Dr. Thennarasu Multispeciality Clinic, Uthangarai

Road accidents, falls, sports and assaults can injure the jaw, cheekbones, eye socket or nose. Signs that need assessment include a change in how the teeth meet, difficulty opening the mouth, numbness of the face, double vision, or swelling and bruising that does not settle.

Assessment focuses on how severe the injury is, which imaging is appropriate, and whether specialist treatment can be planned or an emergency hospital referral is needed. Serious head injury, heavy bleeding or breathing difficulty needs emergency care straight away.

A cleft lip or palate can affect feeding, speech, hearing, dental development and appearance. Care is usually planned in stages from infancy into the teenage years. Consultation helps families understand the condition, the timing of possible surgery, and the support that may be needed from speech, dental, orthodontic and other specialists.

Older children and adults with a previously repaired cleft can also be assessed for concerns such as speech, the shape of the lip or nose, the gums and teeth, and the need for further corrective surgery.

Craniofacial abnormalities include conditions present from birth or developing in childhood, such as an unusual head shape, underdevelopment of one side of the face, facial clefts and other differences in the growth of the skull, jaws and facial bones. They can affect breathing, feeding, vision, the bite and appearance.

Assessment looks at facial growth and function, with imaging where needed. Treatment is often planned in stages as the child grows, in coordination with other specialists.

When the upper and lower jaws do not grow in proportion, it can lead to an underbite, an overbite, an open bite or facial asymmetry. This can affect chewing, speech, breathing and appearance.

Specialist evaluation includes examination of the bite and facial profile and, where needed, imaging. Suitable options are then discussed, which may include orthodontic treatment, corrective jaw (orthognathic) surgery, or a combination planned together with an orthodontist.

Have it examined promptly if you notice any of the following in the head and neck region: a mouth ulcer that has not healed within two weeks, a white or red patch, a lump or thickening in the mouth, face or neck, a swelling of the jaw, loose teeth without a clear cause, or numbness of the lip or tongue. The risk of oral cancer is higher in people who use tobacco, paan or areca nut, or drink alcohol.

Many head and neck lesions turn out to be harmless, but timely examination matters. When indicated, further investigation such as a biopsy or imaging will be advised, along with treatment planning or referral.

Trigeminal neuralgia typically causes sudden, severe, electric-shock-like pain on one side of the face. It can be triggered by touching the face, chewing, brushing the teeth or a cool breeze. Facial pain can also come from the teeth, sinuses, jaw joint or muscles, so the cause is not always obvious.

A careful evaluation helps identify the source of the pain and plan further care, which may include medicines, further investigations, or referral to a neurologist or other specialist.

Some patients come with a concern that one side of the face looks different, a change in facial shape over time, or a structural difference noticed in a child. The assessment looks at facial proportions, the bite, the jaws and related function.

Where clinically necessary, imaging or other investigations may be recommended or arranged. The findings are explained clearly, together with whether monitoring, treatment or a multidisciplinary referral is the right next step.

Reconstructive needs may follow an accident, the removal of a growth or lesion, a burn, or a condition present from birth. The consultation looks at the affected area, how it affects function and appearance, and the patient's general health.

Where surgery may help, the possible options, their expected recovery, and their benefits and risks are discussed openly. Results vary from person to person, and no specific outcome can be guaranteed.

Common reasons for a visit include tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, bleeding or swollen gums, bad breath, a broken or chipped tooth, and mouth ulcers. The examination covers the teeth, gums and soft tissues of the mouth, with dental X-rays advised when needed.

The findings help decide on suitable treatment options, or whether a referral for specialist dental care is needed.

Small and moderate cavities can be cleaned and restored with a filling, which stops the decay from spreading and restores the shape and function of the tooth. Treating a cavity early is usually simpler and helps avoid pain later.

When decay or infection reaches the nerve (pulp) of the tooth, it can cause severe pain, sensitivity or swelling. Root canal treatment removes the infected pulp, cleans and seals the root canals, and allows the natural tooth to be kept. A crown is often advised afterwards to protect the tooth.

A tooth may need to be removed when it is badly broken, severely decayed, loose because of gum disease, or blocking other teeth. Wisdom teeth often lack space to come through fully, which can lead to pain at the back of the jaw, swollen gums, difficulty opening the mouth, food trapping or decay in the neighbouring tooth.

The tooth is examined and imaging is advised where needed to see its position and its relationship to nearby nerves. You will then be advised whether monitoring, a simple extraction or surgical removal is most appropriate, along with clear aftercare instructions.

Examples include the removal of buried teeth or retained roots, drainage of dental abscesses, removal of small cysts, biopsies of suspicious areas in the mouth, and smoothing of bone before dentures. These are usually carried out under local anaesthesia.

The consultation involves a detailed examination, a review of your medical history and suitable imaging, followed by a clear explanation of what the procedure would involve and how recovery is planned.

A crown (cap) covers a tooth that is weakened, broken, heavily filled or root canal treated, restoring its strength, shape and appearance. A bridge replaces a missing tooth by attaching an artificial tooth to crowns on the neighbouring teeth.

Crowns and bridges can be made in metal, metal-ceramic or tooth-coloured all-ceramic and zirconia materials. The right option depends on the position of the tooth, your bite and appearance preferences.

A dental implant is a small post placed in the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root. It can support a single crown, or several implants can support a bridge to replace multiple missing teeth without relying on the neighbouring natural teeth.

The evaluation considers the health of the gums and remaining teeth, the amount and quality of jawbone, general medical history (such as diabetes or smoking), and your individual needs. The possible options, stages, timelines and alternatives are explained before any treatment decision.

Clear aligners are a series of custom-made transparent trays, each moving the teeth a little at a time. They can be removed for eating, brushing and flossing, making them a convenient option for adults and teenagers with mild to moderate crowding, spacing or bite concerns.

An orthodontic assessment, with records and imaging where needed, helps decide whether aligners are suitable and how long treatment may take. Wearing the aligners for the advised hours each day is important for good results.

Tooth decay and gum disease often start without pain. A routine check helps spot early signs, and practical advice on brushing, flossing, diet and tobacco use can help prevent them from getting worse.

Scaling and polishing remove plaque, tartar and stains that brushing alone cannot clear, helping to prevent bleeding gums and bad breath. Fluoride varnish can also be applied to strengthen the enamel and protect the teeth against decay.

Early assessment also helps patients understand their oral-health needs and recognise when specialist treatment is advisable, such as for a persistent ulcer, a jaw swelling or a tooth that may need surgical care.