Buzzing sounds, big chairs, and X-Ray machines – these are just a few of the factors that make a visit to the dentist scary and intimidating for many people. The experience is a little different if you know what to expect.
In this post, we discuss the 10 most common dental services during a lifetime of oral care in Union, KY.
1. Teeth Cleaning
This is a crucial aspect of maintaining your oral health, and the American Dental Association recommends that you get your teeth cleaned twice a year. Dental hygiene cleaning involves removing plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth.
Your Union (KY) dentist will also clean stains, check for cavities and other health concerns, and floss and polish your teeth.
Regular teeth cleaning helps prevent cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. It’s also an opportunity for your doctor to check for signs of gum disease and oral cancer.
2. Teeth Extraction
Restorative dentistry is often the first choice for dental care, but some situations call for a tooth extraction. A dentist will pull out a tooth if the decay is too far gone or if it’s a stubborn wisdom tooth that won’t decide if it wants to grow or not.
If the problem is above the gum, loosening the tooth from the bone socket and pulling it out will do. A minor oral surgery will be necessary if the decayed tooth is causing problems below the gum.
3. Dental Fillings
This is a common general dentist service that aims to restore decayed teeth to their normal shape and function. During the filling, your Northern NY dentist will remove the decayed tooth material and clean the affected area before filling the cleaned-out cavity.
There are different types of teeth fillings, each with its pros and cons. Composite fillings are made from glass or quartz and can be modified to match the color of your teeth. They are fairly durable and great for small-to-medium size dental restorations.
Other options for filling include amalgam (silver), porcelain inlays, and glass ionomer.
4. Root Canal Treatment
Traditionally, dental health services sought to extract a damaged tooth rather than repair it. Root canal treatment aims at repairing the infected tooth and eliminating pain.
The procedure involves removing the damaged parts of the tooth, disinfecting it, and refilling and sealing it.
Root canal treatment and dental filling are similar in a lot of ways. The difference is that while the filling is ideal for minor cavities and tooth damage, the root canal procedure is used when the infection reaches the pulp.
5. Children Dentistry
Also known as pediatric dentistry, this type of service only deals with children. The major issues a pediatric dentist deals with include urgent dental care, infant oral health examination, and special advisory management regarding teething.
Every pediatrist is a dentist but not every dentist is a pediatrist. One has to do a special child oral care course and get licensed before providing children’s dental services.
Do your research before taking your child to any pediatrician in Northern KY.
6. Braces and Invisalign
Braces consist of metal wires and brackets that are used to properly align your teeth. Mostly common in people under the age of 18, braces are also used to correct bites that make it difficult to eat or talk.
It is worth noting that most dental practices are moving away from traditional braces and embracing Invisalign. This is because it gradually straightens your teeth using a series of custom-fitted and removable aligners.
Unlike braces, Invisalign braces are very comfortable to wear and nearly invisible.
7. Teeth Whitening
Your teeth are bound to discolor and stain due to natural causes and lifestyle choices. This makes a once bright, confident, and healthy smile less so. With teeth whitening, patients get a chance to restore their naturally beautiful smiles and take on the world with confidence.
You can opt for either at-home or in-office whitening. The former involves filling custom-made dental trays with hydrogen peroxide. While cheap, it is not very effective.
In-office whitening combines hydrogen peroxide gel with a light source to speed up the process. It is incredibly effective, and the results last longer.
8. Dental Crowns
This is one of the more common family dental services in Union, KY.
It is a type of procedure that restores discolored, cracked, uneven, or weak teeth. It functions to improve the appearance of your teeth, strengthen them, and restore their original shape. The crown is customized to match the color of your teeth for a natural look.
Dental crowns can be made from ceramic, porcelain, resin, and stainless steel. During the initial visit, your dentist will file down the affected tooth and make a mold of it. You will then be fitted with a temporary crown as you wait for the permanent one to be made.
Dental crowns can serve you for many years with proper care.
9. Dental Implants
This is probably the best way to replace damaged teeth. This treatment involves minor surgery to place a metal post in the jawbone. A crown is then placed on top to give the appearance of a real tooth.
Unlike dentures and bridges, which need to be restored over time, dental implants offer a permanent solution to missing teeth. The process and procedures may take a few months to complete, but the results are worth the wait.
10. Veneers
Your dentist may recommend veneers if you have discolored or crooked teeth. Crafted to look just like natural teeth, porcelain veneers are used to fix the appearance of cosmetically unpleasing teeth. Their hard material makes it easy to chew.
An added benefit of veneers is that they require minimal dental care. The standard practice of brushing and flossing will do. The fact that they are made from porcelain makes them easy to clean and polish.
Dental Services are Nothing to Be Afraid Of
Going to the dentist may be intimidating, but the best dental health services will do their best to make you comfortable. And now that you know more about the common dental services and what to expect, your visit will be less scary.
Schedule an appointment with us today for healthy teeth.
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