What should you do when you have a toothache? Do you know what kind of dental work you need? Most people do not know what kind of dental procedures their dentist can provide for them.
There are many different types of dental procedures. There are dental procedures available to whiten your teeth, straighten, and fill cavities. The first step your dentist will do in determining which type of procedure you need will be an oral exam.
Below are some types of dental procedures and their meaning:
Bonding
Applying composite tooth bonding is a restorative procedure that uses tooth enamel-colored composite resin to repair teeth that are decayed, chipped, fractured or discolored. Tooth gaps can also be minimized.
Braces
A dental brace is a device used to correct the alignment of teeth. Braces straighten teeth by exerting pressure on the teeth to get them aligned more evenly in your mouth.
Bridges and Implants
Bridges and implants are two ways to replace a missing tooth or teeth. Bridges are false teeth anchored in place by neighboring teeth. The bridge consists of two crowns on the anchoring teeth along with the false tooth in the center. Dental implants are artificial roots used to support replacement teeth.
Crowns and Caps
Crowns are dental restorations that protect damaged, cracked or broken teeth. Caps provide a new surface that goes over the entire tooth to make your teeth appear smoother, whiter and straighter
Dentures
Dentures are prosthetic devices replacing lost teeth. There are two types of dentures – partial and full. Full dentures are often referred to as “false teeth”.
Extractions
A severely damaged tooth may need to be extracted. Permanent teeth may also need to be removed for orthodontic treatment.
Fillings and Repairs
Dental fillings and repairs use restorative materials used to repair teeth which have been compromised due to cavities or trauma. It is designed to deal with rotted or damaged teeth as a result of sugar consumption, poor dental hygiene or genetic susceptibility to cavities.
Gum Surgery
Periodontal or gum disease is an infection that affects the gums and jaw bone, which can lead to a loss of gum and teeth. There are two major stages — gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the milder and reversible form; periodontal disease is often more severe. In some cases, gum surgery will be required to reverse the effect of the disease.
Oral Cancer Examinations
Oral cancer starts in the cells of the mouth, tongue or throat. Oral cancer screening is usually a routine part of a dental examination. In this exam, your dentist will feel for lumps or irregular tissue changes in your neck, head, face, and inside your mouth. Your dentist will also look for sores or discolored tissue in your mouth.
Root Canals
Root canals treat diseases or abscess teeth. Once a tooth is cracked or decayed, it is necessary to open the tooth and clean out the infected tissue in the center. This space is then filled and the opening sealed.
Sealants
Dental sealants, usually applied to the chewing surface of teeth, act as a barrier against decay-causing bacteria. The sealants are applied to the back teeth like premolars and molars.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth naturally darken with age, however staining may be caused by various foods and beverages such as coffee or tea and even smoking. Whitening is one common cosmetic dentistry procedure. Your dentist can create a bleaching program designed to lighten the shade and restore whiteness. This can be done in office where molds of your teeth can be made and your dentist can provide you with a bleaching gel to use at home.
Veneers
Veneers are strong, thin pieces of ceramic material that are bonded to the teeth. Veneers are used to repair chipped, decayed or stained teeth and may help in closing gaps between teeth.
These specific types of dental procedures vary depending on each individual, so visit your dentist regularly to find out and learn more.
