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5 Most Common General Dental Treatments

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5 Most Common General Dental Treatments

Many people put off dental visits because of fear and anxiety. They may also feel a bit confused and overwhelmed with the many treatments and procedures available – from dental fillings to root canal, implants to extraction. Perhaps it’s because they’re afraid to know what procedure they will need to have, or maybe it’s merely because of not knowing exactly how the procedures are done.

Being knowledgeable about dental procedures and treatments will help alleviate anxiety and fears. Having information will also make your dental experience a lot more comfortable. Below is more information on the five most common dental procedures in every dental office.

Root Canals

This is a dental procedure that is extremely common. A situation calls for a root canal when the tooth’s pulp, which is the tissue found in the center of the tooth, has become infected or inflamed that it needs to be isolated. The infection or inflammation is usually be caused by faulty crowns, various dental procedures on the affected tooth, deep decay, or a chip or crack in the tooth.

If the tooth is not treated right away or it becomes even more infected, then a buildup of pus can form which will then leads to an abscess. An abscess is a condition that can destroy the bone surrounding the affected tooth, and it’s tremendously painful. After having a root canal procedure, the dentist will check if a dental crown is needed to place on top of the tooth to add an extra layer of protection. The affected tooth (or teeth) that is filled is more prone to breakage than the normal, healthy teeth.

Fillings

Dental fillings are the most commonly performed procedures in a dental clinic. The procedure starts with a dental exam to check if you have tooth decay. The method for checking for tooth decay may include using x-rays or cavity-detecting dyes. If the cavity is only on the surface, the dentist will make use of white composite or silver metal materials to even out the surfaces by filling the hole.

Filling the cavities means it will not be able to grow any more significant, and the affected tooth will be sealed. Apart from being a solution to cavities and tooth decay, dental fillings can also fix any trauma that left your teeth broken or cracked.

Dental Bridges and Implants

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, bridges and implants are the common dental solutions. The first solution is a dental bridge, which is also referred to as fixed, removable denture. It’s a false tooth that latches on either side of the teeth through the crowns. Your natural teeth or dental implants can support dental bridges.

The second solution to missing tooth or teeth is using a dental implant. This dental innovation looks and acts like natural teeth; it can also include the root and the crown. Implants are metal frames or posts that attaches into the bone socket of the tooth that is missing. During the healing process, the implant expands around the metal post and eventually fixes into the jaw. Dental implants actually merge with the jawbone, so they become permanent as time goes on and begin to feel like your natural teeth.

Crowns

Dental crowns can permanently cover your existing teeth. This dental procedure is done when the tooth has a lot of decay or has been broken or chipped. Crowns are also used after a root canal procedures to add an extra layer of protection on the affected tooth. Usually, dental crowns are constructed with porcelain, metal, or a blend of the two.

A dental crown procedure will start with the use of an anesthetic to numb the tooth and the tissue surrounding it. After the numbing process, the dentist or dental assistant will file down the tooth to make room for the dental crown. If there’s already too much tooth missing, then dental fillings will be used to build up the affected tooth and make sure it can support the dental crown.

Patients need to feel at ease at the dentist's.

After the reshaping or the filing down of the tooth, the dentist will create a mold that will be sent off to the dental lab. Your dental crown will be processed at the lab to make sure it fits you perfectly. The manufacturing of the crown may take several weeks. For the meantime, you will be given a temporary crown which can be removed until you get the permanent one. On your second dental visit, your tooth will have to be anesthetized again before the dentist can put in the new crown.