Page 9 - Cornwall Issue 4 2025

LIFESTYLE

IMPACT DENTISTRY

DR. PORTIA NETHONONDA’S PASSION FOR PROSTHODONTICS

P H O T O G R A P H B Y I V A N M U L L E R

estled in the serene surrounds of Cornwall This imbalance can lead to strain in the jaw muscles
Hill Estate, Dr. Portia Nethononda has used for everyday actions like chewing and speaking.
found not just a home, but a haven for her While some people adapt without too much trouble,
Nfamily. Having lived in the estate for the others develop painful or frustrating symptoms that
past seven years, she reflects on it as one of the best impact their quality of life. For example, losing front
decisions she’s made. “It’s peaceful, safe, and close teeth (the ‘aesthetic zone’) can lead to embarrassment
to the children’s school—perfect for family life,” she and social withdrawal, while missing back teeth can
shares. affect chewing efficiency and even digestion.

Originally from Venda in Limpopo, Dr. Portia moved WORN TEETH: MORE THAN JUST A
to Pretoria in 2014 to pursue her postgraduate COSMETIC ISSUE
studies at the University of Pretoria. But her journey Pathological tooth wear—also known as occlusal
into dentistry began long before that. “Even in disease—is a condition where teeth wear down faster
primary school, I knew I wanted to become a dentist. than normal. “This can happen due to excessive
I remember how excited I was whenever local oral grinding, exposure to acids (from certain foods, drinks
health professionals visited our school. I think it or acid reflux), or even overly aggressive brushing,” Dr.
had a lot to do with receiving a new toothbrush and Portia explains.
toothpaste,” she says with a smile.
The result? Teeth become shorter, more sensitive,and
Today, affectionately known as Dr. Portia, she is a less functional. In some cases, patients struggle to
qualified prosthodontist running a private practice in chew, and their smile no longer looks the way it once
Pretoria East—and making what she calls an impact in did. Fortunately, with tailored treatment, both function
her patients’ lives. “I call it impact dentistry because and appearance can be restored
the transformations we achieve go far beyond just
teeth. Restoring someone’s smile often restores their JAW PAIN AND TENSION: UNDERSTANDING
confidence, their comfort, and even their joy.” TMD
Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) are often
WHAT IS PROSTHODONTICS? misunderstood and under-diagnosed. They involve an
Prosthodontics is a dental speciality focused on the interplay between the muscles used for chewing and
restoration and replacement of teeth. It deals with the jaw joints, which can complicate the diagnosis.
complex cases where patients may have lost teeth,
experienced severe tooth wear, or suffered from jaw “There are many causes, but the most common one
joint disorders. These aren’t just cosmetic concerns— is stress,” says Dr. Portia. “People under pressure—
they often affect a person’s ability to chew, speak whether from work or life—often grind their teeth at
and smile comfortably. What sets prosthodontics night without knowing it. Over time, this can lead to
apart is not just the technical skill it requires, but jaw pain, headaches and worn teeth.”
the emotional impact it carries. “When someone
can finally smile without hiding their teeth, or eat a Muscle-related TMD is the most frequent type,
proper meal without pain, it’s life-changing. You see although some patients also experience joint-related
the transformation not only in their mouth but in their issues. This condition usually requires a team
spirit,” Dr. Portia says. approach involving other specialists.

Dr. Portia Nethononda’s dedication to this life- A FINAL WORD
changing work began at the University of Pretoria’s Dr. Portia Nethononda’s story is one of purpose,
Oral Health Centre, where she first served as a passion and precision. Whether she’s restoring a smile
development officer before becoming a registrar in or raising her family in a community she loves, she
2016. As part of her training, she was deeply involved brings the same care and commitment to everything
in teaching and clinical supervision— an experience she does. As she puts it: “You don’t have to live with
that has laid a strong foundation for the excellence discomfort or hide your smile. With the right treatment,
she brings to private practice today. not only can your teeth be rehabilitated—but your
confidence too.”
TOOTH LOSS AND ITS RIPPLE FFFECT
“Many people think losing a tooth here or there isn’t CONTACT DETAILS
a big deal,” explains Dr. Portia. “But your teeth work www.drportiadental.co.za
together as a team. When one (or more) goes missing, Email: Admin@drportiadental.co.za
the balance of your jaw—the stomatognathic system— Tel: (+27)63-696 5165
is disrupted.”

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