If you’ve ever needed a tooth pulled or a root canal done, you know how nerve-wracking and sometimes painful the process can be. After all, there’s nothing as distressful as settling in for surgery at your local dentist’s office and getting to experience the smell of sterile gloves and the faint hum of fluorescent lighting!
But just because it isn’t pleasant doesn’t mean it’s unnecessary. Everyone needs to think about dental procedures at some point in their lives.
Plus, if you consider the boost of self-confidence a stunning smile adds to your life, these dental procedures become even more essential.
So, why not be proactive and learn ahead of time what’s needed?
Most Common Dental Procedures
Here’s a rundown of the most common dental procedures to consider so you’ll be prepared when (and if!) the time comes.
1. Wisdom Tooth Removal
Ouch! Even the thought of this procedure can make one shudder! But it’s not nearly as scary as it sounds.
When your wisdom teeth come in, they can cause pain and problems like infection. That’s why it’s essential to get them removed if your oral surgeon recommends them.
The procedure involves the dentist numbing your mouth and using specialized tools to break the teeth into smaller pieces. They then gently remove them one at a time.
The most common signs you need your wisdom teeth removed are pain, tenderness, and swelling in the affected area.
To learn more about the process before succumbing to the dentist’s chair, check out oral surgery center for more information.
2. Root Canal
Another one to add to the list of dreaded dental procedures! The sharp pain of needing a root canal can leave you feeling desperate and wishing for any other option. But the good news is that modern root canals are far less intrusive than they used to be.
Your dentist will use a local anaesthetic to numb your mouth and drill a tunnel into the infected tooth. They then use specialized tools to remove the damaged nerve tissue, fill the hollows with a special sealant, and finish up with a protective crown to keep the area safe from future damage.
No matter how much pain you may feel due to your root canal, the process is relatively quick and will have you smiling in no time. Of course, the numbing will make you sound like you’ve had a few drinks, but that’s all part of the fun!
3. Teeth Cleaning/Scaling
Teeth cleaning/scaling is the most basic yet essential preventive dental care available. Half the people at your dentist’s office are probably there for this procedure! Dentists worldwide recommend their patients get scaling done at least twice a year.
Why? Look at that cupcake on your table and the bag of chips beside it. These foods contain tiny bits of sugar, starches, and other debris that can get stuck in and around your teeth. While you may brush regularly, these fragments can still build up over time and cause havoc with your gums and teeth.
The dentist uses special tools to scrape away plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums to remove built-up bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease.
The process usually takes a single visit and is pain-free. So, don’t worry about soreness or discomfort after teeth cleaning!
4. Invisalign
Crooked teeth and gaps in your smile can make you embarrassed to show off your pearly whites! Traditionally, braces were the only way to straighten teeth without complicated surgeries.
But now, there’s an even better solution: Invisalign!
Invisalign helps to straighten your teeth without using metal brackets or wires. The process is less painful than regular metal braces, and the aligners are almost invisible!
The process involves taking a mould of your teeth and creating a series of custom-made aligners that fit your teeth perfectly. Each set of aligners is designed to move your teeth into their desired positions.
You’ll need to wear them for a few weeks at a time. Also, you’ll need to switch out the aligners periodically as your teeth move into their desired positions.
The treatment length varies but typically lasts anywhere from 12 to 18 months. For crowded teeth, it can take as long as 24 months.
5. Veneers
Discolouration is the bane of many people’s existence and can be hard to eliminate. The causes of discolouration can be anything from coffee and tea to smoking. But if you want to get your white smile back, veneers are here to save the day!
Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly. They bond directly to the front surface of your teeth, creating a natural-looking, flawless smile.
The procedure is minimally invasive: your dentist will shave off some of the enamel (less than an mm) to make room for the veneers. The process is painless and only takes an hour or two, depending on how many teeth you get veneers for.
Once the veneers are in place, you must maintain good oral hygiene and avoid foods and drinks that can stain them. With proper care, your perfect smile should last you a long time!
6. Bonding
Have you ever wished you could fix a chipped tooth in a jiffy? Well, now you can, with dental bonding!
Dental bonding is a quick and easy process involving applying a tooth-coloured composite resin material to repair a damaged tooth. This composite material can be used to fill in chips, fix gaps between teeth, close spaces between teeth and gums, and even change the shape of a tooth.
The process takes about 30 minutes and is relatively painless. Your dentist will apply the composite material to your tooth, then shape it and polish it to match the rest of your teeth.
It’s important to note that dental bonding is not as durable as a crown or veneer, but it will last for several years with good oral hygiene and care.
Final Thoughts
No one likes to consider undergoing dental procedures, but sometimes it’s necessary. After all, who enjoys dealing with cavities or gingivitis?
Fortunately, many options exist for restoring your dental health and getting that perfect smile you have always wanted. From teeth cleaning to veneers, there’s a procedure for everyone.
So, don’t be afraid to reach out to your dentist and ask about your options! They’ll be more than happy to help you find the proper dental procedure.
