Dentistry in Bahamas

Dentistry, also known as oral medicine and dental medicine, is a branch of medicine that comprises the study, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders, diseases, and conditions of the teeth, supporting structures, and the soft tissue of the mouth. Although the field of dentistry is mainly associated with teeth among the general public, it is actually not limited to teeth but also encompasses the treatment and conditions of the jaws and oral cavity, such as cleft palate.

In addition to general practice, dentistry has a number of specialties and subspecialties, including:

• Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics – this involves the straightening of teeth and the modification of midface and mandibular growth. While orthodontics involves the management of tooth movement, dentofacial orthopedics entails the guidance of facial growth and development, which mostly occur during childhood.
• Pediatric dentistry – also known as pedodontics, pediatric dentistry is a dental specialty dealing with the care of children’s teeth.
• Periodontics – this dental specialty is concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the periodontal membrane, as well as related tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth.
• Prosthodontics – this dental specialty involves the restoration and maintenance of oral appearance, function, and comfort using prostheses, such as crowns. This specialty also provides oral prostheses to correct deformities, such as cleft palate.
• Endodontics – this involves the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp, as well as the surrounding tissues.
• Public health dentistry – this dental specialty’s primary concern is the prevention of dental decay and periodontal disease (disease of tissues that surrounds the teeth). On a larger scale, it involves the improvement of oral health in large populations.
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery – this involves the extractions, implants, and surgery of the mouth, jaws, and face.
• Oral and maxillofacial radiology – this involves the study and radiologic interpretation of oral and maxillofacial diseases.
• Oral and maxillofacial pathology – this involves the study, diagnosis, and, in some cases, treatments of oral and maxillofacial related diseases.
• Special needs dentistry – this specialty deals with dental treatments for those with developmental and acquired disabilities.
• Geriatric dentistry – also known as geriodontics, this specialty delivers dental care to older adults and involves the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of problems associated with age-related diseases.

Dental treatments are performed by a dental team, which usually consists of dentists and dental auxiliaries (dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental technicians, and dental therapists).

What does the Procedure Involve?

A range of medical and cosmetic procedures are used to diagnose and manage issues that affect the jaws, teeth, and oral cavity. The following are some of the most common dental procedures:

• Comprehensive examination – this type of procedure evaluates your overall oral health. A comprehensive dental exam typically includes dental evaluation, dental health assessment, bite and jaw examination, cavity check, restoration examination, teeth cleaning and stains removal, dental X-Rays, oral cancer screening, medications review, and a lesson on oral hygiene. A general dentist will discuss with you your current oral health, including your risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and any other oral health problems they may have seen through the examination. If any potential issues are found, your dentist will give you their prevention recommendations.
• Routine cleanings – this type of procedure is carried out to remove the buildup of tartar and bacteria that accumulate in between your teeth and gums. Routine mouth cleaning is important to maintain good oral health.
• Dental bonding – this procedure is used to repair decayed, chipped, discolored, or fractured teeth, as well as to reduce gaps between teeth. It can also be used to build up older teeth in order to make them appear younger. The goal of the procedure is to improve a person’s smile. During this procedure, your dentist will apply a tooth-colored resin to your teeth. Then, the resin is hardener under an ultraviolet laser or light. Afterward, the resin material is shaped and polished to ensure the result looks natural and smooth.
• Braces – a dental brace is a device used to correct crooked or misaligned teeth. It can improve the health and appearance of your smile. It works by exerting steady pressure over time to gradually move your teeth into alignment.
• Crowns and caps – a dental crown or cap is a tooth-shaped cover that is placed over a decayed, broken, badly stained, or misshaped tooth to improve its size, shape, strength, and appearance. Dental crowns can be made of porcelain fused to metal, metal, ceramic, or resin. Before a crown is placed, the existing tooth is filed down. Then, the crown is applied over it using special cement, thus fully encasing the tooth. The whole process is usually performed under local anesthetic.
• Bridges – Dental bridges are used to close (or bridge) the gaps in your teeth if you have missing teeth. A dental bridge is a false tooth held in place by abutment teeth on either side of the gap. It can be made from a wide variety of materials, even gold. However, dental bridges are typically made from porcelain to make it blend in with your natural teeth.
• Implants – Dental implants are replacement tooth roots made of titanium that provide a strong foundation for the attachment of removable or permanent crowns. It is done to replace damaged or missing teeth. Dental implants can look and function much like real teeth. The process of placing a dental implant can be done under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
• Extractions – a severely damaged tooth due to excessive tooth decay or tooth infection that cannot be saved needs to be pulled out. Tooth extractions may also be done to resolve crowding, as well as for those who get braces. Tooth extraction procedure can be simple or surgical, depending on the state of your tooth. Simple tooth extraction is usually performed under local anesthetic, while surgical tooth extraction may involve general anesthesia.
• Dentures – dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth. They can be complete or partial. Partial dentures are used when some of your natural teeth still remain, while complete dentures are used when all of your teeth are missing.
• Gum surgery – mostly known as periodontal surgery, this type of procedure is often required to treat certain gum conditions and diseases, such as periodontitis or gingivitis. Its goal is to treat the gum disease and any damage it may have caused.
• Filling and repairs – to treat a cavity, the decayed portion of the tooth can be removed and then “filled.” Fillings can also be done to repair broken or cracked teeth.
• Veneers – Dental veneers are custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of your teeth. They can change the color, size, shape, and length of your teeth to improve your appearance. It can be made from resin composite or porcelain. However, the most popular material is porcelain as they look more natural than composite veneers.
• Root canals – this procedure is done to repair and save a tooth that becomes infected or badly decayed. The root canal procedure involves removing the pulp and nerve from a tooth. The inside of your tooth is then cleaned and sealed. This procedure can prevent the tissue that surrounds the tooth from being infected.

