What is the Role of Dentistry in Improving the Overall Quality of Modern Life?

Early loss of teeth was a common phenomenon in days gone by. This could either be from poor oral hygiene or trauma. Many people ended up losing their teeth by the time they reached the age of 40. Overall life expectancy was also much lower at that time. Seeing older people with a full set of teeth was a rare sight.

Infections of carious teeth were very common and extraction techniques were primitive and painful. Some of the extraction techniques were straight out of a torture manual. This was before the advent of organized dental care.

Dentistry in the olden days used removable dentures to replace missing teeth. This could restore only around 10% of the functional capacity of natural teeth. Many foods that required chewing could not be consumed due to dislodgment or breakage of these dentures.

Carious teeth were mainly restored with amalgam fillings. This led to a progressive increase in the cavity size with every subsequent failure of the filling. Tooth loss was inevitable in this scenario. There was a significant decrease in the quality of life.

The quality of nutritional intake is directly related to oral health. Missing teeth lead to a loss of masticatory efficiency. A compromise in oral health always cascaded into compromised general health.

What is considered to be the Golden Age of Dentistry?

We presently live in the golden period of human history. There have been no global wars for many decades now. This has ensured that advancement has been maximum in every human field of endeavor. Dental care has also greatly benefitted from the overall technological advancements made by mankind.

The discovery of osseointegration of titanium to bone resulted in the development of dental implants. These proved to be the ideal replacement for missing teeth. Tooth-colored resin-based filling materials for carious teeth led to a boom in cosmetic dentistry. They provide excellent cosmetic results as well as resistance to masticatory forces.

Modern dentistry makes extensive use of these treatment modalities. The perfect smile can now be created through the use of computer programs. They provide a simulation for the results even before the commencement of treatment.

What are the norms followed by us that make us the Top Dental Clinic in Chennai?

A lot of factors go into being the Best Dental Clinic in Chennai. The first and foremost are patient satisfaction and patient safety. Ensuring patient safety is paramount for successful dental treatment.

This is particularly important during these turbulent days of COVID-19. Every precaution needs to be taken to be a corona-free dental clinic. The top dental clinic in Chennai adopts every precaution that is necessary to ensure this.

Offering the best dental care in Chennai is related to professional excellence. This not only includes the quality of the treatment but also includes friendly staff members and transparent processes. The best dental clinic in Chennai goes the extra mile to ensure total patient satisfaction with the whole process.

Why the Emphasis on Corona Free Dental Clinic?

The present pandemic has taken the world by storm. Even the developed countries found it difficult to comprehend the scale of the virus when it initially struck. New facets of the virus are being revealed with each passing day.

Every top dental clinic in Chennai has found the need to evolve and raise the bar. No stone is being left unturned to ensure a corona-free dental clinic. New sterilization systems including ultraviolet radiation are being widely employed to ensure operatory safety.

What are the qualities that set us apart as the Top Dental Clinic in Chennai?

Our clinic has always held the distinction of providing the best dental care in Chennai. We have always laid emphasis on total patient satisfaction in our clinic. The patient is made to feel at home right from the moment the patient steps into the premises. We offer specialist care in every subspecialty of dentistry.

Our consultants are vastly experienced in treating every condition arising in the oral cavity. They constantly update themselves to the latest treatment processes being evolved around the world. We were amongst the first to offer minimally invasive dentistry. Patient testimonials about dental services at our hospital speak for themselves.

What are the Key Ingredients that make us the Best Dental Clinic in Chennai?

We are a leading dental hospital in Chennai. Consistent delivery of quality treatment has earned us the name of being the best dental clinic in Chennai. We believe in forming a lifelong bond with our patients.

Even patients who have relocated from Chennai often return to the city for the sole purpose of obtaining dental treatment in our hospital. It is not uncommon to see multiple generations of the same family present to us for the upkeep of their oral health.

Equipped with the latest technology, the treatment offered in our clinic is world-class. Equipment in our clinic is constantly upgraded to offer the best to our patients. We also only use zero allergenic dental materials for our patients.

This consistent delivery of excellence has made us the destination of choice for the best dental care in Chennai. Many celebrities make a beeline to our hospital for the maintenance of their oral health.

Our dental practice is amongst the most reputed in Chennai. We also believe in providing affordable dental care in Chennai. Patients are offered world-class treatment without compromising on quality. We consider offering affordable dental care in Chennai as a form of service to humanity.

Specialized services offered by us include child dentistry, root canal treatment, dental implants, gum surgery, full dentures and sedation dentistry. Our clinic is a one-stop destination for laser dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening and smile makeover treatment. We are considered the best for dental veneers, Invisalign and lingual orthodontics.

