subject: Common Dental Procedures Explained [print this page] Oral health is important. Your mouth and teeth are tools that you use to eat, talk, and breathe.
When you have dental problems you should go see your dentist as soon as possible to quickly get the problem fixed. You should at least be visiting the dentist once a year.
Here are listed some dental procedures that you may need to have performed. The best way to stop problems is with prevention. Brush and floss, eat healthy, and have regular check-ups.
The most common dental procedure is filings. Teeth that have been affected by tooth decay will require a filling.
There are many different types of fillings. Two of the most common include dental amalgams and composite resins.
Dental amalgams are also known as silver fillings. These fillings are comprised of a mixture of mercury, and an alloy of silver, tin, and copper. It is interesting because when mercury is mixed with these metals it is no longer harmful to the body.
Composite resins are also known as white fillings. These fillings are tooth-colored plastic mixture filled with glass, or silicon dioxide.
Composite resins are used primarily for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth. Other alternative ways to fix teeth with decay or cosmetic problems include porcelain veneers, crown, and cast gold restorations.
The second procedure is a root canal. Root canals are designed to correct disorders of the dental pulp.
This refers to the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Teeth with infected nerves are removed with a root canal procedure.
Nerve damage that requires a root canal is caused by severe tooth decay or, in some cases, trauma to the mouth or teeth. The third procedure is dental implants. They are an alternative to dentures.
Dental implants are small dental appliances that are inserted into the upper and lower jaws. They are needed to restore the mouth that has little or no non-restorable teeth.
Another procedure is orthodontics, also known as braces. Orthodontics focuses on the correct development and prevention, of irregularities of the teeth, bite, and jaws. Orthodontists also have specialized training in facial abnormalities and disorders of the jaw.
A patient with orthodontic needs will generally receive a referral from their general dentist. This gives the patient ideas of orthodontists in the area.
Correcting the alignment of the teeth follows the same biological and physical process no matter what the age. However, an adult mouth must overcome already-positioned facial bones and jaw structure.
Due to this, most types of malocclusions may require more than one type of orthodontic treatment for adults. In most cases, the ideal age for orthodontic treatments is between 10 and 14 years of age.
It is important to know at least a little bit about the different dental procedures. It is likely that most people will need at least some form of dental treatment in their life.
by: Tom Selwick
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