Dental procedures

Dental procedures encompass a wide range of treatments and surgeries related to oral health and dental hygiene. These procedures aim to maintain, restore, or enhance the appearance and functionality of teeth and gums. Dental procedures can range from simple preventative measures to complex surgical operations.

Preventative Procedures

• Dental cleanings: Regular cleanings done by a dental hygienist to remove plaque and tartar and ensure overall oral health.
• Dental examinations: Routine checks by a dentist to identify any potential issues or areas of concern.
• Dental sealants: A protective layer applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent decay.
• Dental X-rays: Imaging technique used to view tooth structures, identify cavities, and observe oral health.

Restorative Procedures

• Dental fillings: Treatment to restore the function and morphology of a decayed tooth.
• Root canals: Procedure to treat infection within the pulp (center) of a tooth.
• Dental crowns: Caps placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance.
• Bridges and Implants: Solutions for replacing missing teeth. While bridges use adjacent teeth as anchors, implants are rooted in the jawbone.

Cosmetic Procedures

• Teeth whitening: Treatment to lighten teeth and remove stains and discoloration.
• Veneers: Thin shells of porcelain or resin that are custom made to cover the front surface of teeth.
• Bonding: Repair of decayed, chipped, fractured, or discolored teeth using tooth-colored materials.
• Orthodontics and Braces: Procedures to correct teeth alignment and bite issues.

Surgical Procedures

• Tooth extractions: Removal of teeth that are decayed, damaged, or causing alignment issues.
• Gum surgery: Procedures to treat gum diseases and conditions.
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery: Surgical treatments for diseases, injuries, and defects in the head, neck, face, and jaw.
• Dental implant surgery: Placement of artificial tooth roots to support replacements for missing teeth.

Advanced Procedures

• Full mouth reconstruction: Comprehensive treatment involving restorative, cosmetic, and surgical procedures to address multiple oral health issues.
• Sedation and general anesthesia: Use of medications to help patients relax or become unconscious during dental procedures.
• Laser dentistry: Use of lasers for treatments like cavity removal, gum reshaping, and teeth whitening.

See Also

• Dental hygiene
• Dental equipment
• Dental ethics
• Dental associations

References

• "Dental Procedures and Treatments." American Dental Association.
• "Oral Health Procedures." World Dental Federation.