How Long Should I Stay in Bahamas?

Your length of stay depends on the type of procedure you get. For most dental procedures, you can leave the clinic or hospital on the same day. However, if you undergo a surgical procedure, then you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days. Note that most dental procedures require multiple appointments to complete. Therefore, although you can leave the hospital on the same day, you may need to stay in Bahamas for several days or weeks until all of your appointment is completed. In some cases, you may need two separate travel to Bahamas.

What's the Recovery Time?

Recovery time can be different from one person to another, depending on the procedure you undergo, the reason you need the procedure, and your general health. Your dentist will give you a recovery timeline, which includes the time frame when you can go back to work, resume your normal routine, and perform vigorous activities, such as exercise.

What About Aftercare?

Your dentist will give you aftercare instructions that you will need to follow. The instructions may include diet, restrictions, and how to care for the treated area. You may feel some discomfort and pain for the first few days and your dentist may prescribe pain medications. Make sure to take the medications as instructed.

To maintain the result of your procedure, it is important that you practice good oral hygiene. Always brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash every day. It is also important that you have dental examinations regularly. In addition, you need to avoid damaging habits, such as biting your nails or chewing hard items.

What's the Success Rate?

The field of dentistry is constantly improving and advancing. Experienced and skilled dentists should be able to provide high success rates for the procedures they perform. Still, risks and side effects are possible. These include nerve injury, infection, bleeding, and damage to surrounding structures. To avoid these risks and side effects, make sure to choose a certified dentist with proven track records.

Are there Alternatives to Dentistry?

Any problems in your jaw, teeth, and oral cavity are diagnosed, treated, and prevented by the practice of dentistry. Therefore, there are no other alternatives than to see your dentist. However, if your problem is found to be caused by other diseases, your dentist may refer you to the relevant doctors.

Dentistry in and around Bahamas

The Bahamas is an archipelago and country on the northwestern edge of the West Indies. Having more than 700 beautiful, palm-fringed islands, this country is known for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, crystal clear waters, a myriad of bird species, and historic towns. With everything that it has to offer, it is easy to see why the Bahamas welcomes millions of visitors each year. Besides honeymooners, divers, and beach-goers, the Bahamas is also popular among medical tourists thanks to its exceptionally high-quality services. The country’s booming medical tourism industry is driven by its highly-skilled medical professionals and state-of-the-art equipment, combined with cost-effective medical care and the opportunity to recuperate in beautiful surroundings. Cosmetic and plastic surgeries, total knee replacements, and cardiac surgeries are some of the most popular procedures in the Bahamas. 

Popular Parts of the Bahamas

Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, is one of the chief pleasure resorts in the world. Known as the Bahamas’ crown jewel, it boasts a vibrant culture, breathtaking natural landscape, and rich history. Its signature attraction is the beaches, and the most popular is Cable Beach. With striking white sands and blue waters, this peaceful and beautiful beach is the perfect place to relax and sunbathe. Freeport is also a famous destination in the Bahamas. With its diving sites and world-class restaurants, there are many things to see and do in this city. The main draw of Freeport is its beaches. Some of the most popular are Taino and Fortune Beach.

Weather and Climate in the Bahamas

The Bahamas experiences a tropical climate and the average temperatures will stay the same all year round, between 24°C - 29°C. There are generally two seasons in the country: dry and wet. The dry season, from November to June, is mostly sunny and pleasant. However, it tends to be very crowded during this season, especially from mid-December to mid-April. The wet season spans from July to November. This season sees an increase in rainfall, but there are still many sunny days. The Bahamas also has a hurricane season, which lasts from June to November. 

Getting around in the Bahamas

The largest international gateway to the Bahamas is Lynden Pindling International Airport, which is located near the capital city of Nassau, in western New Providence Island. It serves flights to numerous major cities in the Americas and Europe, including New York, Atlanta, and London. The easiest and quickest way to get around is by plane, especially to travel from one island to another. In Nassau and Freeport, the main transport option is the jitneys (private minibusses). In Out Islands, no public transport is available. The best way to get around inside the islands is by taxis or rental cars. However, taxis are often quicker and easier than driving on your own. Ferries and water taxis are all available.

Tourist Visas in the Bahamas

Citizens of 120 countries, including all EU countries, Australia, Canada, China, the US, and the UK, can visit and stay in the Bahamas for up to 3 months without a visa unless stated otherwise. Nationals not listed in the visa-exempt agreement need to obtain a visa to be able to visit the Bahamas. 

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The Bahamian dollar (BSD) is the official currency, which is equivalent in value to the US dollar. Bahamian dollar and US dollars are accepted interchangeably in the country.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available on the major islands and can usually be found in airport terminals and at banks. Credit cards are widely accepted. Tipping is expected, usually around 15% for taxi drivers and waiters, and $1-$3 for bag porters and hotel maids. 
3. Local Language: English is the official language in the Bahamas.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Bahamians are deeply religious and the biggest religion is Christianity. However, the constitution guarantees freedom of expression, and other religions are freely practiced. 
5. Public holidays: Some of the most important holidays in the Bahamas are Whit Monday, National Heroes Day,  Randol Fawkes Labour Day, Emancipation Day,  Independence Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, and Majority Rule Day.