Achieving healthy teeth is more difficult than one would expect. It takes a lifetime of care and maintenance. But sometimes, certain issues can still slip through the cracks and cause damage. Luckily, there are tons of dental services offered available that can resolve these problems and restore your teeth’s health and appearance.

These procedures are nothing to be afraid of since most involve a pain-free process—thanks to anesthesia, that is. If you’ve been experiencing dental problems lately, or just generally curious, here are some common dental services offered that you should know about.

Oral Prophylaxis

This is a common procedure done for teeth cleaning. Over time, our natural teeth darken—it’s natural. There are some cases, however, when staining becomes more prevalent due to certain food and drinks, like coffee, and if you smoke on the regular.

Oral prophylaxis removes tartar and plaque build-up from the surfaces of the teeth, as well as those hidden in between and under the gums. This dental service is a preventive measure, which is why it is recommended that have this done at least twice a year. Doing so can prevent tooth decay, bad breath, bleeding gums, and other diseases.

Cavity filling

Cavity fillings are done to repair a hole in the tooth caused by cavities, decay, or sometimes, trauma. Those who complain of constant toothache are most likely to get this procedure.

Fillings are made of different materials, the most common one being tooth colored composites. Another option is amalgam which is a mixture of metals, including copper and silver, though these are no longer widely used.

In a typical procedure, your dentist examines your teeth with the use of an x-ray to determine which tooth needs to get filled. After, he or she will remove the decayed tissue in the inner tooth, using a dental drill. The last step is choosing the right filling and seal the tooth with it.

Tooth removal

Tooth removal is probably one of the most common dental services offered. But, there are also cases wherein this procedure is preferred to get rid of severely damaged teeth. Not doing so will only result in more pain, and may cause other oral diseases.

If the problem tooth pushes past the gum, a minor oral surgery might take place. Your dentist will have to loosen the tooth out of its bone socket to remove it.

Root canal

Also known as endodontics, root canal treatments are necessary to prevent further dental tissue infection. Once it does, your dentist will have no choice but to remove the whole tooth to avoid infection from spreading. This procedure is common among those who have cracked or injured teeth.

In a typical root canal procedure, the problem tooth is opened to take out the infection from the root canal system. After, it is sealed either by a filling or crown. The entire process usually takes up at least two to three dental visits.

Dental Crowns

Basically, dental crowns are caps placed over a tooth that has been damaged by decay, broken, and severely discolored. Dental crowns are usually made of metal, stainless steel, resin, and porcelain. But whichever it is, it should fit what the problem tooth needs.

During a procedure, your dentist will have to file down or remove a part of your tooth’s outer layer to make space for the crown. After, an impression will be made out of the extracted part, and a temporary cap will be put in place. On your next visit, your dentist will remove the temporary cap and cement the permanent one in place.

Bridges and Implants

These two common dental services offered are performed to replace missing teeth. Bridges are false teeth anchored in place by surrounding teeth. It features two crowns on the anchoring teeth along with the false tooth in the center. Dental implants, on the other hand, are artificial roots implanted into your jawbone to support replacement teeth.

Both processes usually take a few months and several procedures to complete, but the results are worth it. People would often go for these two mostly for cosmetic reasons.

Braces

This dental service makes use of a device to correct the alignment of the teeth or move them to improve their function and how they look. There are also cases wherein braces are used to treat bite-related problems, such as an overbite.

Braces straighten the teeth by exerting steady pressure. They can be made out of metal or ceramic. Others would also opt for “invisible braces,” which is made out of clear plastic.

Dentures

Common among old people, dentures are prosthetic devices used to replace lost teeth. There are two types of dentures: partial and full. Partial dentures one or more missing teeth, while a full set is used to replace all your teeth.

Since it is used to fit in place of natural teeth, dentures are custom-made using impressions from your gums. One benefit of dentures is that you can remove them altogether, or you can even brush them like you would your natural teeth.

Dentures are usually made out of plastic and metal, and should be soaked regularly in a cleaning solution, especially for full sets.

Before you get anything done, always consult first with your dentist to properly assess your teeth’s needs.

Key Takeaways

Whether you want solutions to your dental problems, or just want to improve your smile, there are several dental services offered at your disposal. Each caters to different problems, so be sure to have your teeth examined first by a dentist.

Learn more about Oral Health here.