The huge impact of dental hygiene on our overall health is undeniable. You may not be aware of it, but regular brushing and flossing may not be enough to prevent some dental problems. Without a doubt, dentists and dental hygienists recommend undergoing certain treatments for various purposes: to increase aesthetic appeal, to prevent dental diseases, or to treat existing dental conditions.
Here are some of the most popular dental procedures and what they are for:
- Fluoride therapy. A common dental culprit, tooth decay is one of the leading dental problems that continue to threaten both the adult and younger population. For many years now, the use of fluoride in the field of dentistry has been a common method in preventing dental caries. These days, there are several options to choose from if you want to get your fluoride fix. Options include a fluoride varnish treatment and some professionally-applied gels and foams, where fluoride in concentrated form is applied topically on your teeth.
- Orthodontic braces. More than an aesthetic concern, overlapping, crowded, and misaligned teeth structure may all lead to painful teeth and joints. Additional dental problems such as bite-related concerns and an increased incidence of dental caries, among others, are also among the usual issues. Getting braces installed by your orthodontist can help as the dental brace exerts a steady pressure in your teeth to straighten and correct teeth alignment.
- Teeth whitening. Naturally, your teeth will darken and become more yellowish over time. If your diet and lifestyle, however, consists of consuming too much teeth-staining food and drinks (such as coffee and tea) or habitual smoking, your teeth might be more prone to yellowing and discoloration. To help address this concern, dental clinics offer teeth whitening options to help bring back your pearly whites and bright smile. In-office dental procedures include teeth bleaching and administration of teeth whitening gels.
- Dental filling. When a tooth becomes damaged by cavity and decay, your dentist may advise restoration through dental filling. There are several options for you to choose from, including amalgams, composite resins, porcelain, and gold. Aside from their components, these filling materials vary in quality and durability.
- Root canal. Infected and broken teeth may cause some serious concerns, not to mention extreme pain to patients. A popular mode of treating this condition is in the form of a root canal. With this treatment, broken teeth are opened, cleaned, filled, and sealed to restore its normal healthy state. Some dentists and oral surgeons even offer a painless root canal procedure, done by means of a laser beam.
- Tooth Extraction. When a tooth is too damaged or is causing an orthodontic problem, patients will have to undergo tooth extraction to have it removed. Some tooth extractions are simple and can be done in a matter of minutes. While others may require minor surgery, such as in the case of impacted wisdom teeth.
- Dentures, bridges, and implants. Finally, to fill missing teeth spaces, or to replace an entire set of teeth, some patients opt for getting dentures, bridges, or implants installed. Dentures, also known as false teeth, are prosthetic and removable devices, while bridges and implants are fixed teeth replacements.
