Good oral hygiene and regular consultations with your dentist can help prevent tooth problems like decay, gum disease, and infection. However, if you already have an existing tooth problem, your dentist will also have to perform a dental procedure to either restore its function and appearance or prevent further infection. In essence, dental procedures are necessary for aesthetic, preventive, and treatment purposes.
Let’s talk about some of the most common dental procedures and where you can go to get them.
Implants
Implants are tooth replacements that are surgically attached to your jawbone. Some people opt for implants over dentures, as they are natural-looking, comfortable, and secure.
Although dental implants may significantly help with tooth loss, they are not for everyone. To be a candidate, you need to have healthy gums and bones to support the implant. Visit your dental health provider to learn more about this treatment option.
Bridges
If you have missing teeth, your dentist may recommend putting dental bridges to fill the gap and restore your bite. These are fixed prosthetic replacements that help prevent the remaining teeth from moving out of place. Unlike implants, bridges are not affixed to your gums; instead, they are anchored to the teeth or crowns beside your missing teeth.
Dental bridges are made of either porcelain or titanium. Talk with your dentist about your options.
Crowns
When you have fractured or decayed teeth, your dentist may recommend placing crowns over them to restore their appearance and function. Crowns or caps are lab-created teeth replacements that are made with porcelain, metal, or both. They are also used to conceal discolored teeth or unsightly gaps.
This dental procedure may require two or more visits to your dentist. Your dentist will take your teeth impression, turn them into molds on the first day, then send them to the dental laboratory. On your next visit, your dentist can then fit the crown in place.
Fillings
If you have a tooth cavity or injury, your dentist may recommend fillings to restore your teeth’s function and appearance. There are different types of fillings for you to choose from, depending on the extent of your tooth damage. If you don’t like dark-colored fillings, you can opt for composite ones, which are made from durable resins and designed to match the color of your teeth.
Root Canal Treatment
The dental pulp is the soft area within the center of your tooth. It contains your blood vessels, nerves, and tissues. If it becomes inflamed, you will need a root canal to get it treated.
Root canal treatment is a common dental procedure geared toward saving teeth from early extraction. During this procedure, your dentist will use a fine drill to create a small hole at the top or back of the affected tooth to remove the infected pulp. Afterward, the root canal may be cleaned, filled, and fitted with a cap to reinforce its function and strength.
The results of this treatment method typically last for a long time, as long as you have good oral health.
Extraction
Tooth extractions are often the last recourse to a tooth problem. Decaying or infected teeth need to be removed to avoid spreading the infection to other teeth and body parts. In some cases, when you have an impacted wisdom tooth, your dentist may extract them to prevent the onset or recurrence of infection.
Your dentist will first identify if your damaged tooth can be treated with other dental procedures like fillings and root canals. If the damage is severe, tooth extraction will follow.
During the procedure, your dentist will inject an anesthetic into your gums, then gently remove your tooth. Stitches are sometimes necessary to hasten gum healing. Antibiotics are also prescribed after this treatment to prevent infections.
High-Quality Dental Procedures in Doral, Florida
Whether you have a tooth problem or just want to be proactive with your oral health, come and visit us at Smiles at Doral. Apart from the regular deep cleanings and oral exams, we offer porcelain crowns and bridges, root canals, tooth-colored fillings, extractions, among many other dental procedures. Dr. Belkis Del Puerto combines the most advanced dental technology with her own expertise and experience to give you an exceptional result in every dental procedure you want to go for.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Del Puerto, please call us at (305) 597-2227). You may also use our secure online form. We look forward to giving you the best in dental care!