Department of Oral Implantology

Dental Implantology is the latest development in the field of Dentistry, concerned with replacement of missing teeth and supporting oral tissues. Dental Implants are substitutes for roots of missing teeth. It is usually made of Titanium and is surgically placed into jaw bones where it Osseo-integrates with the bone. They act as anchor for the replacement of tooth or crown or a set of replacement teeth.
The Department of Oral Implantology is an abode for numerous rehabilitation cases which are performed by specialists from Prosthodontics, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Periodontics with utmost skill and experience of over 10 years. It functions in sync with the department of Prosthodontics, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Periodontics to give you the best treatment for your care & safety.
The department is well equipped with dental chairs, Physiodispenser, various brands of Implants and Implant kits, Piezoelectric surgical unit, Sinus Lift Kits and various bone graft options.
The department aims in providing most advanced knowledge by providing mentorship and advanced facilities to the students. The department conducts various courses for undergraduate, postgraduate students and private practitioners. Also provides hands-on learning experiences guided by experienced teaching faculties.
Oral Implantology deals with both dental implants and maxillofacial prosthesis. This includes:
• Single tooth implants
• Multiple Teeth Implants
• Implant retained overdentures
• Implant retained prosthesis
• Pterygoid Implants
• Zygomatic Implants
• Sinus Lift Procedures
Oral Implantology is a well established subspeciality of restorative dentistry and oral & maxillofacial surgery. Today, Implant supported
restorations can be considered as treatment of choice due to its functional

LASER CLINIC
Lasers are one of the most captivating technologies in dental practice that have revolutionized several areas of treatment. Since the application of lasers to treat periodontal and peri-implant diseases is gaining momentum, it is important to actively incorporate this treatment modality into our current periodontal training programs. It can improve the precision of treatment while minimizing pain and recovery time. Our Department of Periodontics holds the pride of possessing a well-established Laser clinic with a specialized team of laser dentists. This clinic was set up with a mission to provide uncompromised dental health and wellness to the patients. Various periodontal procedures such as Frenectomy, gingivectomy and flap surgery are being frequently done in our department.

 TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT  CLINIC

Introduction

The TMJ Clinic at Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences was inaugurated on 5^th February, 2014 under the honourable presence of Rev. Fr. Shaji Mathew Vazhayil, CEO of Pushpagiri group of Institutions and Rev. Fr. John Thomas Kandathinkal, Director Medicity. This is probably the first fully indigenised TMJ Clinic attached to a Dental College anywhere in India.

About 75% of the general population has temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Of this category, 5-10% has pain in relation to temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Patient may have referred pain to head, ear, eyes, and various other associated structures. Because of the lack of awareness of TMD, patients seek treatment for headache, earache, etc. from various other specialities. But the patient gets only temporary relief on medical treatment for the pain and the doctor is usually clueless as to the epicentre of the pain which is usually the TMJ.  A chronic pain disorder inevitably ensues.

Present activities of TMJ clinic

TMJ Clinic concentrates on early identification and timely management of TMJ Disorders. At present, reversible treatment modalities like TENS therapy and Splint therapy and T-Scan are available in TMJ Clinic.

T-scan is a digital occlusal analysis system to find out occlusal interferences.

Occlusal interferences being a strong etiological factor in TMJ disorders it is imperative to have a T-Scan to evaluate occlusal condition and for planning effective irreversible treatment modalities like occlusal equilibration, Full mouth rehabilitation etc. So, T-Scan is essential for a modern TMJ Clinic. 

Departments involved

T- scan is very useful in the different Dental departments especially in PROSTHODONTICS, ORTHODONTICS, PERIODONTICS AND CONSERVATIVE DENTISTRY and OMFS.

Chief co-ordinator

Dr. Annie Susan Thomas

Aims and objectives

To treat patients with

1. Muscular disorders of TMJ
2. Intracapsular defects of TMJ

     3. Occlusal equilibration

     4. For checking occlusion after crowns, FPD, full mouth rehabilitation and restorative treatments.

     5. After orthodontic treatment

     6. Check traumatic occlusion in periodontics.

     7. To check occlusion after orthognathic surgery.

Interns, PGs and DORA students posted in the department are attending this clinic on a rotatory basis.

 TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT  CLINIC

Introduction

The TMJ Clinic at Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences was inaugurated on 5^th February, 2014 under the honourable presence of Rev. Fr. Shaji Mathew Vazhayil, CEO of Pushpagiri group of Institutions and Rev. Fr. John Thomas Kandathinkal, Director Medicity. This is probably the first fully indigenised TMJ Clinic attached to a Dental College anywhere in India.

About 75% of the general population has temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Of this category, 5-10% has pain in relation to temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Patient may have referred pain to head, ear, eyes, and various other associated structures. Because of the lack of awareness of TMD, patients seek treatment for headache, earache, etc. from various other specialities. But the patient gets only temporary relief on medical treatment for the pain and the doctor is usually clueless as to the epicentre of the pain which is usually the TMJ.  A chronic pain disorder inevitably ensues.

