Understanding what to expect from dental procedures can help reduce anxiety and ensure we take the best care of our oral health. Whether you’re a child, an adult, or a parent helping your child, knowing the details of these common dental treatments can make visiting the dentist less intimidating.
Dental cleanings and examinations are the cornerstone of preventive care, keeping our teeth and gums healthy. Fillings help restore teeth damaged by cavities, while root canal treatments save teeth that are infected or severely decayed. Crowns and bridges provide solutions for missing or damaged teeth, and wisdom teeth extractions address the problems caused by impacted or overcrowded teeth.
Each dental procedure has specific steps and benefits. Learning about these treatments helps us make informed decisions about our dental care and understand why regular visits to the dentist are so important. With this knowledge, we can feel more confident and comfortable when it’s time for our next dental appointment.
Dental cleaning is a key part of keeping our teeth and gums healthy. During a cleaning, a dental hygienist uses special tools to remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of our teeth and along the gumline. These deposits can cause cavities and gum disease if they are not removed. The hygienist will also polish our teeth to remove any surface stains and make them look shiny and clean.
After cleaning, the hygienist will floss between our teeth to remove any remaining plaque or food particles. This helps to ensure that all areas of the mouth are thoroughly cleaned. Sometimes, a fluoride treatment might be applied to help strengthen the enamel and prevent future cavities.
Routine dental examinations are important for spotting potential problems early. During an examination, the dentist looks at our teeth, gums, and mouth. They check for cavities, signs of gum disease, and other oral health issues. The dentist might use a small mirror and a probe to examine our mouth closely.
X-rays are often taken during these visits to provide a detailed view of our teeth and bone structure. X-rays help dentists see problems that are not visible to the naked eye, such as cavities between teeth, impacted teeth, or jawbone issues. The dentist will review these X-rays and discuss any concerns or issues they find. By having regular examinations, we can catch dental problems early and avoid more complex and costly treatments in the future.
Getting a filling is a common procedure to treat cavities. The dentist begins by numbing the area around the affected tooth with a local anesthetic to make sure we don't feel any pain. Once the area is numb, the dentist uses a drill or laser to remove the decayed part of the tooth. This step is essential because it stops the decay from spreading to other parts of the tooth.
After removing the decay, the dentist cleans the cavity to remove any debris or bacteria. Then, they fill the cavity with a filling material. The material is carefully placed and shaped to match the shape of the tooth. Once the filling is in place, the dentist may use a special light to harden the material. Finally, the filled tooth is polished and adjusted to ensure a comfortable bite.
Several materials can be used for fillings, each with its own advantages. The most common types are:
1. Composite Resin: This material is tooth-colored and blends in well with our natural teeth. It is ideal for fillings in visible areas. Composite resin fillings are durable and can be matched to the color of our teeth.
2. Amalgam: Made from a mixture of metals, including silver, mercury, and tin, amalgam fillings are very strong and durable. They are usually used in the back of the mouth where the chewing pressure is higher.
3. Ceramic: Ceramic fillings are made of porcelain and are also tooth-colored. They are resistant to staining and are durable but can be more expensive than other options.
4. Gold: Gold fillings are very strong and can last a long time. However, they are more noticeable and often more expensive than other types of fillings.
The choice of material depends on several factors, including the location of the cavity, the size of the filling, and our personal preferences. The dentist will help us decide which material is best for our needs.
A root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp inside our tooth becomes infected or inflamed. This can happen due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth. If left untreated, an infected pulp can cause pain, lead to abscess formation, and even result in tooth loss. Signs that we might need a root canal include severe toothache, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, and swelling of the gums.
The root canal procedure starts with numbing the area around the affected tooth to ensure comfort. The dentist then creates an opening in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. Using small instruments, the dentist removes the infected or dead pulp, cleans, and shapes the inside of the root canals. Once the canals are cleaned, they are filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha.
After sealing the tooth, the dentist might place a temporary filling. A follow-up visit is usually needed to place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect and restore its full function. Root canal treatments help save our natural teeth and prevent the need for more extensive dental work.
Dental crowns and bridges are used to restore damaged or missing teeth. A crown is a cap that covers a damaged tooth, helping to restore its shape, size, and strength. Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these. They are designed to look like natural teeth and blend in seamlessly with our smile.
Bridges, on the other hand, are used to replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of artificial teeth anchored to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. A bridge fills the gap left by missing teeth, helping to restore proper chewing function and maintain the alignment of surrounding teeth.
The procedure for getting a crown typically starts with numbing the tooth and reshaping it to fit the crown. After reshaping, the dentist takes an impression of the tooth to create a custom crown that fits perfectly. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while the permanent one is being made. Once the final crown is ready, it is cemented onto the tooth.
For a bridge, the procedure involves preparing the adjacent teeth, also known as abutments, that will support the bridge. Impressions of the teeth are taken, and a custom bridge is created. A temporary bridge may be placed to protect the prepared teeth. During the final visit, the permanent bridge is fitted and checked for proper bite and comfort before being permanently cemented in place.
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in our mouths, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Sometimes, there isn't enough space in the mouth for these teeth to come in properly. This can lead to impacted wisdom teeth, which can cause pain, infection, and damage to other teeth. Other reasons for extracting wisdom teeth include preventing overcrowding, avoiding cysts or tumors, and reducing the risk of gum disease.
The wisdom teeth extraction process begins with numbing the area around the teeth. If multiple teeth are being removed, or if the teeth are impacted, the dentist might use sedation to help us relax. Once we are numb or sedated, the dentist makes an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone. If necessary, the tooth is divided into sections to make removal easier.
After the teeth are removed, the dentist cleans the extraction site and may place stitches to help the healing process. A gauze is placed over the site to control bleeding and help form a blood clot. At home, we’ll need to follow specific aftercare instructions, such as avoiding certain foods, not using straws, and taking prescribed medications to manage pain and prevent infection. A follow-up visit ensures that the extraction site is healing properly.
Dental procedures can seem daunting, but understanding what to expect can ease our worries and ensure that we take the best possible care of our oral health. Regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and examinations help catch problems early, while procedures like fillings, root canals, crowns, bridges, and wisdom teeth extractions address specific dental issues efficiently.
At Eagle Mountain Dentistry, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive dental care to families in Fort Worth, TX. Whether it's a routine checkup or a necessary procedure, our skilled team is committed to making your dental experience as comfortable and effective as possible. If you are looking for affordable family dentistry, schedule your appointment with Eagle Mountain Dentistry today to ensure your family’s dental health is in expert hands.
We want our new patients not using insurance to start off with the best care available. Schedule an appointment today and get a cleaning, exam, X-Rays, and a free consult or second opinion for only $99.
Using insurance? You can benefit too! We are offering a complimentary teeth whitening treatment for all new patients using insurance.
*$300 value.
*New patients only. Not valid in cases of periodontal disease. Not valid for use with insurance.