Finding the right dentist starts with a clear understanding of their available treatments. This article provides concise explanations of common dental services, reflecting the information found in dentist profiles. The goal here is to help patients efficiently review and compare the service offerings of different dentists to find the provider best suited to their specific needs and preferences.
Teeth that are decayed, mildly fractured, or have some damage are repaired with the help of dental fillings. These fillings safeguard and protect teeth from further bacteria induced decay by sealing off infection prone areas. Fillings need to be applied to teeth that have cavities or their damage needs to be repaired, sensitivity reduced, tooth structure preserved, and chewing restored. Composed of amalgam, glass ionomer, gold and porcelain to name a few, the materials used have different costs, aesthetics and durability.
Dental crowns are caps that are custom-built, are in the shape of a tooth, and cover the whole of a weak or damaged tooth or a dental implant. Teeth that are severely broken or decayed and need protection from further breaking or need extensive restorative work can be done using crowns. They are also useful in implant covering, bridge anchoring, cosmetic purposes, and post root canal caps. The chosen materials include but are not limited to porcelain, stainless steel, composite resin, zirconia, and gold. The choice depends on the desired aesthetics, strength, and durability.
With modern technology like CEREC, damaged or decayed teeth can be treated in under an hour during a single visit with same day crowns treatment. The process does not require the use of temporary crowns, hence reducing the patient’s time in the clinic.
Dental bridges replace one or more missing teeth with artificial teeth anchored by crowns on adjacent natural teeth or implants. They are used to fill gaps caused by missing teeth, restore chewing ability, prevent remaining teeth from shifting, and improve smile aesthetics.
Same-day bridges offer a faster solution for replacing missing teeth by utilizing chairside CAD/CAM technology to create and place a bridge in one appointment. They serve the same purpose as traditional bridges – restoring function and appearance – but with greater convenience. However, their suitability depends on individual needs.
Inlays and onlays are custom restorations for back teeth with mild to moderate decay or damage. Inlays fit within the tooth cusps, while onlays extend to cover one or more cusps. They are used to repair damage while conserving more natural tooth structure compared to full crowns, providing durable and aesthetically pleasing restorations.
Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They can be full, replacing all teeth in an arch, or partial, replacing only some teeth. Dentures are used to restore the ability to chew and speak properly, support facial muscles, and improve appearance and self-confidence. Regular adjustments may be needed to ensure a comfortable fit.
“Snap-in” overdentures are removable dentures that attach to dental implants for enhanced stability and retention. Unlike traditional dentures, they securely “snap” onto the implants, reducing slipping and improving chewing ability and comfort. They are used to provide a more stable and confident denture-wearing experience compared to conventional dentures.
The pre-surgical phase of dental implants involves comprehensive evaluation, including imaging and treatment planning, to determine candidacy and the optimal implant placement. The restoration phase occurs after the implant integrates with the bone and involves creating and attaching a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture to the implant. These phases are crucial for successful and functional implant outcomes.
The surgical phase of dental implant treatment involves the precise placement of titanium posts into the jawbone. This minor surgical procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia. The implants serve as artificial tooth roots, providing a stable foundation for future restorations. A healing period is necessary to allow osseointegration, where the bone fuses with the implant.
Full mouth dental implants involve strategically placing multiple dental implants in both the upper and lower jaws to support a complete set of replacement teeth. These fixed prostheses offer superior stability, chewing function, and aesthetics compared to traditional dentures. They are used to restore a fully functional and natural-looking smile for individuals who have lost all their teeth.
All-on-4 is a technique that uses as few as four dental implants to support a full arch of replacement teeth (denture). The implants are strategically placed at an angle to maximize support and often eliminate the need for bone grafting. This approach offers a quicker and often less invasive solution for replacing an entire arch of missing teeth with a fixed prosthesis.
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials (usually porcelain or resin) that are bonded to the front surface of teeth. They are used to improve the appearance of teeth by correcting issues such as discoloration, chips, cracks, gaps, or misshapen teeth, resulting in a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing smile.
Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure where a tooth-colored resin material is applied and hardened with a special light, ultimately bonding the material to the tooth. It is used to repair chipped or cracked teeth, close gaps between teeth, change the shape of teeth, or cover stains, offering a less invasive and often more affordable way to improve smile aesthetics.
Laser dentistry utilizes focused light beams to perform various dental procedures. It can be used for treating gum disease, removing decay, preparing teeth for fillings, performing biopsies, and teeth whitening. Laser dentistry often offers benefits such as reduced bleeding, less discomfort, and faster healing times in certain applications.
Clear aligners are a series of custom-made, transparent plastic trays that gradually shift teeth into the desired position. They offer a more discreet alternative to traditional braces for correcting mild to moderate orthodontic issues. Clear aligners are used to straighten teeth, close gaps, and improve bite alignment with less visibility and greater comfort.
Braces are orthodontic appliances used to correct misaligned teeth and jaws. They typically consist of brackets bonded to the teeth and connected by wires, which are periodically adjusted to apply pressure and gradually move the teeth. Braces are effective for treating a wide range of orthodontic problems, from simple to complex malocclusions.
Invisalign is a specific brand of clear aligners that utilizes advanced 3D imaging technology to create a series of custom-fitted, removable aligners. Similar to other clear aligners, Invisalign is used to straighten teeth discreetly and comfortably, offering an alternative to traditional metal braces for many individuals.
Dental sealants are thin, protective plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars and premolars). These surfaces have grooves and pits where food particles and bacteria can easily get trapped, increasing the risk of decay. Sealants are used to prevent cavities by creating a smooth, cleanable surface.
A deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a periodontal procedure that removes plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line down to the tooth roots. It is used to treat gum disease (periodontitis) by eliminating the bacteria and irritants that cause inflammation and bone loss, helping to restore gum health.
Tooth extractions involve the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone.
This procedure is necessary for teeth that are severely decayed, damaged beyond repair, impacted, or causing overcrowding.
Extractions are performed to alleviate pain, prevent infection, and prepare the mouth for orthodontic treatment or prosthetic replacements.
For a detailed comparison of general dentists and oral surgeons in tooth extraction and implant procedures,
see our article
"Tooth Extraction or Implants Surgery: General Dentist or Oral Surgeon?"
Wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure to extract the third molars, which are the last teeth to erupt in the mouth, usually in the late teens or early twenties. Removal is often necessary if the wisdom teeth are impacted, misaligned, causing pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth.
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure used to rebuild or augment bone in the jaw. It is often necessary before dental implant placement to ensure there is sufficient bone density and volume to support the implant. Bone grafting can also be used to repair bone loss due to periodontal disease or tooth extraction.
Soft tissue grafting, also known as gum grafting, is a procedure to replace or augment missing gum tissue. It is used to cover exposed tooth roots due to gum recession, improve aesthetics, and protect teeth from sensitivity and further damage. Grafted tissue is typically taken from another area of the mouth or a donor source.
Root canal therapy is a procedure to treat the infected or inflamed pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels). The damaged pulp is removed, the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, and then filled and sealed. Root canal therapy is used to save teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted, relieving pain and preventing further infection.
For a detailed discussion on root canal procedures and whether a general dentist or endodontist is best suited, see our article
"Root Canals: General Dentist or Endodontist?"
Gums treatment encompasses a range of procedures aimed at addressing gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) and other gum-related issues. This can include professional cleanings, scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), medications, and in more severe cases, surgical interventions like soft tissue grafting to restore gum health.
To learn more about gum treatments and when to see a periodontist, see our article
"Gum Treatment: General Dentist or Periodontist?"
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are conditions affecting the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles that control jaw movement. Symptoms can include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, and headaches. Treatment options vary and may include lifestyle changes, physical therapy, medications, or dental appliances to alleviate pain and improve jaw function.