Dental health facilities offer different services and procedures, depending on what you are going through. These procedures include basic cavity treatments and sophisticated procedures such as jaw reconstructions. Every patient needs to know some of these things before visiting the dentist to understand what will be happening. Regular visits to the dentist are crucial in maintaining oral health.
The visits should be at least once every six months. Seeing the dentist helps to identify problems at an early treatable stage to avoid future complications. Whether you are going for check-ups or visiting the dentists due to toothaches, cavities and other ailments, here are a few things you should know.
1. Dental Exams
A dental exam is a crucial part of preventive healthcare. During the procedure, a dentist checks for cavities or gum disease and then clean your teeth. Furthermore, evaluation of the risks of developing other dental problems is done through checking of the mouth, neck and face for any abnormalities. The dentist provides a detailed review of your diet, and proper brushing practices.
Dental exams help not only your oral health but also overall body well being. Other diseases such as lupus and diabetes can be identified from the mouth, and the dentist will give you suggestion about treatments. To prepare for the exam, you should inquire about the procedures of the dentist. If you are nervous, then talk to the dentist who might adjust treatment for comfort.
2. Dental X-Rays
Dental X-rays or radio-graphs are images of the teeth from which dentists will be able to evaluate the health of your teeth. Low levels of radiation are used to ensure that the internal parts of the teeth are visible. These images help to identify problems such as cavities, impacted teeth, and tooth decay. The procedure might seem complicated, but it is common in health facilities.
The procedure is performed yearly, but it might be done more frequently to monitor progress for some patients. Age, current health, and history of gum problems and cavities are some factors that determine how often the X-ray will be done. You will have an X-ray if you are vising the dentist for your first time to determine the overall health of your mouth.
3. Teeth Cleanings
Teeth cleaning, otherwise known as dental prophylaxis, is a process done by qualified dentists. This process aims to remove dental plaque, which causes dental problems such as cavities and periodontal disease. Hardened deposits on teeth such as tartar cannot be removed through regular brushing and flossing. Those who have dentures can use denture cleaner to remove tartar.
A dental prophylaxis is done twice a year, that is, during your check-up visits. You may still be required to have more than two if you have other complications that need attention. Regular teeth cleaning is essential, and by understanding its benefits, you will be at ease during the process and even look forward to the next visit.
4. Tooth Fillings
Dentists treat cavities, broken, and cracked teeth by filling the space to repair the area. Different materials can be used in the process, including porcelain, gold, silver amalgam, or tooth-colored plastics. The extent of the damage determines the material to be used, the cost of the fillings, and the amount you wish to spend in the process.
5. Crown, Bridges, and Dentures
If the teeth’ damage cannot be fixed using fillings, then the dentist might encourage you to use crowns, bridges, or dentures. Bridges are used to cover damaged teeth to prevent further destruction. Bridges provide solutions to gaps between teeth, and it anchors alongside the real teeth. Dentures are removable and need to be cleaned after every meal.
6. Other Options for Dentures
Many people hate dentures and would prefer to stick to unhealthy and painful teeth. However, dentures are not the only solution for damaged teeth. One of the alternatives is dental implants. This is a permanent solution for fixing missing or damaged teeth. Implants are inserted into the jaw, and they act like natural tooth roots from where crowns are placed.
Everything considered a dental implant is the best solution for damaged tooth treatment and replacement. To get dental implants, you must be missing one or more teeth, also be an adult with a fully developed jaw and healthy enough to go through surgery. Other factors might chip in to determine the success rate of the procedure. The dentist will give you additional options.
7. Invisalign
Invisalign is a procedure used to straighten teeth using aligners that are specifically made for your teeth. Every two weeks, the aligners are replaced, and the teeth move. Little by little, the process goes on until the required alignment is achieved. Invisalign aligners are comfortable because there are no hard materials that could affect or irritate the gums.
With all of the associated benefits that come with Invisalign, many people are interested in purchasing invisible braces that are much more comfortable than traditional braces. But this comfort comes with a price, and some might not be able to spend a lot on invisible braces.
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