Understanding Common Dental Procedures

For some, going to the dentist can be an intimidating and almost fearful event.  A lot of times the unknown about what is going to happen during your visit can be the leading cause of these feelings.  Understanding what your dental procedure is and what it will involve can help to put your mind at ease and can help you be more comfortable about your visit overall.  The following are some common dental procedures.

Fillings

So your dentist has informed you that you have a cavity and need a filling.  Maybe you've never had a filling before or maybe your last experience with a filling left you feeling apprehensive.  A cavity is a hole in the tooth caused by decay.  Cavities require fillings to prevent further damage and decay.  The part that has most people fearful is the numbing injections that must be done to numb the area where the dentist is going to do the filling.  After you are numb the dentist will use a dental drill to extract the decayed area of the tooth and then a filling will be placed.

Crowns

Dental crowns are often used to restore the shape of the tooth, strengthen the tooth, and improve it's function.  Your dentist may recommend a crown if your cavity is too large to suit a filling or if you have a cracked or weakened tooth.  If your dentist does crowns by impression, your dentist will take an impression of your tooth which will then be used to create your crown.  This process can take up to two weeks.  If your dentist uses iTero digital technology then your dentist can scan your tooth and the process of your crown can be done in as little as one week.  If you are in the Lakewood area, Mile High Smiles in Colorado utilizes iTero technology and they are happy to assist you with your dental needs!

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a whole tooth replacement.  Implants are often seen with those who have lost teeth due to an accident, from tooth extraction, or from disease.  If your dentist has recommended dental implants there are a few things you may want to know.  Implants require a surgical procedure because implants are surgically anchored into the jawbone.  A small titanium post is implanted into the jawbone to act as a root and a sturdy foundation for the implant.  The initial implant is left in place for two to four months while healing takes place.  After this time the dentist will place the abutment and then provide a crown for the finished step.  Mile High Smiles provides superior dental implants in Lakewood Colorado.

If you have any additional questions or concerns be sure to speak with your dentist.  They can give you more information regarding what your treatment will entail which will hopefully help to ease your mind going into your procedure.  Be sure to follow your dentist's instructions for aftercare to ensure optimum healing.