Common Dental Procedures Explained

Confused about what’s actually going on with your fillings, root canal, bonding or other dental procedure? Read on as we break down three common dental services.

Cracked Tooth Repair
When a person comes to their dentist with a cracked tooth, the first thing the dentist will do is work to determine how serious the crack is. In most cases, he or she will simply fill the crack with a filling material. However, if the crack is more serious or severe, it may require a root canal to prevent the crack from causing total tooth loss. Did you know that getting a root canal is no more painful than getting a cavity filled? It’s true!

Root Canals
Root canals are intended to preserve “dead” teeth, or a tooth that’s been infected. They also help stop that infection from spreading to other parts of the mouth. During a root canal, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and then place a dental dam around the area to keep germs and other saliva from the tooth during the procedure. Then the dentist will make an opening in the crown of the tooth to remove the diseased tooth pulp. The roots that have been exposed are then filled with a special material and sealed off with cement. And believe it or not, this procedure is no more painful than a filling!

Dental Crowns
In some cases, people will opt for a dental crown to prevent losing a tooth. This is a procedure that usually requires two visits to the dentist. At the first appointment, the dentist will decide if your tooth can support a crown. If so, they’ll begin to file it down, or fill it in, to prepare for the procedure. You will also be given a temporary crown. An X-ray of your tooth is then sent out, so the permanent crown can be crafted uniquely to you. For the second visit, the dentist will remove the temporary crown, replace it will the new one, and use a special adhesive to secure it in place.

ATX Family Dental offers a full range of dental services, from general and emergency dentistry, to pediatric dental care and specialty services. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

Posted on behalf of ATX Family Dental