Are you suffering from dental anxiety? This mental condition is mainly caused by the unfamiliarity of patients with the most common dental procedures. Most individuals are panic-stricken even at the thought of scheduling an appointment due to their fear of the unknown.
Nowadays, most dental offices, such as boutiquedental.co.nz/treatments, offer a short online explanation of the procedures and treatments they provide to patients. This educational information aims to help individuals reduce their fear of vising the dentist.
Make sure you learn more about the most common procedures before scheduling an appointment.
Fillings
Dental fillings are one of the most common procedures that dentists perform in the case of tooth decay and cavities. Once a patient reports having a toothache, the dentist is supposed to examine the particular tooth for potential chips, cracks, or cavities. He/ She either performs the examination visually or by using x-rays.
Furthermore, in case the dentist comes across a decayed tooth, the following step of the procedure is using a drill to remove the decayed part in order to prepare it for a filling. Dentists provide patients with a choice of silver, metal, porcelain, and fillings of white composite materials. Regardless of the type of filling you choose, its role is to protect the cavity from growing further. The same procedure is applied in the event of having a broken or cracked tooth.
Root canals
Apart from fillings, a root canal is another frequent dental procedure when dealing with teeth inflammation. The central soft area of the tooth is known as the pulp, which is crucial for providing its strength and keeping it healthy. Once the pulp gets infected or inflamed, the root canal is supposed to be properly treated to alleviate the overwhelming pain in patients. In most cases, the pulp is completely removed so as to prevent the formation of abscesses, which are known to be incredibly painful.
Moreover, this kind of procedure is usually performed in patients experiencing deep dental caries or cope with cracked and chipped teeth. After the pulp is removed and the root canal treatment is performed, dentists recommend an installation of dental crowns to patients in order to protect the tooth from further damage. Keep in mind that filled teeth are more susceptible to breaking. Read more about the structure, function, and potential disease of the dental pulp.
Dental crown
Dental crowns are the perfect solution for covering extremely decayed teeth and save them from the process of extraction. These caps are used in patients with terrible teeth damage, caused by extreme caries or injury. As previously mentioned, crowns are also frequently installed by dentists following root canal procedures.
Furthermore, patients are usually provided with a choice of metal or porcelain crowns, but some of them prefer a combination of both materials. Crown installation usually requires two separate appointments, as these caps are manufactured in dental laboratories.
In the course of the first visit, the dentist reshapes the tooth so as to make a mold, which is later sent to the laboratory. A temporary cap will be installed to protect the tooth while the permanent one is being made. Once the permanent crown is manufactured, you’ll have to schedule a second appointment to have it cemented.
Bridges and implants
Bridges and implants are known to be the most convenient ways of replacing real teeth, which are installed during a period of a couple of months. The former is a removable denture that is placed between two natural teeth or implants. The following link, https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-bridge#, explains the main types and benefits of such bridges.
The latter method is believed to be a more sophisticated way of replacing missing teeth, as implants resemble and function like natural teeth. In order for these frames to be implanted into the jawbone, dentists are required to perform minor surgery. As time goes by, implants become one with the bone, which is why patients consider them like natural teeth.
Extraction
Although extractions are considered as the last resort when it comes to dental procedures, sometimes they are inevitable. In order for a tooth to be extracted, it has to be awfully decayed or broken below the surface for a dentist to suggest such a procedure. Also, a tooth is likely to get extracted if it impedes the growth of other teeth or there’s no space for braces.
Extraction procedures are usually performed in the case of removing wisdom teeth, which are more susceptible to decay and cause terrible pain in patients. The extraction can be either simple or surgical. The former refers to removing visible teeth, while the latter is performed on broken teeth by making a minor cut in the gum.
Nevertheless, bear in mind that surgical extractions are not always performed by general dentists, but sometimes by oral surgeons as well. Regardless of the type of professional that performs the procedure, you’re supposed to be given special after-care instructions in terms of food, drinks, and disinfection.
Dental veneers
Dental veneers are either porcelain or composite resin covers, which are almost identical to natural teeth. These cosmetic covers are the ideal solution for patients whose teeth are crooked, chipped, or gapped as well as for damaged enamel and discolorations.
Additionally, porcelain veneers are known for their incredible durability and resistance to stains, thus being considerably costlier than the ones made from composite resin. Anyhow, when looking for a more affordable variant, the composite resin veneers are the right choice.
These veneers are installed to the front part of the tooth by using an adhesive, hence requiring solely slight polishing for a better look.
Teeth whitening
The whitening dental procedures are undoubtedly popular among patients who wish to remove the stains from their teeth. The dentist is supposed to use a special gel and heat to achieve the desired shade. Click here for some natural teeth-whitening methods you can try at home.
Conclusion
Learn more about these procedures to feel more comfortable next time you visit the dentist!
