In the distant past, if a tooth became damaged, diseased, or painful, there was little choice but to pull it out. Thankfully, the field of dentistry has advanced a long way since the olden times. Today, there are a number of available procedures that help to correct dental problems while allowing patients to retain their teeth whenever possible.
Dental technology has advanced a long way too. Equipment like drills and vacuums are motorized for greater efficiency. Of course, having moving parts means that the equipment can wear out. Fortunately, dental handpiece repair services can keep the equipment in good working order.
Daily hygiene and regular cleanings can help prevent dental disease. However, sometimes problems arise, and when they do, the following procedures are among the most commonly performed.
1. Extractions
Due to the other dental options available, dentists usually save extraction for a last resort. However, sometimes it becomes necessary to pull one or more teeth if all other treatment options fail.
2. Fillings
Fillings are routine dental procedures. They are used to repair cracked or broken teeth as well as to restore those with cavities.
3. Bridges and Implants
There are a number of reasons why a patient may have missing teeth. It may be necessary for a dentist to remove the tooth, or the patient may suffer a trauma to the face that knocks out one or more teeth. Whatever the reason that the teeth are missing, they can be replaced with either bridges or implants. The latter involves placing a metal fixture directly into the jawbone, while the former involves placing a prosthesis to fill in the gap and connecting it to the adjacent teeth.
4. Root Canal
A root canal is another very common dental procedure. When there is infection or inflammation that affects the innermost layer of the tooth, known as the pulp, a root canal removes the diseased pulp and fills the resulting space from the inside.