Dr. Jukkrapun Thongmalee
There are various methods for fabricating dentures; however, most conventional options have limitations in terms of long-term stability within the jawbone. While traditional dentures can improve chewing efficiency, they cannot provide the same level of stability as natural teeth. Dental implants, on the other hand, are securely anchored to the jawbone, allowing them to function much like natural teeth. As a result, dental implants have become an increasingly popular option for tooth replacement today.
Dr. Jukkrapun Thongmalee graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Faculty of Dentistry, Srinakharinwirot University, in 2021. He is currently pursuing further specialization in Dental Implantology through a Master’s degree program at Bangkok Thonburi University. Dr. Jukkrapun shared his inspiration and experiences throughout his educational journey:
“During my high school years, I dreamed of becoming a pilot. However, my mother encouraged me to try taking the dental school entrance examination. I passed the exam and decided to give dentistry a chance.
As I continued my studies, I gradually developed a strong interest in the field—especially during laboratory sessions. When I performed my first clinical procedures, I received top scores, which made me realize that I was on the right path. Today, I truly enjoy providing dental care for patients and take great pride in being a dentist.”
Areas of Expertise and Patient Care
Dr. Jukkrapun specializes in general dentistry, providing a wide range of services including dental scaling, tooth extractions, and root canal treatment. At Phyathai Sriracha Hospital, a significant number of patients seek root canal therapy. This treatment focuses on restoring teeth that have been damaged by dental disease, trauma, or other factors, allowing patients to preserve their natural teeth and maintain proper oral function.
“If you think back to when we were born, we had no teeth and very small jaws. As we grow older, our jaws develop and expand. However, once permanent teeth are lost, the jawbone in that area begins to shrink and recede. Over time, this can result in a sunken facial appearance that makes a person look prematurely aged.
This occurs because there is no longer a tooth structure to support the bone. Dental implants function as artificial tooth roots, helping to preserve the jawbone and maintain its natural shape. In addition, dental implants offer several benefits. They provide chewing ability that closely resembles natural teeth, help maintain bone levels, and enhance aesthetics. They also improve speech clarity and overall quality of life by restoring missing teeth and completing the smile.”
Challenges and Memorable Experiences as a Dentist
In recent years, Dr. Jukkrapun has focused primarily on preserving natural teeth while continuing his advanced training in implant dentistry. Root canal treatment plays a crucial role in relieving pain and maintaining patients’ natural teeth for as long as possible.
“Anyone who has experienced a severe toothache understands how painful it can be. One patient came in with inflammation and infection that had spread to the dental nerve. The pain was so intense that the patient could not sleep, even after taking pain medication and receiving injections. In fact, the pain continued to worsen.
Normally, anesthesia helps relieve pain, but this case was particularly challenging. I proceeded with root canal treatment by removing the inflamed tissue from the nerve. This allowed the tooth to be preserved rather than extracted. After treatment, the pain subsided significantly. The patient was able to sleep comfortably, eat normally, and clearly felt a noticeable improvement in quality of life.”
Treating Teeth Damaged by Accidents
When it comes to fractured or displaced teeth caused by accidents, Dr. Jukkrapun emphasizes that treatment outcomes depend on several important factors.
“In general, many fractured or avulsed teeth can be restored to normal function. However, the success of treatment depends on the severity of damage and factors such as how the tooth was stored, the condition of the tooth structure, and the surrounding jawbone.
I have treated many cases where teeth were successfully repositioned back into their original place—whether the tooth was partially fractured or completely displaced. Proper handling and timely treatment are critical, which is why I actively educate patients and the public on correct first-aid care for dental injuries.”
A Dentist’s Perspective on Oral Health and Patient Care
Oral and dental health is essential throughout every stage of life. From infancy—when the mouth is used for feeding—to adulthood, the mouth and teeth play a vital role in eating, speaking, and social interaction. Oral health problems such as mouth ulcers or tooth pain can make daily activities difficult. In children, these issues may affect physical development and self-confidence.
Having a complete and healthy set of teeth contributes to clear speech, a confident smile, and positive social interactions. Clean, well-maintained teeth without bad breath encourage people to communicate and smile freely. Therefore, early dental examination and prompt treatment are essential to prevent complications and ensure long-term oral health.
“No one visits a dentist without a reason. Patients come to us because something is affecting their quality of life. As dentists, our responsibility is to help them return to a normal and comfortable life. We must never abandon our patients—we must address their pain, care for them properly, and protect their long-term oral health.”