Our commitment to delivering excellence in dental care for all our patients will remain the cornerstone of our belief systems. Remaining steadfast and true to our foundational belief systems has ensured that we remain the best dental clinic in Chennai.

Occurrence and Etiology of Cleft Lip and Palate Deformity

A cleft lip and palate deformity is a congenital defect that is the most common birth deformity. This defect is seen in approximately every 2 infants out of 1000 live births. It can occur in isolation or in association with a syndromic presentation. Genetic mutations are the most common cause of these syndromic presentations.

These defects are found in Pierre Robin sequence, Stickler syndrome and Treacher Collins syndrome amongst others. Other factors can also lead to the intrauterine development of the cleft lip and palate deformity. They include maternal smoking, secondhand smoke, diabetes, obesity and advanced maternal age.

Usage of contraindicated medications during pregnancy can also lead to this deformity. Maternal use of seizure medications is a common cause of this defect.

Ongoing Research regarding the Role of Modern Technology and Congenital Defects

Modern technology has brought a whole new range of factors into play. These too need to be considered as an etiology for the development of cleft lip and palate. Research is still underway regarding the role of radiation emitted by modern devices in the development of this deformity.

A cleft lip is nonfusion of the two halves of the upper lip. This can either be unilateral or bilateral in presentation. There is gross facial deformity arising from this condition. Children with cleft lip deformity can develop psychological problems in later life if the condition is left unaddressed.

This deformity results in both cosmetic as well as a functional compromise for the affected infant. Surgical repair is the only treatment option. Children might need a few additional surgical procedures as they grew up.

Cleft palate deformity is caused by nonfusion of the two halves of the palate. This results in a hole in the roof of the mouth. Feeding difficulties arise from this as the infant is not able to create the vacuum needed for suckling. There is a regurgitation of fluids into the nasal cavity.

Hard Earned Reputation at the Best Cleft Lip Surgery Hospital in India

Our hospital is considered to be the best cleft lip surgery hospital in Chennai as well as in the entire nation. This has also intrinsically made us the best cleft palate surgery hospital in Chennai. The soft palate is also involved in this deformity. These two conditions are the most common congenital defects in the world today.

We have been performing cleft lip surgery and cleft palate surgery for over 30 years now. Many pan-Indian surveys have named us as the best cleft palate surgery hospital in Chennai. We are also recognized as the best cleft lip surgery hospital in Chennai as well as India by many international organizations.

Dr. SM Balaji is regarded as the best cleft lip surgeon in Chennai, India. He has been credited with numerous surgical innovations in cleft lip and palate surgery. These innovations have become a standard surgical practice in hospitals around the world. His services as much sought after by many nations around the globe. They include the USA, Germany, Japan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives amongst many others.

He has been recognized as the best cleft lip surgeon in Chennai as well as the whole of India. This has been made possible through hard work and dedication towards providing surgical care of international standards to everyone. His vision and guidance have made us the best cleft lip surgery hospital in Chennai.

International Acclaim for the Surgical Services in our Hospital

Our hospital is the tertiary referral center for the International Cleft Lip and Palate Foundation (ICPF) of Japan. We have also been chosen as the Asian referral center of the Dallas-based World Craniofacial Foundation (WorldCF) of the USA. Children from around the world are referred to us due to the high level of surgical care for afflicted infants.

We are often feted as the best cleft lip surgery hospital in Chennai by our peers. We have one of the best cleft teams in the world today. Speech therapists are also an intrinsic part of this team. We understand the needs of children with cleft deformities.

Numerous awards including the prestigious Dr. BC Roy award stand testament to the levels of surgical care provided by our hospital. We are also synonymously considered to be the best cleft palate surgery hospital in Chennai, India.

Complications Caused by Delay in Getting Surgical Treatment

Speech impediment is commonly caused by this disorder if there is a delay in getting this addressed. It is imperative to get these defects corrected surgically at the right time. Speech develops normally in children who have been operated on at the right time. The ideal time for cleft lip surgery is 3-12 months and cleft palate surgery is at 10 months old.

Children who have undergone surgical repair of cleft lip and palate can require cleft speech therapy. This will ensure that there is completely normal speech, which will help the child integrate completely into society. We provide guidance to parents regarding referral for cleft speech therapy for their children.

Little Boy Born with Severe Cleft Lip and Palate Deformity with Tiny Prolabium

This little boy is from Thiruvarur in Tamil Nadu, India. He was born with a severe bilateral cleft lip and palate deformity with a tiny prolabium. His parents were initially very upset by this. Staff members at the hospital counseled his parents extensively regarding his care.

