When a person goes to the dentist, there are lots of terms used in regards to the kind of procedures that may need to be done to the patient. When a dentist recommends a procedure it can be kind of confusing as to what that procedure entails.
Most dentists are good at explaining these, but some may not have the best chair side manner and you may need to ask for more information. But here, there are typical dental procedures listed with a simple explanation so you can be a bit more educated when you visit the dentist.
Bonding - Bonding is carried out to repair cracked, chipped or discolored teeth. A composite resin is applied to the tooth and hardened with the use of a special light.
Bridges - Bridges are fixed in place where a tooth has been lost and are often an alternative to a partial denture. A bridge is constructed by having a crown either side of the dental space and then joining them together with a false tooth. The bridge is then cemented in place.
Caps - Also known as a "Crown".
Crowns - Crowns are a common form of restoration for broken teeth.
They are a tooth shaped covering that strengthen the teeth a lot more than a filling. Crowns are also used to hold a dental bridge in place.
Dentures - Dentures are removable replacement teeth made of plastic or porcelain. Dentures can be "partial" if they replace only a few missing teeth or "full" if they replace all the teeth.
Fillings - Fillings are used to literally fill a dental cavity "hole" in the tooth caused by tooth decay. There are two types of filling; a dental amalgam (a silver filling) is made up of mercury, silver, copper, tin.
A composite resin (a white filling) is made of various plastics and filled with glass. Fluoride Treatment - Fluoride applied to the surface of the teeth reduces tooth sensitivity and prevents tooth decay.
Implants - Dental implants are a common permanent alternative to dentures. A titanium metal rod is placed into the jawbone supporting one or more false teeth.
Orthodontics - An orthodontic problem is usually referred to as a malocclusion or "bad bite". Braces are fixed to the front or back of the teeth in order to realign the teeth.
Prophylaxis - Prophylaxis is dental jargon for a thorough cleaning of the teeth, involving a light scaling and a polish.
Root Canal Treatment - An endontist is specifically trained in root canal therapy which involves cutting into the root canal (the hollow centre of the tooth which holds the pulp) and removing the infected pulp. The hole left is then filled with an inert material.
Scaling - Scaling is the removal of plaque or tartar by scraping it off the teeth.Sealant - A sealant is a thin, plastic film that coats the chewing surface of the back teeth.
Sealant protects the teeth from any build up of plaque or tartar. Shaping - Shaping is a cosmetic procedure in which the dentist fills or removes some of the enamel to improve the shape of the tooth.
Tooth Extraction - Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth.
Veneers - A veneer is a thin piece of porcelain used to cover the tooth for cosmetic reasons.
Of course, there are many other procedures that can be done in regards to your mouth. For instance, these can be preventative, restorative, or even inquisitive.
The best way to handle your concerns or questions is to simply ask your dentist, or his staff, for more information.
Author Resource:-
Ronald Pedactor is a former dental assistant and has authored hundreds of articles relating to oral health. He worked for a cosmetic dentist in South Carolina before becoming a guest dental lecturer for the past 15 years.
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