Visiting a dentist regularly can help you detect and prevent oral health issues early on. A dental expert has the ability to examine your teeth and gums and suggest proper treatments or lifestyle changes to improve your dental health. In some cases, dental procedures may be the best path toward improving your oral health. Here are six of the most common dental procedures:
Teeth Cleanings
Teeth cleanings are a very common procedure that can help promote overall dental health. During the procedure, dentists use scalers to remove tartar and plaque around your gum line and between your teeth. The removal of this buildup can promote good oral health and prevent gum disease. Combined with a good oral hygiene routine, a teeth cleaning every few months can help prevent cavities and reduce bad breath since the process removes a film of bacteria. If you have an unpleasant taste in your mouth and tooth sensitivity, you may need a deep dental cleaning.
Fillings
Fillings are a dental procedure that may help treat cavities or tooth decay. Dental fillings can also repair fractured or partially broken teeth. When you have a toothache, your dental provider can use an x-ray to assess whether or not you have cracks or cavities that are contributing to the pain. If you do, fillings may be the best strategy for preventing further pain or decay in your tooth.
This procedure often begins with a cleaning of the area surrounding the cavity or fracture. Then a dental specialist can seal your tooth with a dental filling. You can choose from different fillings, such as gold, silver, ceramic, composite resin, and glass ionomer. The dental filling you choose may depend on factors like your budget, aesthetic preference, and dental needs.
Dental Crowns
If the top part of your tooth has decayed or the cavity is too big for a filling, crowns may be an alternative option. Crowns help restore teeth by covering them to prevent further infection or damage. Permanent crowns can be made of metal, resin, ceramic, all-porcelain, or porcelain fused to metal.
Dentists begin this procedure by numbing your mouth with an anesthetic and shaving down the decaying tooth so the crown will fit. Then your dentist can make an impression of your tooth using a digital scan or mold. The impression goes to the lab to be made, and you can go home with a temporary crown. During your second visit, a professional removes the temporary crown and places the custom-made dental crown on the prepared tooth.
Root Canal
Root canals are a common, more intensive dental procedure that involves the removal of infected or damaged pulp in the root cavity. After any infected pulp has been removed, dentists can clean and disinfect the area before sealing it off to prevent further infection. Dentists may also place a crown on the cavity to assist with the protection.
Root canals can help:
- Prevent tooth loss
- Control infection in neighboring teeth
- Prevent jawbone degeneration
- Boost overall dental aesthetics
- Improve oral health
If you have intense pain deep in your tooth, sensitivity to heat or cold, swollen jaw, and inflamed gums, a dental expert may suggest root canal therapy. Loose teeth, tooth discoloration, and pimples on gums can also suggest the need for a root canal.
Teeth Whitening
Over time, through using them every day, our teeth may become discolored. Certain factors can contribute to this discoloration more than others such as drinking soda, coffee, or wine and even smoking cigarettes. Other factors such as tooth trauma, infection, or the use of certain medications can also contribute to discoloration.
Teeth whitening can help brighten your teeth and improve their appearance. Your dental provider may use carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide to bleach your teeth during this process. They may also use the application of light to speed up the process.
Dental Implants
Dental implants replace damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth. During this procedure, a professional can perform a comprehensive dental exam using x-rays. At this point, dentists can produce an implant that works for your bone structure and perform the implant procedure. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last for many years.
Find a Qualified Dentist for Your Dental Procedures
An experienced dentist can perform examinations on your gums and teeth and assess whether you are in need of dental procedures to improve your oral health. Dentists can also recommend personalized treatment plans based on your needs. Take your first step toward better oral health and reach out to a dentist today.