Many people feel overwhelmed when they think of dental procedures. They wonder what an extraction or a root canal is. If this sounds like you, you could be afraid because you need the procedure or don’t know about it. Understanding what these procedures are can help alleviate fears and anxiety. This helps ensure your dental procedure goes more smoothly. There are many reasons why you could consider a dental procedure. Maybe you want to get an attractive smile, or you have tooth decay. Whatever the reason, modern cosmetic dentistry provides a range of treatments to fix your dental issue.
Below is a breakdown of standard dental procedures dentists perform all the time.
1. Dental Crowns
This dental procedure fixes badly damaged teeth caused by injury or decay. As a dental procedure, dental crowns can fix your teeth from extraction. Additionally, crowns are also used to correct cosmetic imperfections and transform the shape and color of your smile. General dentist practitioners can make the crown themselves. This means a patient can get a dental crown implanted in one day. Dental crowns restore the health of your teeth by covering them completely. This protects your teeth from further damage or infection.
2. Root Canals
The root canal is another standard dental procedure you can take. If your tooth’s pulp – tissue located in the center of the tooth – is inflamed or infected, you can have a dentist remove it. Many things can cause teeth infection or inflammation: decay repeated dental procedures, faulty crowns, or a chip or cracked tooth. If your tooth is infected and left untreated, there can be an accumulation of pus which forms an abscess. If the abscess builds up too much, it can destroy the bone around the tooth and cause intense pain.
3. Fillings
This is the most performed dental procedure in most dental clinics. First, a dentist will check your teeth to establish what – If any – tooth decay you may have. This is done through cavity-detecting dye or an x-ray. If there’s a noticeable cavity, a dentist will use white composite or silver metal materials to fill the hole. Additionally, your dentist will also even out chewing surfaces. This means the cavity won’t grow further, and the tooth will be sealed off. If your teeth are broken or cracked, they can also be filled by a dentist.
4. Teeth Whitening
As we age, our teeth begin to accumulate stains. These stains are caused by the foods and drinks we eat and the habits we practice. Even if you love your smile, having yellow-tinged teeth can affect your confidence. Sometimes, even over-the-counter whitening strips cannot do much to lighten the stains. This is why you need to consider a professional whitening procedure. This procedure can whiten your teeth by many shades – and the procedure can even be done at your home. Ensure you work with a professional dentist who understands what they’re doing.
5. Composite Bonding
This dental procedure repairs damaged, decayed, or discolored teeth. It uses material that resembles tooth enamel color. Your dentist drills out the decay and applies the composite onto the tooth’s surface. Next, he or she will “sculpt” the surface into the right shape and finally cure it with a high-intensity light. Popularly referred to as “bonding,” this procedure covers the tooth’s damage and gives your tooth a healthy appearance. Composite bonding is also the least expensive dentistry procedure available to patients with tooth decay, cracked or damaged teeth, and worn-out edges.
6. Dental Veneers
Veneers are custom-made, wafer-thin shells that cover the front surface of teeth. They bond to the front of the teeth, changing their shape, color, size, and length. Dental veneers are made from porcelain or resin composite. Before the procedure, your dentist will extract a small amount of enamel from the tooth; The amount removed will be the same thickness as the veneer. Next, the impression is sent to a dental technician who makes the veneer in a laboratory. Finally, the veneer is bonded to your teeth to form a strong bond.
7. Dental Implants
If you want to replace lost or damaged teeth after an emergency, consider dental implants. A titanium stud or post is surgically inserted into the tooth socket or bone (mandible or maxilla) where your tooth or teeth used to be. After insertion, the area is allowed to heal for about 4-6 months. Finally, an artificial tooth is placed atop the implant.
At first, most people are hesitant to undergo dental surgery as advised by a dentist. This could be because of the cost consideration, or they fear post-surgery pain. However, it’s in your best interest to undergo any of the above procedures if your teeth have a problem. This helps ensure your dental problem doesn’t deepen beyond a point where it poses a risk to your oral health. Finally, work with a professional cosmetic dentist who can provide what you want.
