Dr. Jukkrapun Thongmalee
"Dentures fabrication techniques come in various forms, but most of them tend to have the disadvantage of not being able to withstand the jawbone's pressure for an extended period. Although conventional dentures can improve chewing, they cannot match the stability of natural teeth compared to dental implants. Consequently, dental implants, which firmly attach to the jawbone and allow for natural-like functionality, have gained popularity in tooth replacement procedures nowadays."
Dr. Jukkrapun Thongmalee, a successful graduate in Dental Medicine from the Faculty of Dental Medicine at Srinakharinwirot University in 2021, is currently pursuing further studies in dental implantology as part of the Master’s degree program at Bangkok Thonburi University. Dr. Jukkrapun shares his inspiration and experiences during his educational journey:
“In my high school days, I aspired to become a pilot, but coincidentally, my mother wanted me to try the dental school entrance exam. I ended up passing the dental exam and decided to give it a try. As I continued studying, I developed a strong interest in dentistry, especially during laboratory sessions. When I performed my first dental procedure, I received top scores, and that’s when I felt that I might be on the right path. Nowadays, I find joy in providing dental care to patients and take great pride in being a dentist.”
Dr. Jukkrapun specializes in general dentistry and provides services ranging from scaling, tooth extractions, and root canal treatments. At Phayathai Sriracha Hospital, there are a significant number of patients seeking root canal treatments, which involve restoring the structure of damaged teeth due to various dental issues, including accidents and other factors. This approach ensures that patients’ natural teeth can continue functioning effectively.
“Imagine back to when we were born; we had no teeth, and our jaws were small. As we age, our jaws grow larger. However, if we lose multiple permanent teeth, the jawbone will start to shrink and recede inward, giving us a sunken, aged appearance. The narrowing of the jaw is due to the lack of tooth structure to support the bone. Dental implants act as substitutes for natural tooth roots and help preserve the bone structure, preventing this sunken appearance. Moreover, dental implants offer numerous benefits to those seeking tooth replacement. Firstly, they provide a chewing function that closely resembles natural teeth. Secondly, they maintain bone levels effectively. Lastly, they contribute to an aesthetically pleasing smile, improving speech clarity and overall quality of life. Dental implants can also restore missing teeth to complete and enhance one’s appearance.”
In summary, dental implants have proven to be a highly effective and popular solution for tooth replacement due to their ability to mimic the functionality and appearance of natural teeth. Dr. Jukkrapun’s expertise and dedication in the field of dentistry continue to positively impact his patients, providing them with the confidence and quality of life they deserve.
Challenges and Impressions as a Dentist
In the recent past, Dr. Jukkrapun’s focus was not on performing dental implants as he was still undergoing further studies. Consequently, his patients emphasized the preservation of their natural teeth as the primary concern. Preserving natural teeth through root canal treatments helps alleviate and ease the patients’ pain, enabling the long-term maintenance of their real teeth.
“If anyone has experienced a toothache, they can understand the agony it brings. One case involved a tooth with inflammation and an infection that affected the nerve. The patient suffered severe pain, unable to sleep, even though they tried various pain relief methods, including injections. However, the pain only worsened. Normally, after administering pain-relief injections, the condition would improve, but in this particular case, it was challenging. Thus, I treated the problem by addressing the inflammation in the nerve area, eliminating the inflamed tissue. This is a process in preserving the tooth while maintaining it as it was. After the treatment, the pain subsided, and the patient could sleep well and enjoy food, visibly experiencing relief and happiness.”
Treating Fractured Teeth from Accidents
Regarding the treatment of fractured or displaced teeth resulting from accidents, Dr. Jukkrapun can provide care, but it depends on the nature and some specific limitations.
“Initially, I would say that all fractured or displaced teeth can be restored to normal function. However, this depends on the extent of damage and some factors like the tooth’s storage, the tooth’s structure, and the jaw. I have treated various cases where I managed to reposition the displaced or fractured tooth back to its original place, either in cases where only a part of the tooth was broken or when the entire tooth was displaced. Proper storage and treatment are crucial for successful restoration, and I strive to educate the public about this to ensure proper handling.”
Considering Dental Health and Patients as a Dentist
Indeed, dental health and oral hygiene are among life’s top priorities. It starts from infancy when the mouth is used to drink milk from the mother. As one grows, the mouth and teeth are essential for eating and chewing. Any problems in the mouth, such as mouth ulcers or toothaches, can make eating or chewing difficult. In children, it can affect physical development. A complete set of teeth contributes to clear speech and confidence in social interactions. People with clean and beautiful teeth, free from bad breath, are more confident in conversing and smiling with others. Therefore, if anyone notices any issues in their mouth or teeth, it is essential to promptly seek examination to prevent further complications and receive appropriate treatment.
“Nobody would want to see a dentist unless they have a problem bothering them. Patients come to us because something disrupts their quality of life, and they seek our help to restore normalcy and well-being. As good doctors, our duty is to help patients regain their normal, happy lives. We must not abandon our patients; we must take care of and address their problems, particularly concerning pain and long-term dental health.”