Parents expressed the wish that they wanted the best possible treatment for their newborn son. They were then referred to our hospital for surgical correction of his deformities. Parents were advised to book an appointment in our hospital. They contacted our hospital manager and an appointment was made. His parents then presented to our hospital when he was 3-1/2 months old.

Treatment Planning Explained in Detail to Parents

Dr. SM Balaji, cleft lip and palate surgeon, met with the parents. He listened to them patiently and answered all their questions. Speaking from his vast experience, he explained to them that they had nothing to fear from this condition. They were very relieved and happy following their interaction with him.

Surgical Correction of Bilateral Cleft Lip Deformity

Treatment planning was explained to his parents in detail and they consented to surgery. It was decided to perform a single-stage cleft lip repair surgery utilizing Paul Black’s technique. Considering the size of the tiny prolabium, no cross incision was made at the prolabium.

The available prolabium and columella were then mobilized for the reconstruction of his philtral column and formation of Cupid’s bow.

This was then followed by meticulous reconstruction of his nasal floor and vermillion using bilateral C-flaps. This was followed by a meticulous three-layer closure of the cleft lip using a surgical loupe for magnification. The orbicularis oris muscle was next approximated followed by an approximation of the subcutaneous tissue and skin.

Instructions Provided to Parents regarding Cleft Palate Repair

Parents were very happy with the results of the surgery. They were then instructed that they needed to return when he was 10 months old for cleft palate repair. They expressed understanding and thanked the hospital staff before discharge from the hospital.

Surgery Video

Odontoma Removal and Reconstruction

What is an Odontome and how is it formed?

An odontoma is a benign tumor, which is linked to the abnormal development of a tooth. It is a hamartoma and is composed of irregularly placed normal tissue. This can involve both hard tissue as well as soft tissue. Odontoma was the previously used terminology for an odontoma.

Most Frequently Diagnosed Age Group for Odontome

This condition is most commonly diagnosed during the early teenage years. It is most commonly incidentally diagnosed when there is a delayed eruption of a tooth. Odontomes are frequently associated with unerupted teeth. They are rare instances of eruption into the oral cavity.

Extraction of the unerupted odontoma is the usual treatment of choice. This is akin to surgical removal of impacted third molars. Impacted mandibular odontomas are usually found deeper in the jawbone, being in close proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve. An improper surgical technique can lead to damage to the nerve.

Successful extraction of an impacted mandibular odontoma requires a lot of experience. The best possible results are obtained by surgery performed by experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Oral surgery is one of the specialties of dentistry. Our dental clinic in Chennai is a premiere center for oral surgery.

Hard Earned Reputation as the Best Wisdom Tooth Hospital In Chennai

Dr. SM Balaji, the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, has over three decades of experience in dealing with extraction of impacted teeth. Our hospital is considered to be the best wisdom tooth surgery hospital in Chennai. We perform chair-side wisdom tooth surgery for simple cases. Extraction of complicated impacted wisdom teeth is performed in the operation theatre under general anesthesia.

Our expertise in ensuring the best possible surgical results for patients is hard-earned. This has earned us the title of best wisdom tooth surgery hospital in Chennai from both our peers and patients alike. We handle the most complicated cases of impacted wisdom teeth. They even present near the lower border of the mandible as well as near the orbital cavity.

We have been named the best wisdom tooth surgery hospital in Chennai by a recent survey by a leading newspaper. The survey has also named us as being the best wisdom tooth surgery hospital in India. This high honor has been made possible by our commitment to excellence and ensuring total patient satisfaction.

Best Tooth Extraction Hospital in Chennai

Our hospital is amongst the leading dental hospitals in India. We are the destination of choice for the best dental treatment in Chennai. Many patients come from around the world for dental treatment at our hospital.

Our hospital is equipped with the latest technological advancements to offer the best possible treatment for our patients. The dental services provided by our hospital are amongst the best in the entire nation. We are a tertiary center for specialized world-class dental care in India.

Patient Presents to our Hospital for Definitive Treatment of Odontome

The following case is a description of a patient who came to our hospital for treatment of an odontoma. There was also compression of the inferior alveolar nerve by the odontoma. The odontoma was extracted with minimum trauma along with an associated impacted tooth. There was no compromise of nerve function following the surgery.

