A dazzling smile is not only aesthetically pleasing but also plays a vital role in maintaining our overall health and well-being.
Achieving optimal oral health requires regular dental care, which often involves various dental procedures. From preventive measures to restorative treatments, dentistry encompasses a wide range of procedures designed to enhance and maintain the health of our teeth and gums.
Let’s have a look at the most common dental procedures that are performed today.
1. Dental Cleanings
Regular dental cleanings are the most important thing in oral hygiene. Going to see a hygienist is a great way to keep your dental health in excellent shape.
During a cleaning, the hygienist will give your teeth a thorough clean and make sure that they remove plaque and tartar. This will reduce the risk of gum disease and other problems. They can use special equipment to scale your teeth and reach the parts of your mouth that you can’t get to while you’re doing your daily cleaning.
Regular cleaning appointments allow both he hygienist and the dentist to get a good idea of your overall dental health. They can spot issues early on and address them before they get too bad.
2. Dental X-Rays
Dental X-rays are invaluable tools that provide detailed images of your teeth. They also show you the roots of your teeth and an image of your jawbone.
Dentists utilize X-rays to diagnose various conditions, including cavities, impacted teeth, jawbone deterioration, and abnormalities that may not be visible during a regular examination. X-rays help dentists identify and monitor the progression of dental issues that may require treatment, such as decay or infection that extends beyond the visible surface of the tooth.
Your dentist will take appropriate precautions, such as using lead aprons and collars, to ensure your safety during the procedure.
3. Tooth Fillings
Tooth fillings are not something anyone wants to deal with. But sometimes they are necessary. Tooth decay can cause cavities and hole to form in your teeth which need filling in.
Tooth fillings involve removing the decayed portion of the tooth first. After that, the dentist can fill the cavity with a suitable material.
This is most often done with the area around the tooth numb as the process of working on cavities is notoriously painful. The least enjoyable part of this procedure is that the dentist will need to break out a drill to remove the cavity in your teeth.
The filling material is carefully placed in layers and shaped to match the natural contours of the tooth.
4. Root Canal Treatment
When the pulp of a tooth becomes infected or damaged, a root canal treatment may be necessary. This is done to save the tooth from extraction.
During this procedure, the dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans the root canals, and seals them to prevent reinfection. This will preserve the natural form of the tooth.
Root canals are required when the tooth’s nerve or pulp tissue become inflamed. Some things that can cause this include:
- Deep decay
- Repeated dental procedure
- Cracks
- Trauma.
In some cases, a dental crown may be recommended to restore strength and protect the tooth after a root canal procedure.
5. Tooth Extractions
Sometimes there is no option but to remove a tooth whole. Dentists will always look for alternative treatments before settling on extractions. Sometimes it is just unavoidable.
Dentists strive to explore alternative options to preserve natural teeth; however, in certain situations, extraction is the most appropriate course of action.
Before the extraction, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area surrounding the tooth.
In more complex cases or if multiple teeth need to be extracted, general anesthesia may be used. The dentist will provide instructions on post-extraction care, such as how to manage any discomfort, reduce swelling, and promote proper healing.
6. Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are custom-made restorations that cover damaged or weakened teeth. Crowns are a great cosmetic fix for missing or chipped teeth. Not all visits to the dentist are for health reasons. Sometimes you just want to find cosmetic dentist care.
The process of getting a dental crown usually requires two visits. During the first visit, the dentist will remove a portion of the outer structure of the tooth. Then they’ll apply a resin to get a mold of the tooth.
When you return for your second visit, the temporary crown will be removed and replaced by your permanent crown. This crown will be cemented into place. It is completely permanent and as good as getting a new tooth.
7. Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are like crowns for multiple teeth. These fixed prosthetics consist of one or more artificial teeth anchored to neighboring teeth. They are designed to bridge the gap left by the missing teeth.
Bridges not only restore the appearance of your smile but also help maintain proper dental alignment, improve chewing and speaking abilities, and prevent surrounding teeth from shifting.
8. Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is probably the most popular cosmetic dental treatment. It is performed to improve the brightness and whiteness of teeth. It can help you achieve a vibrant smile.
The procedure is usually carried out using a bleaching agent. The dentist will apply the agent directly to the teeth. They then use a special light or laser to accelerate the process.
This procedure can lighten the shade of your teeth by several shades in just one visit. Alternatively, at-home teeth whitening kits provided by dentists involve using custom-fitted trays and a professional-grade whitening gel. The patient fills the trays with the gel and wears them for a specified period, usually a few hours each day or overnight, over a span of several weeks. The bleaching gel breaks down stains and discoloration, gradually revealing whiter teeth.
It’s important to note that teeth whitening treatments may not be suitable for everyone, and the results can vary based on the individual’s tooth color and condition. Consulting with your dentist is crucial to determine the most appropriate whitening method for your specific needs and to ensure the procedure is safe and effective.
9. Dental Implants
Dental implants are state-of-the-art tooth replacements that provide a long-term solution for missing teeth. They consist of a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone, topped with a dental crown.
Implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth, offering durability and stability. The implant procedure typically involves multiple stages and requires collaboration between a dentist and an oral surgeon or periodontist. Initially, a thorough evaluation is conducted to assess the patient’s eligibility for implants, including examining the bone density and overall oral health.
During the surgical phase, the dental implant post is placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration. This creates a stable foundation for the artificial tooth. After a healing period, an abutment is attached to the implant, which serves as a connector between the implant and the dental crown.
Finally, the custom-made crown is placed onto the abutment, restoring the appearance and function of the missing tooth. Dental implants provide a long-lasting solution for missing teeth, promote bone preservation in the jaw, and offer enhanced comfort and chewing abilities.
10. Orthodontic Treatments
Orthodontic treatments, such as braces or clear aligners, correct misaligned teeth and jaw positioning.
These treatments address issues like:
- Crowded teeth
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
Braces are one of the most common orthodontic treatments and consist of brackets, wires, and elastic bands that work together to gradually shift teeth into proper alignment. Clear aligners, on the other hand, are a more discreet alternative that uses a series of custom-made transparent trays to gently move the teeth over time.
Orthodontic treatment typically begins with a consultation and a comprehensive examination, which may include X-rays, impressions, or digital scans of your teeth. Based on the assessment, the orthodontist will develop a personalized treatment plan.
Throughout the treatment process, regular adjustments and check-ups are necessary to monitor progress and make any necessary modifications.
These Common Dental Procedures Improve Your Smile
The dentist can be a stressful experience. Nobody enjoys the feeling of having someone’s hands in their mouth, but regular trips to the dentist are vital. If you want to look after your dental health and have a radiant smile, then you need to get some of these common dental procedures don’t at some point.
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