Most people know that one of the most important things to take care of in life is oral health, but did you know more than 75% of people have anxiety or fear when it comes to dental work?
We get it. There are so many unknowns when sitting in a dentist’s chair. Since the root of fear often stems from the unknown, the team of professionals in Boynton Beach is sharing the most common types of dental work they do. This way, you can be educated and prepared ahead of time and hopefully not as afraid of taking care of your oral health.
Most Common Types Of Dental Work
The main role of a dentist is to make sure your teeth are clean and healthy. This is done in several ways, depending on the needs of the patient:
Cleanings
Professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease. It’s important to have your teeth cleaned by a dentist or hygienist every six months, or more often if you have a history of cavities or gum disease. Cleanings can also help prevent bad breath by removing bacteria from the mouth.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic procedures include:
- Teeth whitening. This involves applying a gel to your teeth. Afterward, you will receive custom-fit trays and a whitening solution to use at home.
- Straightening. This used to be done mainly with metal braces, but more modern treatments like Invisalign are used today.
- Veneers. Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are bonded to the front of your teeth. Each one is custom shaped and shaded to match.
- Implants. Implants are crowns placed on top of a titanium screw and are used to address gaps or missing teeth from injury or illness.
Fillings
To treat tooth decay, fillings are necessary. First, a numbing agent is applied either in a gel form or as a local anesthetic. Once the area is numbed, the decayed, damaged portion of the tooth is removed.
A composite material like resin is used to fill the area where the cavity was removed. Afterward, the dentist will check to see if the filling fits properly and adjust accordingly.
Extractions
Dental work professionals prefer to save teeth, but sometimes it isn’t always possible. Severe cavities, tooth impaction, overcrowding, gum disease, or injuries can mean extraction is necessary.
Local anesthesia is used to numb the tooth and surrounding areas to perform an extraction. Then the tooth is loosened and lifted from the socket using specialized dental tools. Sometimes, a small incision may be necessary to reach the tooth.
Once the tooth has been extracted, everything is disinfected. In pronounced cases, stitches may be necessary but usually aren’t.
Root Canals
A root canal is when damaged or infected tissue is removed from inside the tooth. Once that’s done, the tooth is filled and sealed. The whole process usually takes one or two appointments. Recovery is usually quick, although you might experience some soreness for a few days afterward.
Dentures
Commonly known as false teeth, dentures are basically a prosthesis for missing teeth. They are made from acrylic, resin, or porcelain and can last a long time. Some dentures are removable, but some are implants.
Dental Care In Boynton Beach
Eriks Dental Group is proud to serve the residents of Boynton Beach, from a child’s first tooth to a set of dentures in old age. We offer regular check-ups, cleanings, cosmetic dentistry services, and more for all stages of life. Schedule your appointment today at 561-733-4004.