A Guide to Common Dental Procedures 

If you are experiencing pain, infection, or other issues with your teeth or gums, your dentist may prescribe a particular dental procedure to address your concerns. In New Jersey, many dental insurance plans provide preventative treatment, so understanding these procedures will help you make the most of your coverage. You can also schedule an appointment with a family dentist in Bloomfield, NJ, for more information.

While it is simple to delegate the task of understanding these dental terminologies to your dentist, it is also beneficial to arm yourself with these concepts. Understanding this dental jargon may not only offer you an advantage but may also help you stay calm during your next dentist appointment. 

1. Dental fillings. 

Fillings are one of the most common treatments performed in dental offices. If you have tooth decay, your dentist will use a variety of tools, including cavity-detecting dye and X-rays, to assess the degree of the decay. 

Surface-level cavities can be addressed by filling them with silver metal or white composites. This not only inhibits additional cavity formation but also closes off the tooth. In addition, if your teeth have been cracked or damaged due to trauma, they can be filled. 

2. Same-day crowns. 

Crowns are used to protect a fractured or decaying tooth. It can be constructed entirely of metal or partially of porcelain. Crowns can also be utilized for aesthetic purposes.

Custom-made dental crowns may be manufactured within a day using modern technologies such as CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing). Dental crowns are formed like real teeth to give you a natural-looking smile. 

3. Root canal therapy. 

A root canal is a technique for treating an infected tooth. The dentist removes the damaged pulp from the inside of the tooth, cleanses the root canal, and then fills it with gutta-percha, a rubbery material. A crown is often put over the repaired tooth to prevent additional damage and restore function.

4. Dentures and dental bridges. 

A dental bridge is used to replace one or more lost teeth. During the treatment, fake teeth comprised of metal and porcelain are bonded next to your actual teeth. Bridges can be detachable or permanently fixed.

On the other hand, dentures, often known as fake teeth, are designed to replace real teeth. It comprises replacement teeth, which are often constructed of metal or plastic and connected to a pink or gum-colored acrylic foundation. They are detachable, allowing you to clean them just like your real teeth. 

5. Dental crowns or caps. 

Dental crowns are used to permanently protect existing teeth that have deteriorated, chipped, or fractured. They are also frequently utilized following root canals to reinforce the treated tooth. Crowns are often composed of metal, porcelain, or a mix of the two. 

Anesthesia is used to numb the tooth and surrounding tissue before beginning the procedure. The tooth that will receive the crown is then altered to accommodate it. 

To learn which dental procedure is right for you, speak with a dental professional today!