Dental Procedures

Dental Procedures is any of a number of medical procedures that involve artificially modifying dentition; in other words, surgery of the teeth and jaw bones. They include:

Bonding

Applying composite tooth bonding is a restorative procedure that uses tooth enamel-colored composite resin (plastic) to repair teeth that are decayed, chipped, fractured or discolored. Tooth gaps can also be closed. Unlike veneers, which require laboratory work, bonding is done in the dental office

Braces

A dental brace is a device used to correct the alignment of teeth and bite-related problems (including under-bite, overbite, etc.). Braces straighten teeth by exerting steady pressure on the teeth

Bridges and Implants

Bridges and implants are two ways to replace a missing tooth or teeth. Bridges are false teeth anchored in place by neighboring teeth. The bridge consists of two crowns on the anchoring teeth along with the false tooth in the center. Dental implants are artificial roots used to support replacement teeth

Crowns and Caps

Crowns are dental restorations that protect damaged, cracked or broken teeth. Dental crowns, often referred to as caps, sit over the entire part of the tooth that lies above the gum line.

Dentures

Dentures are prosthetic devices replacing lost teeth. There are two types of dentures – partial and full. Full dentures are often referred to as “false teeth”

Extractions

A severely damaged tooth may need to be extracted. Permanent teeth may also need to be removed for orthodontic treatment.

Fillings and Repairs

Dental fillings and repairs use restorative materials used to repair teeth which have been compromised due to cavities or trauma.

Gum Surgery

Periodontal or gum disease is an infection that affects the gums and jaw bone, which can lead to a loss of gum and teeth. There are two major stages — gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the milder and reversible form; periodontal disease is often more severe. In some cases, gum surgery will be required to reverse the effect of the disease.

Oral Cancer Examination

Oral cancer starts in the cells of the mouth, tongue or throat. Oral cancer screening is usually a routine part of a dental examination. In this exam, your dentist will feel for lumps or irregular tissue changes in your neck, head, face, and inside your mouth. Your dentist will also look for sores or discolored tissue in your mouth.

Root Canals

Root canals treat diseases or abscessed teeth. Once a tooth is injured, cracked or decayed, it is necessary to open the tooth and clean out the infected tissue in the center. This space is then filled and the opening sealed

Sealants

Dental sealants, usually applied to the chewing surface of teeth, act as a barrier against decay-causing bacteria. Most often, the sealants are applied to the back teeth, e.g., premolars and molars.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth naturally darken with age, however staining may be caused by various foods and beverages such as coffee, tea and berries, some drugs such as tetracycline, smoking, or a trauma to a tooth. There are various teeth whitening options available, including in-office and at-home bleaching

Veneers

Veneers are strong, thin pieces of ceramic or resin material that are bonded to the teeth. Veneers are used to repair chipped, decayed or stained teeth and may help in closing gaps between teeth.