A lot of people feel confused and overwhelmed when they think of dental procedures, including root canals. Whether it’s the fear of needing the procedure or simply not knowing what it entails, having information about these common dental procedures can alleviate fears and make your dental experience go more smoothly. In this article, we will provide details on five dental procedures that are extremely common in every dental office, including Josey Lane Dentistry’s local Carrollton office.
Fillings
One of the most frequently performed procedures in a dental office is fillings. If you have tooth decay, your dentist will use various methods, including cavity-detecting dye and x-rays, to determine the extent of the decay. Surface-level cavities can be treated by filling the hole with silver metal or white composite materials. This not only prevents further cavity growth but also seals off the tooth. Additionally, if your teeth are cracked or broken due to trauma, they can be filled as well.
Root canals are another common dental procedure. When the pulp, the tissue in the center of the tooth, becomes inflamed or infected, a root canal is necessary. The causes of inflammation or infection can include deep decay, repeated dental procedures, faulty crowns, or cracks in the tooth. If left untreated, an infected tooth can lead to the formation of abscesses, which can be very painful and even destroy the surrounding bone. After a root canal, your dentist may recommend placing a crown on the tooth for added protection, as filled teeth are more prone to breaking than healthy teeth.
Dental crowns are used to permanently cover existing teeth that have decayed, chipped, or broken. They are also commonly used after root canals to strengthen the treated tooth. Crowns are typically made of metal, porcelain, or a combination of both. The process begins with numbing the tooth and surrounding tissue with anesthesia. Then, the tooth receiving the crown is reshaped to make room for it. If there is insufficient tooth structure, filling material may be used to build it up. Your dentist will take a mold of the reshaped tooth and send it to a dental lab for the manufacturing of the permanent crown. In the meantime, a temporary crown will be placed. During a second visit, the temporary crown will be replaced with a permanent one, which will be permanently cemented in place.
When you have a missing tooth or teeth, there are two common ways to replace them: bridges and implants. A bridge, also known as a fixed removable denture, is a false tooth that attaches to the adjacent teeth using crowns. Bridges can be supported by natural teeth or implants.
Implants, on the other hand, are designed to look and function like natural teeth. They consist of a metal post or frame that is surgically placed into the jawbone socket of the missing tooth. Over time, the post fuses with the jawbone, providing a secure anchor for the implant crown. Dental implants become permanent and feel like your own teeth.
When a tooth is decayed or broken beyond repair, extraction is necessary. Extractions can also be performed to remove extra teeth that impede other teeth from growing properly or to create space for braces. Wisdom teeth are often extracted due to pain or lack of space in the oral cavity. Approximately 5 million people in the U.S. have their wisdom teeth extracted annually, according to the National Center of Biotechnology Information. However, extractions are typically considered a last resort, and dentists will attempt to save a tooth through fillings, crowns, or other treatments before resorting to extraction.
Tooth extraction involves the complete removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. There are two types of extractions: simple and surgical. Both procedures require local anesthesia. A simple extraction is performed on visible teeth, which can be loosened and removed. Surgical extraction, on the other hand, is necessary for teeth that have broken off or haven’t fully emerged. In a surgical extraction, an oral surgeon or a general dentist makes a small incision in the gum to access and remove the tooth. After the extraction, it’s important to take anti-inflammatory medications and follow specific instructions from your dentist regarding food, drink, and oral hygiene to ensure proper healing.
Having gained knowledge about these common dental procedures, you now have a better understanding of what to expect. Remember, prevention is key to maintaining oral health. Brush and floss daily using the appropriate tools and make sure to schedule regular checkups with your dentist to address any potential issues early on. If a dental procedure is necessary, it’s important to have it done as soon as possible. Taking care of small problems promptly can prevent them from developing into larger, more complex issues.
If you require any of these dental procedures, we recommend visiting Josey Lane Dentistry’s local Carrollton office. They provide comprehensive dental care and prioritize patient comfort and satisfaction.
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