5 Common Dental Procedures

Taking care of your teeth involves a clear understanding of dental procedures you might need during your visits. There are a variety of dental procedures that exist, and five of them are listed below.

1. Dental Fillings for Cavity Treatment

Cavities affect people of all ages and backgrounds, making dental fillings one of the most frequently performed procedures in dental offices. The process begins when bacteria and sugar create acids that gradually wear away tooth enamel, forming small holes that require attention before they develop into more serious problems. The treatment involves your dentist carefully removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling the space with durable materials that restore the tooth’s natural strength and shape. Modern composite resin materials have revolutionized the filling process by perfectly matching your natural tooth color, making the restoration virtually invisible to others. These tooth-colored fillings blend seamlessly with your smile while providing excellent protection against further decay. The procedure itself has become more comfortable with improved techniques and materials that ensure long-lasting results.

2. Root Canal Therapy for Infected Teeth

Root canal treatments have evolved significantly, becoming much more comfortable and efficient procedures than their reputation suggests. The treatment becomes necessary when the soft tissue inside your tooth, known as the pulp, develops an infection. This situation typically arises from deep decay, tooth injury, or multiple dental procedures on the same tooth. During the procedure, your dental professional removes the infected pulp material and thoroughly cleans the inner chambers of the tooth. The cleaned space receives a special filling material called gutta-percha, which seals the tooth and prevents future infection. Most teeth that undergo root canal therapy receive a protective crown afterward, providing additional strength and durability to the treated tooth. The entire process focuses on preserving your natural tooth while eliminating pain and infection.

3. Tooth Extractions for Various Conditions

Tooth extraction becomes the appropriate choice when other treatment options cannot save a tooth, or when space issues arise in the mouth. The procedure might be recommended for severely damaged teeth, teeth affected by advanced periodontal disease, or teeth causing overcrowding issues in the mouth. Wisdom teeth often require removal due to space limitations or improper growth patterns. The extraction process begins with thorough numbing of the area to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. Your dental professional uses specialized instruments to carefully loosen and remove the tooth from its socket. The procedure varies between simple extractions for visible teeth and surgical extractions for teeth that haven’t fully emerged or have broken below the gum line. Recovery involves following specific aftercare guidelines to promote proper healing and avoid complications like dry socket, which occurs when the protective blood clot becomes dislodged from the extraction site. The healing process requires attention to keeping the area clean and watching for any unusual developments that might need professional attention.

4. Implants for Missing Teeth

If you have missing teeth and this bothers you, dental implants may be something you consider. This sophisticated procedure involves surgically placing a post into the jawbone, which acts as an artificial tooth root and provides a foundation for a custom-designed crown, bridge, or denture. Dental implants integrate directly with your bone tissue through a process called osseointegration. Candidates for this procedure typically include adults with healthy gums and adequate bone density, though eligibility may potentially be expanded for some patients when appropriate. If implants interest you, you might reach out to an implant dentist in Sacramento, or one in your area.

5. Professional Teeth Cleaning and Scaling

Professional cleanings serve as your primary defense against stubborn buildup that regular brushing cannot effectively remove. During these essential visits, dental hygienists employ their expertise with specialized instruments to meticulously remove hardened plaque and tartar deposits from your tooth surfaces. Their thorough approach extends to areas below your gum line, addressing buildup in locations that remain practically unreachable through standard home care routines. The cleaning process encompasses detailed attention to every surface of your teeth, ensuring comprehensive removal of accumulated deposits that could otherwise lead to dental problems.

The appointment may include a thorough polishing session that transforms your tooth surfaces. This polishing step accomplishes multiple objectives by eliminating surface stains that have developed over time and creating an exceptionally smooth finish on your teeth. The resulting polished surface makes it significantly more difficult for new plaque to accumulate and adhere to your teeth, helping to maintain your oral health between visits. Your dental hygienist pays particular attention to areas where staining typically occurs, ensuring a uniform and clean appearance across all tooth surfaces. And in situations where signs of gum disease become apparent, your dental care might need to expand to include a more intensive cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing. This specialized treatment targets harmful bacteria that have established themselves in the deeper periodontal pockets around your teeth. The process involves careful attention to the spaces between your teeth and gums, addressing inflammation and preventing further progression of gum disease.

Conclusion

Understanding these standard dental procedures may help you better understand dental health. Each treatment accomplishes specific things.