Smiling young woman receiving dental checkup. close up view. Healthcare and medicine concept.
According to the American Dental Association, US citizens spent a whopping 142.4 billion dollars on dental care in 2020. And, surprisingly, all that money was spent on just a handful of popular dental procedures.
If it’s been a while since your last appointment, you might be wondering what kind of dental care you currently need. Worry not – we’re here to help!
Read on to learn about the most common treatments in the dental industry, and hone in on what your mouth might need.
Routine Cleaning
Even if your teeth are in perfect health, you’ll need to visit the dentist for deep cleaning from time to time. This will include polishing and scaling to get rid of dental plaque.
Your dentist might also request X-rays or suggest other procedures based on what they see during your appointment.
Fillings and Crowns
If you have minor cavities, your dentist will suggest filling them. First, you’ll receive a local anesthetic to help keep you comfortable during the procedure. Then, any decay will be removed and replaced with a dental filling.
In cases of more severe decay, your dentist may remove a large portion of your tooth’s surface, replacing it with a dental crown. Unfortunately, this procedure often takes more than one day to complete, as some time is required to fabricate your custom crown.
Extractions and Implants
When a tooth is too far gone to be saved, the next step is extraction. Under anesthesia, the entire tooth is removed. Then, a variety of options exist for replacing it.
In some cases, a dental implant can be placed. This is the most realistic-looking option for tooth replacement, matching seamlessly with the rest of your pearly whites.
Dentures or partial dentures are often used when implants aren’t an option.
Braces
It’s no secret that everybody isn’t born with a perfect smile. But, braces are far more common than you might think!
Millions of Americans use this lengthy procedure to slowly straighten out crooked teeth, realigning them using tension applied through a series of brackets. Invisible braces are also an option, especially for those who need to make minor adjustments.
In some cases, braces are followed up with other dental hardware to help teeth from slipping back out of their perfect position.
The Right Dental Procedures for You
Now that you know more about the most common dental procedures, it’s time to schedule an appointment. Be sure to call and speak with your local dentist, especially if you have additional concerns or experience dental anxiety.
The best dentist will be happy to talk you through all of your questions and ease any worries that might come up. And, once you’ve had a thorough exam, they’ll help decide which dental treatments are right for you!
Was this article informative? If so, stick around and keep reading to learn more about your health, wellness, lifestyle, and more.
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