Many people find it intimidating to see a dentist. However, a lot of this fear stems from inadequate or inaccurate knowledge about dental procedures. Knowing what happens at a dental clinic or how treatments are performed can change perceptions. Before you visit a dental practice in Fairhope, AL, here are some common procedures at a glance. 

Dental cleanings 

Routine dental cleanings are essential for your overall oral health and should be scheduled twice each year. Depending on your needs, your dentist may offer a different plan. During a routine cleaning, the dental hygienist starts by scaling tartar and plaque from teeth using a scaler. The next step is to brush your teeth using a gritty toothpaste, followed by flossing. You may also get a fluoride treatment after the cleaning is done. Dental cleanings take about an hour or less. 

Dental fillings

If you have a cavity caused by decay and plaque, your dentist will check whether a filling can fix it. Cavities can be treated in many ways, but smaller holes are usually treated using fillings. Dental fillings are made of different materials, but composite remains the most popular choice. Your dentist will first clean and remove the decayed part of the affected tooth, which will then be sealed with composite material in layers. The process takes about 30 minutes. 

Root canal therapy

When a cavity is deep or decay has reached the inner chamber, the only choice is root canal therapy or RCT. RCT involves removing the pulp, blood vessels, and nerves from the inside of the affected tooth. While the procedure can be done in one visit, dentists usually divide the work to minimize discomfort. RCT is done under local anesthesia and is not painful, contrary to what many people assume. 

Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure done to treat stained and discolored teeth. You can go for at-home whitening kits, which come with custom trays and a whitening agent. You must wear these trays with the solution as suggested by your dentist. The other option is in-office whitening, which offers instant results and is performed by a dentist. A standard teeth whitening procedure doesn’t take more than an hour. 

Tooth extractions

When there is no way to save a decayed, damaged, or injured tooth, your dentist may suggest pulling it. Extractions sound scary, but the procedure doesn’t hurt. The dentist will administer local anesthesia, after which they will rock the tooth using an elevator and remove it using forceps. Simple extractions take less than an hour, but complex extractions require more steps and time. You will get medications to manage the pain and discomfort. 

Veneers

If you have highly stained teeth that cannot be fixed with whitening treatments or crooked or chipped teeth, your dentist may suggest another cosmetic procedure called veneers. Dental veneers are like shells placed on teeth to reshape the look of your smile. You need two appointments. The procedure requires removing a small part of the enamel during the first visit, and once your teeth are prepared, the dentist will take bite impressions and order custom veneers. During the next session, veneers will be cemented to your teeth. 

Crowns

Crowns are restorations used to fix numerous concerns, including weak and more decayed teeth. Crowns are also required to restore a tooth after root canal therapy. You need two appointments to get a dental crown. The first visit is about prepping the tooth and making molds to order the restoration from a lab. During the second appointment, your dentist will fix the crown using dental cement. 

Have a question? Call your dental clinic in Fairhope now to learn more! Make sure you see your dentist at least twice each year.