Failure of Initial Treatment Elsewhere for the Patient

The patient is a 25-year-old female from Gingee in Tamil Nadu, India. Around 18 months ago, she had presented at a local hospital with pain and mild swelling in her mouth. This was at the site of a missing first molar tooth on the right side of her lower jaw. Imaging studies had been obtained, which revealed an impacted first molar and a partially formed second molar.

There was a radiopaque shadow around the second molar. The second molar tooth was in close proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve. This was diagnosed as an odontoma and extraction were recommended to the patient. However, the attempt to extract the two teeth was abandoned midway with the removal of the crown of the impacted first molar. There was no occurrence of a dry socket.

The patient was advised to seek treatment at a super specialty center but failed to do so. It was only 18 months later that the patient presented to our hospital. The swelling and pain with paresthesia at the site of the attempted extraction forced her to address this.

Initial Presentation and Treatment Planning at our Hospital

Dr. SM Balaji, Wisdom Tooth Impaction Surgeon, examined the patient and ordered imaging studies. This revealed the first molar with the missing crown and a partially formed second molar. The second molar was diagnosed as an odontoma.

There was also a draining sinus at the site of the attempted extraction. Compression of the nerve by the odontoma was diagnosed as the cause for her paraesthesia. Treatment planning was explained to the patient and her attendants in detail. She expressed understanding and consented to undergo surgical removal of the impacted teeth.

The patient was taken to the operating room and anesthesia was induced. Prepping and draping were done to have the wisdom tooth removed. Tooth removal was preceded by an incision of the gum tissue overlying the region. The impacted wisdom tooth was then exposed following removal of overlying bone.

Both teeth were then extracted followed by debridement of granulation tissue at the site. There was a complete resolution of the patient’s complaints following surgery. A rib bone graft harvested at the time of surgery was used to reconstruct the bony defect at the surgical site. This was fixed with titanium screws.

Postoperative instructions were given to the patient. She will return in six months following complete consolidation of the bone graft with surrounding alveolar bone. Dental implant surgery would be performed at that time with the placement of premium dental implants. Ceramic crowns would be fixed to the dental implants following osseointegration of the implants to the mandibular bone.

The patient was very happy with the level of care at our hospital. She also expressed a complete understanding of the instructions given by hospital staff before discharge from the hospital.

Surgery Video

Centre for Excellence in Microtia Surgery in India

Congenital underdevelopment of the external ear is known as microtia. It is seen in approximately 1 out of 10000 live births around the world. This condition can either be unilateral or bilateral. The right side is more commonly affected when it is unilateral.

It is known as anotia when there is a complete absence of the external ear. Surgical reconstruction of anotia also follows the same principles that are used for microtia repair.

Microtia can vary in severity ranging from grade I-IV. Grade I microtia manifests as a very mild deformity. Grade IV microtia exhibits a complete absence of the external ear and ear canal. The cost of microtia surgery in India varies with the severity of the deformity.

Microtia surgery in India is offered by only a few superspecialty hospitals. The cost of microtia surgery in India is very nominal when compared to the developed Western countries. Microtia correction involves surgical reconstruction of the deformed external ear through ear reconstruction surgery.

Our hospital is a leading facial plastic surgery hospital in India where microtia reconstruction is performed. We have been performing microtia surgery for over 30+ years now. This is one of the specialty cosmetic procedures performed in our hospital.

We have rehabilitated scores of children and adolescents with microtia deformity. Recognized as a premier center for microtia surgery in India, patients from all over the world are referred to our hospital. We have been awarded as a leading facial plastic surgery hospital by many international associations

Possible Etiology behind the Occurrence of Microtia Deformity

Microtia can occur due to genetic defects in either a single gene or multiple genes. There is also a risk of microtia in women with gestational diabetes. It can also be found in conditions like hemifacial microsomia. A mild grade I microtia is difficult to diagnose at the time of birth.

Hearing is also affected in most cases of severe microsomia. Conductive hearing loss is seen in grade II microtia due to stenosis of the external ear canal. It is most severe in grade IV microtia with a complete absence of the external ear canal and the eardrum. Cochlear implants are used to restore hearing for children who are afflicted with the more severe forms of microtia.

Centre of Excellence for Microtia Surgery in India

Situated in Chennai, India, we are a leading center for facial plastic surgery in India. We specialize in facial reconstructive surgery as well as facial cosmetic surgery. Our center is a tertiary referral center for the correction of facial deformities.

Organizations such as the International Cleft Lip and Palate Foundation of Japan and the Dallas-based World Craniofacial Foundation of USA refer patients to us.

This is in lieu of the excellent long-term results for patients undergoing surgeries like ear reconstruction surgery in our hospital. The cost of microtia surgery in India is another factor that makes our hospital the first choice for many international patients.

