The idea of going to the dentist is stressful to most people. Sometimes this is because it’s been a long time since the last visit or they need to have some problems fixed. By knowing what to expect of common dental procedures, you can feel less stress before your dental visit. Just remember to develop a routine of regular checkups and dental care for all of your appointments to be stress-free.
Teeth Fillings and Repairs
Fillings and other repairs are necessary when your teeth have suffered decay or trauma. There are several ways your dentist will detect repair needs. Common methods include dental radiographs, also known as X-rays, and laser fluorescence. Using these methods, your dentist can see even the earliest signs of decay, cracks, breaks, unusual wear or other problems.
Dentists use a composite material of tooth-colored resin or other types of materials to fill your teeth. Today’s fillings can match your natural teeth, so only you and the dentist know your dental history.
Root Canal
During a root canal, your dentist removes the inner tissue of your teeth, known as the pulp. He then cleans and shapes the empty space in your tooth, next filling it to make the remaining natural tooth stronger. This procedure can save your teeth from extraction.
You may need a root canal if you have cracked, decayed or injured teeth. If you don’t get a root canal for these teeth, they can become infected, abscessed and even destructive to the surrounding bone.
Dental Caps and Crowns
Dental caps or crowns restore damaged, stained, chipped, cracked or broken teeth. The dentist prepares your damaged tooth and places a crown over it. This cap is a durable metal, porcelain or other material that will last for a very long time. The result is a better appearance and greater strength for your teeth.
Bridges and Implants
If you have missing teeth, a bridge is a type of denture that can replace the missing teeth and complete your smile. A fixed bridge has a false tooth that is securely held in place by crowns on the teeth or implants on each side.
A dentist will surgically place the implants in the jawbone where teeth are missing. The implant anchors natural-looking replacement teeth while preserving your bone health and other structures.
Extraction
Tooth extraction is the removal of a broken, damaged or decayed tooth. Your dentist will only remove teeth when fillings, crowns or other treatments cannot fix them. Wisdom teeth are also frequently removed.
There are other reasons your dentist removes teeth. Some people have extra teeth that crowd the mouth. The removal of these teeth can help necessary teeth grow into the right positions. If you’re getting braces, your dentist may also extract teeth to make room for tooth movement.
Teeth Whitening
Whitening of your teeth by your dentist returns stained, darkened teeth to their original brilliance. Foods and drinks like coffee, berries, wine and tea can stain your teeth as part of daily living. Cigarettes, aging and trauma can also cause stains your toothbrush cannot remove.
For teeth whitening, your dentist uses a peroxide-based material that provides instant results for a more youthful, brighter smile. This is one of the most common dental procedures today.
Contact S. Keith Mahan, DDS for Your Common Dental Procedures
Our dental office in Orlando, Florida provides all of these services and many more as part of the following dental procedures:
For all of your family’s dentistry needs, call S. Keith Mahan, DDS at 407-841-7241 for a consultation appointment.