Present activities of TMJ clinic

TMJ Clinic concentrates on early identification and timely management of TMJ Disorders. At present, reversible treatment modalities like TENS therapy and Splint therapy and T-Scan are available in TMJ Clinic.

T-scan is a digital occlusal analysis system to find out occlusal interferences.

Occlusal interferences being a strong etiological factor in TMJ disorders it is imperative to have a T-Scan to evaluate occlusal condition and for planning effective irreversible treatment modalities like occlusal equilibration, Full mouth rehabilitation etc. So, T-Scan is essential for a modern TMJ Clinic. 

Departments involved

T- scan is very useful in the different Dental departments especially in PROSTHODONTICS, ORTHODONTICS, PERIODONTICS AND CONSERVATIVE DENTISTRY and OMFS.

Chief co-ordinator

Dr Annie Susan Thomas

Aims and objectives

To treat patients with

1. Muscular disorders of TMJ
2. Intracapsular defects of TMJ

     3. Occlusal equilibration

     4. For checking occlusion after crowns, FPD, full mouth rehabilitation and restorative treatments.

     5. After orthodontic treatment

     6. Check traumatic occlusion in periodontics.

     7. To check occlusion after orthognathic surgery.

Interns, PGs and DORA students posted in the department are attending this clinic on a rotatory basis.

The development of new technologies has fundamentally changed the practice of modern endodontics, making it more efficient, effective and patient friendly. We here at Department of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences have adopted such an advanced technology in form of Dental Operating Microscope (DOM) since 2013. “What you can see you can treat”, its not that we see more with Dental Operating Microscope but we can see better. At present the college has one such microscope, which is being used by the Staff, who have undergone training for performing various procedures which would be otherwise difficult to perform under normal circumstances. Earlier patients had to be referred for extraction of teeth as doctors found it difficult to perform treatment in such sensitive cases but now not only can we do the treatment but also we can do it with ease and maximum patient comfort. It is also a great opportunity for the Postgraduate students who are trained to perform procedures under microscope.

The focus of DOM treatment is being least invasive and more precise with excellent outcomes.

The department of Public Health Dentistry of Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences, among its other activities renders dental treatment in areas where access to health care is limited, imparts dental awareness among the general public through dental camps and conducts school health programmes among schools of Central Kerala.

A state of the art mobile dental clinic, which can deliver quality dental care, forms the highlight of this department. This centrally air-conditioned mobile dental clinic boasts of a treatment cabin (132 sq.ft), which has two fully automated dental units each of which is equipped with an airoter, micromotor, ultrasonic scaler, a digital x-ray unit with viewer, oxygen cylinders and an operating stool. The racks adorning the walls of this chamber are well stocked with instruments and other consumable stocks necessary for rendering dental treatment.

The treatment cabin opens into the staff cabin, which presents six plush, cushioned push back seats. This cabin opens into the sterilization cabin which features autoclaves, glass bead sterilizers, and needle burners among its other equipmentts.

In addition, this unit also houses a 1.25 hp compressor, 6.5 mkv power generator, a 400-litre water tank and a public address system. The latter aids in dental health education and boasts of audiovisual aids consisting of a 29″ television (facing outside), a CD/DVD player and handy demonstration models.

In all the most striking feature of this sophisticated mobile dental unit is its brilliant design, which permits freedom of movement and economy of space.

CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a radiographic imaging method that allows accurate, three-dimensional (3D) imaging of hard tissue structures. CBCT is the most significant among the dental diagnostic imaging modalities that have emerged recently. We,
Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences have this state of the art CBCT machine (ORTHIPHOS SL 3D) from DENTSPLY SIRONA. This was installed to the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology on 2 nd July, 2021 and was inaugurated on14 th July, 2021.
This machine is useful in all specialities of dentistry mainly for Oral Surgery, Implantolgy, Conservative Dentistry, Prosthodontics, Orthodontics and Pedodontics. The region of interest covered include maxilla and mandible, maxillary sinus, TMJ views. We
also have referral cases from private clinics and hospitals.

Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences has set up a Satellite Clinic in association with the department of Public Health Dentistry at Punakkadu, Pathanamthitta. The clinic is situated at 24 Kms from Thiruvalla. The satellite centre has 2 dental chairs and all infrastructure for providing basic dental treatments to the local community and school children. The services offered at the clinic include oral health check up, restorations, scaling, extractions, removal partial dentures, preventive dental treatments like pit and fissure sealant and topical fluoride application. Patients requiring advanced dental treatments are reffered to the dental college. The satellite clinic provides oral health awreness to the local community though posters, and brochures. The clinic conducts oral health awareness for the public and surrounding schools through periodic dental check up camps and oral health awareness programmes.  The Satellite clinic functions as per the guidelines of Dental Council of India.

