When it comes to dental care, there are many different types of procedures that can be performed by a dental professional. Depending on the issue at hand, it could be something as simple as a cleaning, a root canal, a dental implant, or a full set of dentures. Each of these procedures has its own purpose, so if you need a teeth checkup, cleaning, or any other routine dental work done, knowing what type of surgery or dental procedure you need will help you make an informed decision about which dentist to see. There are many different types of dental procedures and conditions for which you might need to see a dental professional. Some examples include:- Deep cleaning (cleaning between teeth and in the gum line with special brushes, scalers, and other tools) - Deep cleans remove plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to gum disease.- Root canals (if a nerve is exposed or broken) - Root canals are used to remove the pulp, or the soft tissue in the root of a tooth. This is done if there is an untreated cavity or other issue in the tooth’s root.- Dental implants (after teeth are lost) - If teeth are badly decayed or otherwise cannot be saved, dental implants are a long-term, effective alternative. They’re often used to replace teeth that were lost due to an accident or other reason.- Full dentures (if teeth are missing) - Full dentures are used to replace a full set of teeth. These are more common in older adults who have lost all of their teeth over the course of a lifetime.- Partial dentures (if teeth are partially missing) - Partial dentures are used to replace some but not all of the teeth that remain.- Bridges (if teeth are missing and cannot be replaced with an implant or denture) - A bridge is used to replace a few teeth at a time with artificial teeth that are attached to the teeth on either side of the gap with wires. If teeth are missing due to disease, damage, or other issues, a bridge can be a long-term and effective solution.- Crowns (if teeth are badly broken or chipped) - A crown is used to make a damaged or broken tooth look and function like a normal tooth again.- Removal of teeth (if teeth are causing pain or other issues) - If teeth are causing issues or are a health hazard, they can be removed. This is usually done as a last resort and can be an incredibly painful experience.- Replacement of teeth (if teeth are broken or have other issues) - If teeth are broken or otherwise have issues that make them unusable, they can be replaced with a set of implants or false teeth.- Filing teeth - If teeth are slightly worn down or have other issues, they can be filed to make them look and function normal again.
Cleaning
Cleaning is a very basic dental procedure that is performed on a regular basis. It is usually done once a year, but may be more or less often depending on your oral hygiene habits and the condition of your teeth and gums. This procedure is essential for preventing the build-up of bacteria, food debris, and other harmful substances that can cause cavities and other issues. To clean teeth and gums, you will usually be given a toothbrush and special cleaning solution. You can also purchase special toothpaste and other products designed for this type of cleaning. When you get home from your dental cleaning, be sure to follow the instructions on how to properly clean your teeth. This will help you maintain good oral hygiene and reduce the risk of developing gum disease, cavities, or other issues.- Cleaning with special brushes - These brushes are specially designed to clean between teeth and in the gum line, where most cavities occur.- Cleaning with scalers - These scalers are used to clean out deep cavities.- Cleaning with floss - Floss can be used to clean between teeth, under the gum line, and between the gums and the teeth.- Cleaning with mouthwash - You can also use a mouthwash to clean between teeth.
Root canals
A root canal is a common dental procedure that can be performed by a general dentist or an endodontist. It is used to treat infections in the pulp of a tooth, usually caused by a crack, chip, or other damage to the tooth’s enamel. If left untreated, this can cause the pulp to die and the root of the tooth to decay. During a root canal, the infected pulp is removed and the root is sterilized and then sealed with a filling that can last for decades. If you have one or more of your teeth that may have sustained damage from an injury or another cause, you may need a root canal. This is a common procedure that can save your tooth, as long as you receive treatment quickly. If left untreated, a root canal can cause a tooth to fall apart or become infected. If you are in need of a root canal, it is important to find a general dentist or endodontist who has experience in this type of dental surgery.- Find a general dentist or endodontist - Choose a general dentist or endodontist who can perform the root canal. They should be able to tell you if your teeth can be saved or if they will need to be extracted.
Dental implants
Dental implants are a common procedure that can replace one or more missing teeth. They are implants made of titanium that are placed into the jawbone to act as anchors for replacement teeth. A dental implant is made to be as strong as a natural tooth root and can last for many years. If you have lost teeth, you may be a good candidate for dental implants. If you are in need of dental implants, you will first need to see a general dentist to make sure that your teeth are healthy enough for an implant. After that, you will need to go to a dental implant center to have the implants placed in your mouth. You can also use a temporary implant to bite and chew food until the permanent implants are placed.- Find a general dentist - You will need a general dentist to make sure your teeth are healthy enough for implants.- Find an implant center - You will need to go to an implant center to have the implants placed.
Full dentures
Full dentures are used to replace all of your teeth. They are typically made of acrylic or porcelain and are held in place by the gums and your other teeth. Full dentures are effective at replacing teeth, but they are not very natural-looking. Depending on your oral hygiene habits, you may need to change your dentures more often than people who have natural teeth. If you need full dentures, it is a good idea to get them sooner rather than later. This will help you get used to having them and make the transition as smooth as possible. If you need full dentures, you can usually find a general dentist or an oral surgeon who can fit you with a set.- Find a general dentist - To find a general dentist, you can visit your local medical center’s website and search for a list of dentists.
Bridges
A bridge is a device that is