Teeth are an essential part of the human body. They serve several different purposes, including chewing food. If you want to keep your teeth for a long time, it is vital to take care of them. Dental procedures can help you do this, but many people don’t know much about them. Here are standard dental procedures that everyone needs to know about:
§ Dental cleaning involves removing plaque and tartar buildup from the surface enamel of teeth. This buildup can lead to gum disease (also called periodontal disease). Regular dental visits will help remove this buildup before it becomes a problem. Dentists may prescribe special medicated rinses or provide other treatment options to remove plaque when professional cleaning isn’t enough.
§ Fillings are used to repair cavities in teeth caused by tooth decay. A filling is placed inside the tooth and replaces the decayed material with more durable material. There are many different fillings available, but most fall into two categories: amalgam or composite resin. Amalgam fillings have been around for a long time. They’re made up of a mixture of metals, including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. Composite resin fillings contain glass-like particles mixed with plastic or porcelain, which look better than traditional metal-based fillings. Research has found that these newer materials are less likely to cause allergic reactions in patients sensitive to the metals in amalgam fillings.
§ Crowns are used to restore decayed teeth or protect weak teeth from decay. They are custom-made to fit each patient’s mouth, and they are attached firmly to the remaining portion of a tooth beneath the gum line. Dentists must consider how that tooth’s bite will interact with other teeth when designing a crown for a tooth. Cusps on adjacent teeth may have to be reduced to not damage crowns when biting occurs. Crowns can also be made of metal, porcelain, or all-ceramic materials.
§ Root canal treatment is necessary when infection penetrates down into the root of a tooth, which often happens after experiencing severe tooth decay. The inside of the tooth is cleaned, disinfected, and lined with medication to prevent infection. Then, the space is filled with an inert material to support the tooth and seal it completely. Unfortunately, sometimes teeth must be removed after root canal treatment if they are too severely damaged or decayed.
§ Implants are standard procedures incorporated by almost all dental clinics like Valley Wide Dental. Dental implants are medical devices that substitute for natural teeth. They are made of titanium shaped into a dental post (inserted into or onto the bone). To use them properly, dentists must first install an abutment (a small metal fixture attached to one end which holds other components in place) and then attach an artificial crown at the top. A screw in the implant will help keep it in place. These are considered very stable because they are fixed directly to the jawbone, unlike bridges or dentures attached to surrounding teeth. They’re used when replacing a single tooth, multiple teeth, or an entire mouth of teeth.
Dental procedures are a great way to maintain oral health and avoid various issues, from cavities to tooth loss. Unfortunately, even knowing about these procedures isn’t enough – before you can get them done, you need to know their names.