Most people are afraid of visiting the dentist. There are various reasons behind dental anxiety. The easiest way to overcome dental anxiety is by getting more informed about the different treatments. The more you know the less nervous you would be. The following are the most common treatments that you can expect from a general dentist.
Fillings and Repairs
If any of your teeth are decayed, you would need to get them cleaned and repaired. The treatment is rather straightforward. The dentist would first determine the extent of the decay by taking an x-ray or using a cavity-detecting dye. There are many things that can damage your teeth. If you hit something, your teeth might crack or break such as when you try to open things.
Similarly, teeth grinding also wears down your teeth. In such a situation, your dentist would first have to fill the area to restore its condition. The filling material the dentist uses varies. A composite filling is the most popular option as it matches the natural color of your teeth. You can discuss your options with the dentist to decide which material to choose for your filling.
Dental Crowns
Another common treatment is dental crowns. It is a restorative procedure that involves the placement of a cap over broken, cracked, or damaged teeth. Dental crowns are normally made of metal, porcelain, or composite material. They help cover damaged teeth, improve the appearance of your teeth, and strengthen your teeth. Moreover, they are also used for holding a dental bridge.
Extractions
Tooth extraction is a procedure that involves the removal of teeth from the bone. There are various reasons why a person might need to get their tooth removed. A major reason for undergoing the procedure is a broken tooth or severe tooth decay. As the removal of teeth is serious, your dentist would first try to repair your teeth such as by filling the area or placing a crown. Some people do not have teeth that are well spaced. This causes crowding and results in teeth growing irregularly. Although it is possible to undergo orthodontic treatment for straightening your teeth, there might be a need for extracting certain teeth.
In addition to the above, wisdom teeth appear during your early twenties or late teens. There is a possibility that the wisdom teeth might not come out properly and get stuck inside the jaw. These impacted wisdom teeth need to be extracted for much-needed relief.
Implants and Bridges
Implants and bridges help fill gaps left by missing teeth. They help ensure that other teeth in your mouth remain intact and maintain your jaw. A dental bridge bridges the gap and tends to be removable or fixed. Only your dentist can remove a fixed bridge, whereas a removable bridge can be removed on your own. On the other hand, dental implants are used for replacing missing teeth. They are surgically inserted into your jaw and act as replica teeth. According to My Dentist San Francisco, dental implants are commonly used for securing a dental bridge. They cause minimal bone loss and preserve the surrounding teeth.
Teeth Whitening
Since everyone wants to have beautiful white teeth, teeth whitening has become one of the most popular dental treatments. Anyone interested in getting whiter teeth can undergo the procedure to achieve amazing results.
Discolored teeth are quite common and are caused by a variety of foods and drinks as well as smoking cigarettes. Teeth whitening uses chemicals to alter the color of your teeth. It is not the same as a professional cleaning which only removes staining but fails to change the underlying color of the teeth. Therefore, teeth whitening is the best option for improving your actual tooth color. It is just what you need to get a whiter smile. As the procedure is relatively affordable, you should have no trouble paying for it.
Root Canal
Lastly, a root canal is necessary if your teeth have been diseased or badly damaged. Your dentist might recommend the treatment to help deal with pain. The procedure removes the pulp from your tooth. It is a thin-like tissue inside your tooth that can be cleaned and filled once removed. The tooth pulp contains lymph tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. As it can get infected due to advanced decay, you will need to seek a root canal treatment to protect your teeth. Otherwise, you would be left with no option but extraction. The process is relatively straightforward and offers instant relief.
