The Different Types of Dental Treatments: Explained

It’s important that we look after our teeth, whether it’s by brushing, flossing, or using mouthwash. There are things we should know about our wisdom teeth, and having a healthy diet. Most of us take our teeth for granted until there’s an issue, and dental treatments can seem confusing if you’re unfamiliar with the terminology.

In this article, we’ll explain the different types of dental treatments and what they entail. This way, you can make an excellent decision about which one is right for you.

Regular Checkups and Tooth Polishing

Regular checkups involve you going to the dentist every six months for a cleaning and examination. The purpose of this visit is to remove any plaque or tartar that has built up on your teeth, as well as to check for any signs of tooth decay or gum disease. If they do find something, they may recommend a more specific treatment.

The second type of dental treatment is tooth polishing. This is when the dentist uses a special toothpaste and brush to remove any stains or discoloration from your teeth. Tooth polishing can be done at the same time as a regular checkup, or it can be done as a standalone procedure.

Dental Implants

They’re a type of dental treatment used to replace one or more missing teeth. They are made up of two parts: the implant, which is placed in the jawbone, and the crown, which is placed on the top. They’re usually made of titanium, a metal that is well-tolerated by the body. If you’re missing multiple teeth, you may be a good candidate for All-on-Four dental implants which are designed to support an entire set of upper or lower teeth.

If you’re considering dental implants, it’s important to keep in mind that this is a surgical procedure. The recovery process can take several weeks and you may experience some discomfort during this time. Atlanta is the capital of the US state of Georgia, with a 2022 population of 6,013,000. If you need full mouth dental implants in Atlanta you can request an appointment online and find out what insurance they accept. Help can be received for dental trauma or injury, Periodontal disease, missing/damaged teeth, and infections.

Fillings and Crowns

Fillings (also called dental amalgam or dental restoration) are used to repair cavities and tooth decay, or cracked teeth. The most common type of filling is made from a mixture of metals, including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. There are also composite fillings, which are made up of resins that can be matched to the color of your teeth.

Crowns (also called dental caps) are used to cover and protect a tooth that’s damaged or that’s been treated with a root canal. Crowns can also be used to maximize the appearance of your teeth. They’re usually made from porcelain, ceramic, or metal.

Bridges and Braces

Bridges are frequently used to replace one or more absent teeth. A bridge is made up of two crowns for the (abutment) teeth on either side of the gap with a false tooth in between. Bridges can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or ceramic (or a combination) and are attached to the surrounding teeth for support using metal clasps or wings.

Braces are the most common treatment for misaligned teeth and jaws. They’re made up of metal brackets that are bonded to the teeth and connected by wire. The wire is adjusted periodically to gradually move the teeth into their proper position. Braces can be either removable or fixed (cemented) in place.

Retainers and Tooth Extractions

A retainer is a custom-made mouthguard-like appliance used to keep your teeth from moving back to their original position after you’ve had braces put on them. A retainer is worn all the time for the first few months, then only at night as directed by your dentist or orthodontist. A retainer can also be used to treat minor tooth and jaw alignment problems.

Tooth extractions are usually performed by an Oral Surgeon. This is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. The most common reason for having a tooth extracted is that it’s severely decayed or damaged and cannot be repaired with a filling. Other reasons include crowding, braces, or infection. After the procedure, you’ll need to take care not to bite your cheek or tongue while the area heals. You may also have some soreness and swelling for a few days.

Root Canals and Full or Partial Dentures

A root canal is a treatment to repair and save a tooth that’s badly decayed or infected. The procedure involves removing the damaged area of the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting it, then filling and sealing it. This prevents the infection from coming back. Root canals are usually performed by dentists, but sometimes endodontists (root canal specialists) are needed.

Full or partial dentures are replacements for missing teeth, and we briefly discussed them earlier. They’re custom-made in a dental laboratory from impressions of your mouth. Dentures can be removable or they can be fixed in place by implants. Removable dentures are held in place by suction or special adhesives and can be taken out for cleaning. Fixed dentures cannot be removed, but they stay in place well and look more like natural teeth.

Teeth Whitening

Another highly popular dental treatment is teeth whitening, which can be done at home or at the dentist. There are many different ways to achieve whiter teeth, and each method has its own set of pros and cons. Over-the-counter teeth whitening products are typically less expensive than professional treatments, but they may not be as effective.

If you’re considering having your teeth professionally whitened, it’s important to consult with your dentist first in case you have tooth sensitivity or other conditions that make this treatment unsuitable.

We’ve now discussed some major examples of dental treatments. Be sure to daily maintain your dental hygiene, and seek professional help and guidance whenever an issue arises. In turn, you’ll be able to enjoy the perfect smile and maintain your sense of self-confidence.