Dept. of Stomatology

History of the Department of Stomatology

The Department of Stomatology was established in the early 1950s, with its first director being Li Xuexiang. It underwent several changes over the decades, including a temporary closure after the restructuring of the faculties at Shanghai Medical College. In 1976, the department was re-established to meet the growing needs of general hospitals, at which time sparked the initiation of routine dental outpatient treatments. The department has since expanded significantly; in 2021 alone, the outpatient clinic served 80,000 patients.

As of 2022, the Department of Stomatology boasts a team of 23 doctors, including three chief physicians, five deputy chief physicians, 11 attending physicians, and four resident physicians. As an educational hospital, our residency and advanced graduate education program in implant dentistry each recruit 7 and 5 students annually, respectively. It is equipped with 31 comprehensive dental therapeutic instruments, two dental CBCT machines, one X-ray panoramic film camera, two digital dental film machines, six dental implant instruments, a cardiac monitor with defibrillation capabilities, and state-of-the-art CT dental digitalization software, among other advanced equipment.

Under the leadership of Director Yu Youcheng, the department has significantly enhanced and expanded its dental implant treatments, which have become a hallmark of the department's medical services. The department continues to innovate and develop new technologies, particularly in response to the rising incidence of cardiovascular diseases in order to provide safe dental extractions under medical supervision. This initiative has spurred the growth of sub-specialties within the department, including endodontics, periodontics, orthodontics, prosthodontics, and pediatric dentistry.

Medical Characteristics

The Department of Stomatology at Zhongshan places a strong emphasis on providing comprehensive and high-quality medical services. Over the years, it has developed unique diagnostic and treatment approaches based on extensive clinical experience.

Implantation of Missing Teeth

Introduced in 1997, the dental implant technology at Zhongshan Stomatology has successfully treated tens of thousands of patients with missing teeth while achieving high satisfaction rates. The department leads in the volume of implantation surgeries in Shanghai, with 1,600 cases completed in 2021 alone. It specializes in immediate implantation and restoration, allowing patients to have teeth extracted, implants placed, and prostheses fitted all in one day. This addresses the needs of patients who require "zero missing teeth" in that they are able to present to clinic, have their needed dental procedures done, and leave clinic all in one piece, which significantly enhances their quality of life and patient satisfaction. Since 2004, the department has hosted the ITI Dental Implantation National Course and, since 2012, annual national continuing education courses on implantation that have drawn thousands of professionals nationwide.

Oral Restorative Treatment

Since 1976, Zhongshan's Department of Stomatology has provided comprehensive oral restorative treatments. These include fixed restorations, active restorations, and implant restorations. Techniques range from conventional porcelain crowns to full mouth cosmetic restorations using porcelain veneers and inlays. The department also offers sophisticated restorative treatments, such as sleeve crowns, precision attachments, and complex bite jaw reconstructions, often utilizing digital technology for chairside immediate restorations.

Cardiac Monitoring During Tooth Extraction

In collaboration with the Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Stomatology pioneered supervised tooth extractions for patients with cardiovascular diseases in the early 1990s. This practice involves comprehensive preoperative assessments, stringent control over operation indications, effective pain and anxiety management during the procedure, and immediate postoperative care. Over 70,000 patients with cardiovascular conditions have safely undergone dental extractions under these protocols.

Orthodontic Treatment

Zhongshan Stomatology provides orthodontic treatment using gentle forces to correct malocclusions and align teeth aesthetically. This includes treating deformities associated with dental, jaw, and craniofacial issues. In 2015, the department embraced the trend towards invisible orthodontics, opening new possibilities for adult patients seeking aesthetic solutions.

Routine Outpatient Program

The Department of Stomatology runs daily specialty and expert clinics, offering a wide range of services for various dental, oral, and maxillofacial conditions. These include treatments for dental caries, pulpitis, periapical inflammation, oral ulcers, and other mucous membrane diseases, as well as surgical interventions for impacted teeth and jaw fractures.