By Susan Braden
Common Dental Procedures
- Fillings
- Crowns
- Root Canals
- Extractions
There are common types of dental work you might need and will depend on the condition of your teeth. There are a number of problems which can cause a toothache requiring dental work. The first thing any dentist will do is an oral exam to visually see what the problem is. After that, a complete set of dental x-rays will be taken to allow the dentist to see the inside of the teeth. After both of these procedures, the dentist will sit down with the patient and discuss exactly what type of dental work needs to be done. The problem you are having or the pain you are experiencing could be addressed by a few common types of dental work to reduce the pain.
Fillings
The first common dental procedure is a called a filling. If you have a simple cavity on the surface caused by decay, a dentist will fill the hole with a silver metal or white composite material. The material seals the tooth off and prevents the cavity from growing. This is one of the most common fixes for a sore or sensitive tooth. It is a simple procedure to get rid of your dental pain.d
Crowns
Another very common dental procedure is a crown. A crown, also called a cap, is a permanent covering which is glued onto the existing tooth. A dental crown is used if the tooth is severely decayed, chipped, or broken. Crowns are also commonly used after a root canal procedure to help strengthen the tooth. Before a crown is put in place, the dentist will grind down the existing tooth and then place the crown over it. Crowns are usually made of metal, porcelain, or a combination of the two.
Root Canals
One of the other most common dental procedures is a root canal. A root canal is normally performed if one of your teeth is decayed down to the roots. In the work of a root canal, a hole is drilled through the middle of the tooth in order to gain access to the roots and pulp material inside of it. The dentist then cleans out all of the roots and pulp material under the tooth, and fills it back in with a permanent filling. Often, it is recommend to place a crown over the top of a tooth with a root canal, since the remaining tooth has been weakened due to the root canal work.
Extractions
The final common type of dental work is an extraction. If one of your teeth is so far decayed or broken that a dentist cannot repair it, the only other option is to remove it entirely. Extractions often cost less than a root canal or crown as well, and sometimes they are the only option on a tight budget. However, this type of dental work is not typically recommended if the tooth can be saved.
Visit the Dentist
These are just some of the most common types of dental procedures. There are many other types of dental work in addition to what we have already mentioned. If you are experiencing pain, make an appointment at a dentist near you to get x-rays and an examination. The dentist will advise what type of dental work needs to be done in order to fix your dental pain.
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