Decoding Common Dental Procedures
A key part of maintaining good oral health is understanding the types of dental procedures that you may need to undergo at some point. From preventative treatments to more complex surgeries, these procedures play a critical role in keeping your smile healthy and bright. This article will decode some of the most common dental procedures.
1. Regular Checkups and Cleanings
Routine dental checkups and professional teeth cleanings are fundamental to oral health. During these visits, your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and mouth, looking for signs of disease or other problems. A professional cleaning helps remove plaque and tartar build-up that regular brushing and flossing can’t reach.
2. Fillings
Dental fillings are used to treat cavities or tooth decay. The dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and “fill” the area with materials such as composite resin, porcelain, or dental amalgam. Fillings restore the tooth’s integrity and prevent further decay.
3. Crowns
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that’s placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength, and to improve its appearance. Crowns are used for teeth that have been broken, worn down, or affected by a large cavity or a root canal procedure.
4. Bridges
Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of two or more crowns that anchor a false tooth in between. Bridges can help restore your smile, prevent remaining teeth from shifting, and maintain the shape of your face.
5. Root Canal Therapy
A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that’s severely decayed or infected. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Contrary to popular belief, root canals are not exceptionally painful procedures and can greatly relieve dental pain and save your teeth.
6. Dental Implants
Dental implants are a long-term solution for missing teeth. They’re titanium posts that are surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath the gum line, acting as an anchor for replacement teeth. Dental implants don’t come loose like dentures can and help support jaw health.
7. Tooth Extractions
Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. It’s usually a last resort when a tooth is too damaged or decayed to be repaired, or in the case of wisdom teeth, causing crowding, disease, or discomfort.
8. Veneers
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of teeth. Made from porcelain or resin-composite materials, veneers are permanently bonded to your teeth to change their color, shape, size, or length, improving your overall smile.
9. Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a simple procedure that can make a significant difference in your smile. It’s a cosmetic procedure that lightens teeth and helps remove stains and discoloration.
10. Orthodontics
Orthodontics involves correcting teeth and jaws that are positioned improperly. This can be achieved through braces, aligners like Invisalign, space maintainers, or jaw repositioning appliances.
11. Periodontal Therapy
Periodontal therapy involves procedures to treat diseases around the tooth, also known as gum disease. It can range from non-surgical treatments like scaling, root planning (deep cleaning), and medicated mouthwash use, to surgical procedures such as gum grafts.
12. Oral and Maxillofacial Procedures
These procedures treat various diseases, injuries, and defects in the hard and soft tissues of the face, mouth, and jaw. They range from corrective jaw surgery and cleft lip/palate surgery, to more routine procedures like wisdom tooth extractions and dental implants.
13. Dentures
Dentures are removable appliances that can replace missing teeth and help restore your smile. Full dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.
14. Dental Bonding
In dental bonding, a tooth-colored resin material is applied to the teeth and hardened with a special light, ultimately bonding the material to the tooth to improve a person’s smile. It’s one of the least expensive and simplest cosmetic dental procedures.
15. Sealants
Dental sealants are a thin, plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth (usually the back teeth) to prevent tooth decay. The sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel.
Conclusion
The realm of dental procedures is vast and varied, designed to address a wide range of oral health concerns.
Understanding these procedures can help alleviate any apprehension and empower you to make informed decisions about your oral health. Remember, regular dental visits and maintaining good oral hygiene are the best ways to avoid needing complex procedures. A healthy mouth contributes greatly to overall well-being.
