Going to the dentist is something everyone should do at least once a year to preserve their oral health. Whether or not it’s your first time going to the dentist, you need to know the dental procedures you can avail of depending on your oral health needs. Here are the most common ones:
Teeth Cleaning
Teeth cleanings are the most common dental procedures, and dentists recommend having a cleaning every six months. It gets rid of plaque, tartar, and other debris that may cause bacterial infection. The procedure may range from basic plaque scaling to an in-depth debridement that removes hardened debris in between teeth.
Teeth Straightening
The traditional method of straightening crooked or overcrowded teeth was using braces. However, the dental industry has slowly abandoned braces in favor of Invisalign. This oral alignment solution uses a transparent and heavy-duty plastic known as SmartTrack, which follows the shape and form of a patient’s teeth. The plastic pushes the teeth into position until they are optimally aligned.
If you are looking to straighten your teeth, consider looking up a local dental clinic like Nord-Smil that offers Invisalign. In Ontario, a dentist will show you that Invisalign London offers the same results as braces while being less visible and less painful.
Teeth Whitening
Most people will go to the dentist to improve their smile. In addition to braces, they also look to a teeth whitening procedure to achieve picture-perfect teeth. Though people can use teeth whitening agents at home, they don’t offer the same results as a professional teeth whitening procedure. Bleaching products may provide temporary results, but they may also lead to mouth infections and enamel damage, according to this study.
Tooth Extraction
If your tooth decay has become too severe or removing a tooth is the best way to prevent further damage, the dentist will often recommend a tooth extraction. Removing a tooth is quite painful, and most people often need an anesthetic for the process. A dentist should be able to remove a problematic tooth in just under 15 minutes.
Fillings
The most common repercussion of ignoring your oral health is the development of cavities. A dentist will often recommend a filling if you have holes in your teeth. Most fillings are quick and relatively painless as a numbing agent will be used. With this procedure, you will be able to save a tooth from further decay and avoid more costly procedures.
Root Canal
You will probably need a root canal treatment or RCT if you ever experience severe tooth pain. An RCT is used for teeth that are so eroded that the root and pulp are exposed. To prevent further infection and save the tooth, the dentist hollows out the inside of the tooth and removes infected material. A rubbery material known as gutta-percha is inserted into the tooth before the hole is sealed using special cement. Due to the procedure’s complexity, an RCT is usually expensive. However, it’s still the most effective way to ensure good oral health without the need for an extraction.
Going to the dentist may intimidate some people, but knowing the importance of good oral health should be enough to get you to undergo these procedures.
