the right place. The biggest challenge facing the PEDODONTIST is the scared and nervous child and converting the child into a confident patient. Generally treating a child will take two or three times more than it will take for the same procedure in an adult. It is worth the effort to do so.

An "ORTHODONTIST" is a dentist who specializes in correcting these situations. An ORTHODONTIST will shift and manipulate teeth positions slowly and bring them into alignment with the help of wires and various kinds of appliances. An ORTHODONTIST can usually predict the growth patterns from the ages of 7 to 8 onwards with the help of X-rays of the jaw bones. Various measurements can be made on the X-rays and a growth pattern can be predicted which helps in determining if the teeth will be properly aligned or not.

Minor discrepancies can usually be solved with the help of simple appliances which can be worn by the patient for a few hours everyday. If the discrepancy is substantial the ORTHODONTIST will have to generally use a fixed wire system. This kind of appliance is adjusted every 3 or 4 weeks and teeth are slowly shifted into the correct position. Such treatments will easily take upto one and half to two years for complete correction.

A "PROSTHODONTIST" is a dental specialist who specializes in replacing your missing teeth, may it be a single missing tooth, multiple teeth or all the teeth. A prosthodontist will either make a fixed replacement called a "Fixed Partial Denture", more commonly referred to as a "Bridge" or a removalble device called as a "Removable Partial Denture", more commonly referred to as a "Flipper".

For individuals who have lost all the teeth, a Prosthodontist will fabricate a full denture which may or may not be supported with two or four implants which have been placed in the jaw bone.