Most Common Dental Procedures

Dental procedures are an important aspect of oral health care. They range from simple procedures like teeth cleaning to complex ones like dental implants. The most common dental procedures include filling cavities, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, crowns, bridges, and dentures. In this article, we will discuss the most common dental procedures in detail.

Filling Cavities

Cavities are small holes in the teeth caused by decay. If left untreated, cavities can cause pain, infection, and eventually lead to tooth loss. To treat cavities, a dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill the cavity with a filling material. Common filling materials include composite resin, silver amalgam, and glass ionomer.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that is used to brighten teeth that have become discolored or stained. There are two main types of teeth whitening: in-office and at-home. In-office teeth whitening is done by a dentist and involves the use of a bleaching agent and a special light to brighten the teeth. At-home teeth whitening involves the use of a custom-fitted tray and a bleaching gel.

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is a procedure used to treat an infected or inflamed tooth. The tooth’s root canal system, which is made up of pulp and nerves, can become infected or inflamed due to injury, decay, or other factors. During root canal therapy, the dentist removes the infected or inflamed pulp and seals the root canal system to prevent reinfection. The tooth is then restored with a crown to protect it and restore its function.

Crowns

A crown is a type of dental restoration that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gumline. Crowns are used to protect teeth that are too damaged to be repaired with fillings or to improve the appearance of teeth that are misshapen or discolored. Crowns can be made of a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, and resin.

Bridges

A bridge is a dental restoration that is used to replace missing teeth. Bridges are typically made of porcelain or ceramic and are attached to surrounding teeth for support. Bridges are used to restore the appearance and function of missing teeth and to prevent surrounding teeth from shifting.

Dentures

Dentures are removable dental appliances that are used to replace missing teeth. They can be full or partial and are made of acrylic resin or porcelain. Dentures are used to restore the appearance and function of missing teeth and to help improve the patient’s ability to speak and eat.

In conclusion, dental procedures are an important aspect of oral health care. It is important to have regular dental check-ups and to follow good oral hygiene practices to maintain good oral health. If you are experiencing any dental problems, it is important to consult a dentist as soon as possible to ensure prompt and effective treatment.