Tobacco Cessation Clinic

Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences has set up a Tobacco Cessation Clinic in association with the department of public Health Dentistry, Oral pathology and Oral Medicine. The services offered at the clinic include individual intervention in the form of behavioral counseling and nicotine replacement therapy. The clinic has carbon monoxide monitor, diagnostic instruments, LCD projector, posters, brochures and flipcharts for patient awareness. The clinic creates awareness among the general public about the negative effects of tobacco and about tobacco cessation through awareness programs, exhibitions training programs on tobacco cessation for various professionals, and information booklets and manuals aimed at specific groups of the population. The clinic functions as per the guidelines of Dental Council of India.

Nitrous Oxide Inhalation Sedation (NOIS) – Conscious Sedation

We at Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences, Thiruvalla, have newly introduced Nitrous Oxide Inhalation Sedation Unit (NOIS) for conscious sedation. Nitrous Oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” or “happy gas” is a safe and effective conscious sedation technique for both adults and children to help patients feel relaxed, relieve dental anxiety, and help make certain dental procedures easy and stress-free for patients.

Discussed in detail under the headings:

• Overview
• Objectives
• Indications
• Contraindications
• Mandatory instructions to the patients
• Instructions to the doctors

• Equipment
• Complications
• Conclusion
• Photographs

Overview:

It was first discovered in 1793 by the English scientist Joseph Priestly and has been used for more than 150 years. It has remained one of the most widely used anesthetics in both dental and medical applications.

Nitrous oxide is small inorganic chemical molecule and may also be known as dinitrogen oxide or dinitrogen monoxide. It is a colorless and nonflammable gas with a slightly sweet odor

Objectives:

• Reduce or eliminate anxiety
• Reduce untoward movement and reaction to dental treatment
• Enhance communication and patient cooperation.
• Raise the pain reaction threshold.
• Increase tolerance for longer appointments
• Aid in treatment of the mentally/physically disabled or medically compromised patient.
• Reduce gagging.
• Potentiate the effect of sedatives

Indications:

• A fearful, anxious, or obstreperous patient.
• Certain patients with special health care needs.
• Patient whose gag reflex interferes with dental care.
• Patient for whom profound local anesthesia cannot be obtained.
• A cooperative child undergoing a lengthy dental procedure.

Contraindications:

• Some chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.
• Current upper respiratory tract infections.
• Recent middle ear disturbance/surgery.
• Severe emotional disturbances or drug-related dependencies.
• First trimester of pregnancy.
• Treatment with bleomycin sulfate.
• Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency.
• Cobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency.

Instructions to the patients:

(Before the procedure)

• Discuss about your past and present medical conditions and medications and verify if you are a potential patient for the procedure.
• Arrange to have someone accompany you at the end of your appointment.
• Wear comfortable clothing.
• Contact us prior to the appointment if there has been a change in your general health (severe cold, cough, fever etc.)
• It is advisable not to consume anything 3-4 hrs prior to the procedure.
• No alcoholic beverages before the procedure.
• Visit the washroom just prior to being seated for the procedure

(After the procedure)

• Follow all the instructions given to you by the dentist.
• Do not drive or operate machinery for immediately after the procedure.
• Take adequate rest after the procedure.
• In case you experience any problems, you must contact the dentist in charge.

Instructions to the doctors:

• Patient and parent consent
• Review of the patient’s medical history prior to the decision to use nitrous oxide.

This assessment should include:

• Allergies and previous allergic or adverse drug reactions.
• Current medications including dose, time, route, and site of administration.
• Diseases, disorders, or physical abnormalities and pregnancy status.
• Previous hospitalization to include the date and purpose.
• Recent illnesses (e.g., cold or congestion) that may compromise the airway

Disadvantages:

• Lack of potency
• Dependant largely on psychological reassurance.
• Interference of the nasal hood with injection to anterior maxillary region.
• Patient must be able to breathe through the nose.
• Nitrous oxide pollution and potential occupational exposure health hazards

Equipment:

The equipment delivering nitrous oxide/ oxygen is regularly checked for proper gas delivery and fail-safe function prior to use. Inhalation equipment has a capacity for delivering 100 percent, and never less than 30 percent, oxygen concentration at a flow rate appropriate to the patient size. The inhalation equipment also has a fail-safe system that is checked and calibrated regularly according to the practitioner’s state laws and regulations.

Only well trained and authorised professionals are permitted to use the unit.

Conclusion:

Nitrous oxide has significant medical uses, especially in surgery and dentistry, for its anaesthetic and pain reducing effects. It is on the World Health Organisation's List of Essential Medicines, the safest and most effective medicines needed in a health system.

We at Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences aim at delivering the most advanced and comfortable treatment options to our patients.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH DENTISTRY

MUSEUM

The department started a new programme Patient Motivation Programme in 2014.the programme involved motivation of the bystanders of the patients attending various clinics of the dental college at the Museum of the department. More than 500 posters, flipcharts,models and brochures are kept in the museum.