Going to the dentist is a scary task for many. Even if you take good care of your teeth, there is always the possibility that you may end up needing some dental work. You may be familiar with some of the terms dentists use for dental procedures but not quite understand what they mean. It is important to know what you may be facing before you visit the dentist, so here are a few routine procedures and how they work.
Finding a Dentist
To find a dentist you can simply use a web search engine and type in dentist, or type of dentist, and your city. For example, you could search “general dentist salida ca” if you live in Salida. You can then look through the dentists and find one near you with good reviews. If you have dental insurance, you should check that the dentist you select takes your particular insurance. Keep in mind that most dentists will offer payment plans, as well. If you are particularly afraid of dental work, it may be good to look into some tips for dental anxiety and see if you can find a dentist who specializes in anxious patients.
Cavities and Fillings
A cavity is when your tooth has decayed to the point that the health of the tooth has been compromised. A filling made of restorative materials is used to repair the tooth. During this procedure, the dentist removes the decaying part of the tooth, cleans it out, and then fills it up. Fillings are a quick and easy process.
Extraction
In a few cases, your dentist may recommend that they extract the teeth. This is commonly done with wisdom teeth, since they have the tendency to grow in the wrong way or be too big for the space in the patient’s mouth. This can also be done with damaged teeth, most commonly the ones on the end since they are the least necessary. Patients may opt to have an extraction instead or a root canal or other procedure, usually for financial reasons. Although there are other reasons a dentist may suggest it. This procedure can be simple or more complicated depending on if the wisdom teeth are grown in and whether or not they are impacted.
Root Canal
Root canals are more invasive than fillings. If your tooth has become infected, decayed, cracked, or injured, then you may need a root canal. In a root canal, the dentist opens the tooth, cleaning out any infected tissue in the center of it. The tooth will then be filled and you will usually get a crown.
Crowns
Dental crowns, or caps, completely cover the visible part of the tooth. They have the appearance of a normal tooth. And they are used to protect a damaged tooth, restoring its strength, size, and appearance.
Bridges and Implants
If you lost an adult tooth, then you may hear your dentist talk about these two. Dental implants have false roots. While bridges use the neighboring teeth to keep a fake tooth in place.