A dentist diagnoses oral health conditions, performs preventive care, and treats damage affecting teeth and gums. During routine visits, they explain their findings and outline treatment options based on the patient’s needs. Dentists track changes over time, and they coordinate with specialists when complex procedures are required. Here are some common dental procedures and what to expect:
Teeth Cleaning
Professional teeth cleaning removes plaque, tartar, and stains to maintain oral health and prevent gum disease. It is usually performed during routine appointments, which occur about every six months. The dentist checks the teeth, gumline, and tongue for infection, and they scrape plaque from the teeth’s surface.
The teeth are then polished with a gritty paste that helps lift surface debris. Floss is used between the teeth to clear remaining particles. A fluoride treatment may also be added; this strengthens enamel and helps reduce the risk of decay. This procedure is not the same as deep cleaning, which targets buildup below the gumline and is used to manage gum disease.
Cleaning frequency depends on oral health history, plaque buildup, gum condition, and home care habits. Patients with heavy tartar deposits or gum inflammation may need visits more often than those with stable oral health. Cleanings also allow the dentist to spot cavities, worn fillings, enamel cracks, or changes in the gums before these issues worsen.
Dental Restorations
When a tooth is damaged by decay, fracture, or wear, a restoration is used to rebuild its shape and function. Some restoration types include:
- Fillings: This common restoration is often placed after the dentist removes decayed tooth material and cleans the area. Composite fillings match the tooth’s natural color, but other materials may be selected based on the tooth’s location and extent of damage.
- Crowns: If the tooth has extensive structural loss, a crown is placed over it. Crowns cover the visible part of the tooth and are shaped to fit the bite. Some are made from porcelain, metal, resin, or a mix of materials.
- Root canals: If the inner pulp is infected or inflamed, a root canal treatment is usually performed before the tooth is sealed with a filling or crown. This procedure removes the affected pulp tissue, cleans the root canals, and fills the space with a dental material.
- Implants: Missing teeth are replaced with dental bridges or implants. Implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, and they replace the tooth root, providing a foundation for a bridge to be placed on top.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure used to lighten stains and discoloration. Darkening may come from drinks, such as coffee or tea, aging, or tooth trauma. In-office whitening uses a bleaching gel that has a higher concentration than many store-bought products. Some systems include a curing light, but others rely on the chemical process alone. At-home whitening from a dental office often uses custom trays and a lower-strength whitening agent over a set number of days. Results vary based on the starting shade and the source of discoloration, and it does not change the color of crowns, fillings, or veneers. Patients are usually advised to avoid strongly pigmented foods and drinks for a short period after treatment.
Schedule a Dentist Appointment
Common dental procedures follow clear steps and are selected based on the condition being treated. Cleanings remove buildup, restorations repair damage, and whitening addresses external or internal discoloration. A dental exam helps identify which procedure fits the patient’s needs and whether multiple treatments are involved. Contact a dental office today to learn more about available treatments.
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