Three Common Dental Services You Should Know
If you're used to visiting your dentist for a routine checkup, you might be unaware of some of the common dental procedures. Apart from tooth extractions and teeth whitening, there are many other treatments that dentists offer. Here's a look at some common dental procedures.
Fillings
Your dentist will recommend fillings if you have decay or cavities. Fillings are also used for injured teeth. When you're suffering from a toothache, the first thing your dentist will do is inspect the teeth for cracks and cavities. The dentist will examine your tooth either visually or through an X-ray.
The dentist will numb your tooth and then use a drill to get rid of the decayed material. Next, they'll clean the tooth before sealing it with a dental filling. Some of the types of fillings to choose from include porcelain, gold, dental resin, and silver.
Crowns and Caps
A crown fits over a tooth that's broken, misshaped, badly stained, or damaged. A crown is made from metal, acrylic, or porcelain materials. Porcelain crowns resemble natural teeth and are used for your front teeth. Porcelain bonded to metal is better and stronger for crowns that are in the back of your mouth.
Before you get a crown, the dentist will freeze the tooth with anesthesia. The tooth will then be filed down to allow the cap to fit over it. The dentist will make an impression of your teeth and give you a temporary cap while you await the permanent crown to be prepared. On your next trip, the dentist will cement the permanent crown to your tooth.
Veneers
These are thin, strong pieces of porcelain bonded to your teeth. Your dentist will recommend veneers if you are suffering from decayed, stained, or chipped teeth. Veneers help to close gaps between your teeth. Veneers are also used to correct overlapping and crowded teeth. Veneers also improve teeth that are discolored with age.
Veneers may also be used instead of crowns for badly damaged teeth. The dentist will grind down the tooth enamel to make room for the veneer. You'll also be under local anesthesia during the procedure. Depending on the shade and color of your teeth, veneers may require more than one appointment.
In Conclusion
The kind of dental procedure your dentist will perform will depend on how damaged your teeth are. In most cases, these treatments are done to treat decay, plaque, and damaged teeth. Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day is not enough to maintain oral health. You should visit your dentist regularly to capture oral health issues before they grow worse.