Breaking Down Common Dental Procedures: What to Expect During Fillings, Cleanings, and More

From routine cleanings to more complex treatments like root canals, every procedure we perform at Tonka Smiles plays a vital role in preserving your oral health. To take away some of the mystery surrounding common dental procedures, we’ve outlined what to expect when having them done.

Dental Cleanings

This is the most common procedure we perform. Every adult should have their teeth professionally cleaned twice yearly to help prevent gum disease and tooth decay and ensure a bright, healthy smile. During a dental cleaning, a dental hygienist will do the following:

· Plaque and Tartar Removal: The hygienist will use special tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.

· Polishing: After plaque and tartar removal, your teeth will be polished to remove surface stains and achieve a smooth finish.

· Fluoride Treatment: In some cases, a fluoride treatment may be applied to strengthen your teeth and protect against cavities.

Dental cleanings are usually painless, although you may experience slight discomfort if there’s significant plaque buildup.

Tooth Extractions

Tooth extractions are necessary when a tooth is severely damaged or decayed beyond repair. Here’s what the extraction process entails:

· Anesthesia: Before the extraction, we administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth.

· Extraction: Using specialized tools, we carefully remove the tooth from its socket using a gentle rocking motion to loosen the tooth from the socket. If the tooth is difficult to remove, we may cut it into sections, removing each piece separately.

· Aftercare: Following the extraction, you’ll receive instructions on how to care for the extraction site to promote healing and prevent infection.

Although we strive to save your tooth whenever possible, tooth extraction is sometimes the only solution. Fortunately, the procedure is usually relatively quick and painless.

Fillings

Fillings are used to repair teeth damaged by decay or damage. It is one of the most common solutions for damage or decay that hasn’t reached the tooth’s pulp.

· Anesthesia: Like extractions, local anesthesia is administered to numb the affected area.

· Removal of Decay: We remove the decayed portion of the tooth using a drill or laser.

· Filling Placement: Once the decay is removed, we fill the cavity with a durable filling material such as composite resin or amalgam.

· Shaping and Polishing: The filling is shaped and polished to ensure a comfortable bite and a natural appearance.

Fillings are a straightforward procedure typically completed in a single dental visit.

Root Canals

A root canal is needed if your tooth is so damaged or decayed that the infection has reached the pulp. Despite their reputation, root canals are not as painful as commonly believed. Here’s what the procedure involves:

· Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the tooth and surrounding area.

· Pulpectomy: We remove the infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth and clean the root canals.

· Filling: After cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, we fill them with a biocompatible gutta-percha material to prevent further infection.

· Crown Placement: A crown is then placed over the tooth to restore its strength and appearance.

Root canals are highly successful in saving infected teeth and relieving the severe pain caused by infection.

Crowns

Crowns, also known as caps, are used to restore a damaged tooth’s shape, size, and strength. Crowns are usually placed over a tooth after a root canal or when a tooth is chipped or cracked to prevent further damage and protect the tooth from debris or bacteria that could cause infection.

· Tooth Preparation: The tooth is reshaped to accommodate the crown.

· Impression: An impression of the prepared tooth is taken to create a custom-fitted crown.

· Temporary Crown: While the permanent crown is being fabricated, a temporary crown may be placed to protect the tooth.

· Crown Placement: Once the permanent crown is ready, it is cemented over the prepared tooth.

Crowns are durable and can last for many years with proper care.

Understanding common dental procedures can help alleviate anxiety and ensure a smoother experience during dental visits. Whether you’re due for a routine cleaning or facing a more extensive treatment like a root canal, knowing what to expect can empower you to take control of your dental health. If you have questions about any dental procedures outlined here or need to schedule an appointment, please get in touch with our office at Tonka Smiles Phone Number 952-938-8533.