Our hospital utilizes facial implants for a variety of cosmetic procedures. However, only autologous grafts harvested from the patient are used for microtia surgery. This gives the best results than the utilization of prosthetic ears.

Our hospital is a leading center for the correction of ear deformities. Optimal esthetic results are obtained to ensure total patient satisfaction. Bat ear correction is also performed in our hospital with very good cosmetic results.

Dr. SM Balaji, Ear Reconstruction Surgeon, has over 30+ years of rehabilitating children with congenital defects of the facial region. Our hospital is a renowned center for microtia surgery in India.

Microtia Surgery Utilizing the Two-Stage Technique for Optimal Results

We utilize the two-stage repair for microtia surgery in our hospital. This is a specialized surgical technique for ear reconstruction that is offered only by a few centers offering microtia surgery in India. Surgeons have to undergo many years of training before gaining mastery over this technique.

The first stage involves the harvesting of a costal cartilaginous graft. A template is then prepared using the normal ear as a guide in the case of unilateral microtia.

Construction of symmetrical templates with the creation of cartilaginous structures to recreate the ear is performed for patients with bilateral microtia. The templates help create symmetry in both outer ears through careful crafting of the rib cartilages.

The grafts are then crafted to replicate the structure of the normal ear. This is then inserted into a skin pocket that is created at the site of the deformed ear.

A drain is placed to create negative pressure to prevent the creation of dead space. The shape of the ear framework will be defined without redundancy. Excessive cartilage is banked to be utilized in the second stage repair.

The second stage of surgery is performed in four months’ time. The banked cartilage is first removed under general anesthesia. The cartilaginous structure that was placed in the skin pocket is then raised. The next step entails the utilization of a full-thickness skin graft to recreate the tissue behind the raised ear.

This results in the perfect recreation of asymmetrical ear structure at the site of the deformed ear. The cosmetic transformation is dramatic for the patient.

Leading Center for Facial Plastic Surgery in India

Microtia deformity is often debilitating to the patient. Patients with this deformity, especially children, can face difficulties in social settings as a result of nonacceptance by their peers. This could lead to withdrawal and depression with long-term repercussions.

Our hospital is also a leading research center for facial cosmetic surgery in India. We are considered to be the premier center for microtia surgery in India. Many surgical innovations have evolved in microtia surgery from the research undertaken at our hospital. These innovations have been adopted as the standard operating procedures by many surgeons around the world.

Development of a Dedicated Team for Microtia Surgery in India

Ably led by Dr. SM Balaji, facial plastic surgeon, our surgical team consists of dedicated medical and paramedical staff who have over 30+ years dealing with pediatric patients. Our pediatric anesthesiologists have extensive experience in dealing with children.

Our commitment to providing the best outcomes for our patients is unmatched. We pride ourselves on our dedication and empathy towards all our patients. Utmost importance is given to complete patient satisfaction at our hospital.

What is Facial Asymmetry?

When you examine your face in photos or the mirror, you can find that your features are not perfectly aligned. One ear may begin higher than the other, or one side of your nose may have a sharper point.

Asymmetry refers to having features that do not exactly mirror one another on both sides of the face.

Almost everybody has a degree of facial asymmetry. However, some instances of asymmetry are more obvious than others. Asymmetry may be caused by injury, aging, smoking, and other causes. Mild asymmetry that has always existed is considered natural.

However, recent, visible asymmetry can indicate the presence of a serious condition such as Bell’s palsy or a stroke. Continue reading to learn more about the causes of an asymmetrical face, as well as testing and treatment options.

What is Parry–Romberg syndrome?

Parry–Romberg syndrome (PRS) is a rare disorder that causes progressive shrinkage and degeneration of the tissues beneath the skin, typically on one side of the face (hemifacial atrophy), but also affecting other parts of the body.

Facial Asymmetry Correction with Fat Graft for Parry Romberg Disease

This patient first noticed a developing asymmetry due to gradual atrophy of his left lower jaw a few years back and had been diagnosed with Parry Romberg disease. Parry Romberg disease could have a varied etiology including viral, traumatic, nervous system abnormalities or as an autoimmune disease.

He presented to our hospital seeking correction of his facial asymmetry. He was diagnosed to have atrophy of subdermal fat in the left mental/submental region. A full-thickness dermal fat graft was harvested from his inguinal region. This was then inserted into a submental pocket created at the region of the atrophy.

Minimal overcorrection was performed to allow for slight resorption of the fat graft. He was very pleased with the results of the surgery.