It’s a sad but true fact that while most of us know the value of going to the dentist, few of us actually make those necessary appointments as often as we need to. Around 42% of Americans report visiting the dentist less often than they should—which can become a major issue when dental concerns worsen over time.
Dentists treat a huge range of oral problems, making them a great resource for any tooth-related concern, but it’s worth noting that they have great experience with a few common issues that may be bothering you. If you’re wondering which dental work procedures your dentist likely has the most experience with, here’s your quick guide. If you need a recommendation, you can schedule an appointment with this dentist in San Antonio.
Fillings
The most common type of routine dental work, fillings help treat teeth with cavities, decay, and even fractures. During this procedure, the dentist will numb the tooth before using a drill to remove any decay.
Afterward, they will clean the tooth with water before filling the hole with some sort of filling material, often a white composite material but sometimes silver metal or other types of fillings instead. This material, once hardened, helps keep cavities or fractures from worsening.
Braces
Sometimes, teeth grow in crooked or become crowded against each other over time. This can make them less aesthetically pleasing, and it also makes them harder to clean. In addition, some patients have overbites or underbites that make it more difficult for them to speak or eat.
When faced with these issues, any experienced oral health professional—like the experts at this dental clinic—will recommend braces as the solution. Patients can choose from several options, including the traditional metal braces as well as modern clear aligners.
Crowns and Bridges
Crowns and bridges are two similar options for fixing a damaged or decaying tooth, or for replacing a tooth that’s missing.
As their name suggests, crowns—also called “caps”—go on the top of a tooth to restore damage or correct imperfections. On the other hand, bridge dental work is for missing teeth, as it replaces the entire tooth instead of just the upper portion.
Root Canal
When a tooth’s decay has penetrated its roots, a dentist may choose to do a root canal to save it. During this procedure, the dentist drills a hole through the middle of the tooth, cleaning out the decayed root and pulp beneath it. Once this is finished, they’ll use a filling and often a crown to preserve the look and structure of the weakened tooth.
Tooth Extractions
Sometimes, a tooth has so much decay that a simple filling won’t be enough to fix the damage. In cases like these, a dentist will perform a tooth extraction. This means that they’ll pull out an entire impacted tooth.
One of the most common types of tooth extractions happens for wisdom teeth—with around five million people undergoing this type of surgery each year.
Get the Dental Work You Need Today
Whether you have tooth pain or need a simple check-up, it’s important to get the dental work you need as soon as possible. Trust your dentist to tackle these common dental procedures and more, allowing them to maintain your oral health. With a little research on experts in your area, you can find the perfect dental health professional to partner with for a healthier smile!
Looking for more of the health tips you need to know? We’ve packed our other posts full of helpful guides like this one, so check them out for more information.
