In the heart of Calgary, The Port Dental stands as a beacon of oral health, offering residents quality dental treatments that ensure radiant smiles and robust dental health. Our teeth and gums are vital to our overall well-being, making it essential to be well-informed about the treatments available.
This guide, brought to you by the trusted professionals at The Port Dental, demystifies ten common dental procedures so that Calgarians and people everywhere can be better equipped to make informed decisions about their oral health care. Let’s dive in!
1. Dental Check-ups and Cleaning
At the foundation of all common dental procedures is the regular dental check-up. This involves thoroughly examining the teeth, gums, and mouth, ensuring everything’s in good shape. A professional cleaning will remove plaque and tartar that everyday brushing might miss.
2. Dental Fillings
Cavities, the tiny holes that can form in our teeth due to decay, can be bothersome. Dental fillings are the answer. A dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then “fill” the area with a material such as amalgam or composite resin.
3. Root Canal Treatment
A root canal treatment is often needed when the nerve tissue inside a tooth becomes infected. In this procedure, the infected tissue is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed, and then the tooth is restored with a crown or filling.
4. Dental Crowns
Think of crowns as protective caps for your teeth. If a tooth is damaged, weakened by decay, or needs an aesthetic makeover, a dental crown can be fitted over it, restoring its shape, size, and appearance. For more, you can check out our guide to getting dental crowns for your teeth.
5. Tooth Extractions
Sometimes, a tooth might be too damaged or decayed to be saved. In such cases, one of the common dental procedures is extraction, where the tooth is carefully removed from its socket.
6. Dental Bridges
Missing a tooth? Dental bridges, as the name implies, “bridge” the gap created by one or more missing teeth. They consist of crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap and false teeth in between.
7. Dentures
When many teeth are missing, full or partial dentures can come to the rescue. Custom-made to fit the mouth, they replace lost teeth and restore functionality.
8. Teeth Whitening
To brighten up a discolored or stained smile, teeth whitening is one of the go-to common dental procedures. Using a special bleach solution, dentists can achieve several shades of improvement, giving a dazzling appearance.
9. Dental Implants
As a replacement for the root of a missing tooth, dental implants provide a sturdy base for fixed or removable replacement teeth tailored to match your natural teeth.
10. Orthodontics (Braces and Aligners)
For those with misaligned teeth or jaws, orthodontics offers solutions in the form of braces or aligners. These devices exert pressure on the teeth, moving them gradually to achieve the desired alignment.
11. Periodontal (Gum) Treatment
Gums play an essential role in oral health. Periodontal treatments address gum inflammation, gum recession, and bone loss. Scaling and root planing are common dental procedures that clean the gums and teeth down to the roots.
12. Veneers
These are thin shells, typically made of porcelain, which are custom-made to fit over the front surface of a tooth. Veneers are a popular choice for those looking to improve the aesthetics of their smile, particularly if they have stained, chipped, or misshapped teeth.
13. Sealants
Sealants can be applied to prevent cavities, especially in the back teeth. They act as a protective layer, sealing off grooves and crannies where food particles can get trapped, leading to decay.
14. Bonding
For teeth that are chipped, broken, or stained, bonding is one of the common dental procedures used for repair. A tooth-colored resin material is applied and hardened with a special light, binding the material to the tooth.
15. Inlays and Onlays
Also known as indirect fillings, these are made from porcelain or composite materials and provide a way to fill a tooth with decay or damage. Inlays fit within the cusps, while onlays cover more extensive damage, extending over the cusps of treated teeth.
16. Night Guards
Night guards are a savior for those who grind or clench their teeth at night. These custom-made oral appliances protect teeth from excessive wear and potential damage.
17. Wisdom Teeth Management
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, often emerge in the late teens or early twenties. If they become impacted or cause overcrowding, removal becomes one of the common dental procedures.
18. Fluoride Treatment
To strengthen teeth and prevent decay, fluoride treatments are recommended. It involves the dentist applying a fluoride gel or varnish to the teeth.
19. Digital X-rays
X-rays are essential in dentistry to detect problems not visible to the naked eye. Digital X-rays, an advancement over traditional methods, use less radiation and provide immediate images.
20. Oral Cancer Screening
This is a crucial part of a dental check-up. Dentists will examine the inside of your mouth to check for red or white patches, mouth sores, and other signs of oral cancer.
Wrapping up
Understanding the vast range of common dental procedures is not just about maintaining aesthetics but overall health. The mouth is a gateway to the body, and maintaining its health can influence our overall well-being.
The key is to be informed, proactive, and, most importantly, regularly visit your dentist to ensure the longevity and vitality of your radiant smile.
