Around 63% of Americans visited the dentist last year, which shows that dental procedures are a major part of maintaining our overall well-being.
Although the world of dentistry feels overwhelming, there are important reasons why we must schedule our dentist appointments. But if you’re unfamiliar with dentists, it’s difficult to know why patients visit. Perhaps you’re planning to broaden your dentistry knowledge and you’re hoping to deepen your knowledge.
Sounds familiar? Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. Here are four common dental procedures to learn about.
- Cleaning
The most common example of dental care is teeth cleaning. You should arrange a dental appointment every six months to remove plaque, tartar, and other food debris. Otherwise, this could develop into a bacterial infection if it goes unnoticed. Plus, your dental hygienist will examine your mouth and check for signs of issues like oral cancer.
- Teeth Whitening
It’s not always covered by dental insurance, but teeth whitening is a popular procedure. You’ll find that at-home kits aren’t as effective and the results don’t last. Instead, find a dentist who offers teeth whitening as it’s safe and worth the money.
- Teeth Straightening
Before, when you arranged a dentist visit and had crooked teeth, the dentist would suggest braces. Nowadays, patients can straighten their pearly whites with clear aligners like Invisalign. This is when you’re given transparent, plastic retainers that slip over your teeth.
Thanks to this technology, the aligners push the teeth into position until they’re straight.
- Tooth Extraction
Another key aspect of oral health is teeth extraction. The patient may have a rotten tooth or have suffered an injury. During the process, the dentist will provide an anesthetic and remove it within 15 minutes. If you’re worried about the remaining gap, reap the benefits of dental implants and nobody will know the difference.
Further, you may also visit the dentist for fillings if you have holes in your teeth. Luckily, the procedure is almost painless as a numbing agent is administered. A bonus is you needn’t worry about further decay, which will save you money and time in the long run.
But if your cavity is too large for a filling, you’ll likely get a crown. You’ll need two appointments and, like the former option, it’s relatively painless.
Or, if you suffer from severe pain, you may need a root canal. This is reserved for eroded teeth that have an exposed pulp. So, to prevent infection, the dentist will hollow the tooth and remove the material, which can be painful.
Regardless of which procedure you need, take the time to find a reliable dentist. You should read reviews and ask for recommendations for peace of mind.
Know the Common Dental Procedures Today
Hopefully, you’re now familiar with the different dental procedures.
There are many common procedures such as visiting the dentist for a biannual clean or even teeth whitening. Patients should also book an appointment for tooth extractions and fillings to maintain their oral health. Hope this helped!
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