Your Trusted Encinitas General Family Dentist Office

Whether you're going in for a routine cleaning or have a toothache that needs attention, understanding common dental procedures can help ease anxiety and give you more confidence about your oral care. 1. Dental Cleanings (Prophylaxis) What It Is: A dental cleaning is a routine procedure that removes plaque, tartar, and stains from teeth. It helps maintain oral hygiene and prevent cavities and gum disease. What to Expect: During a cleaning, a dental hygienist will use special tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, particularly around the gumline and between your teeth. This process, known as scaling, is followed by polishing to remove surface stains. Some cleanings may also include a fluoride treatment to strengthen your teeth. Why It’s Important: Regular cleanings are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. They prevent the buildup of plaque that can lead to gum disease and cavities. Most dentists recommend getting a cleaning every six months. 2. Dental Fillings What It Is: Fillings are used to restore teeth damaged by decay (a cavity) or minor fractures. The filling material replaces the decayed part of the tooth and restores its shape and function. What to Expect: If you have a cavity, your dentist will first numb the affected area with a local anesthetic. Next, the decayed part of the tooth is removed, and the space is cleaned and filled with a filling material, such as composite resin (tooth-colored), amalgam (silver), or another suitable material. The filling is shaped and polished to match the natural contours of your tooth. Why It’s Important: Fillings not only stop the spread of decay but also restore the integrity and function of the tooth, preventing further damage or the need for more extensive treatments like crowns or root canals. 3. Dental Crowns What It Is: A dental crown is a cap that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are often used to protect teeth that are too damaged for a filling or have had a root canal. What to Expect: Getting a crown typically requires two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the dentist shapes the tooth and takes impressions to create a custom crown. A temporary crown may be placed while the permanent one is being made. The permanent crown is cemented onto the prepared tooth on the second visit. Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain (which looks like natural teeth), metal, or a combination of both. Why It’s Important: Crowns protect and strengthen teeth that have been significantly damaged, ensuring they function properly and don’t break down further. They are often used after root canals or when a large portion of a tooth is missing. 4. Root Canal Therapy What It Is: A root canal is a procedure to save a tooth with a severe infection or damage to the pulp (the innermost part of the tooth, containing nerves and blood vessels). Instead of removing the tooth, the infected pulp is removed, and the tooth is cleaned and sealed. What to Expect: Root canals are often perceived as painful, but they are typically no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. The dentist will numb the area and open the tooth to access the pulp. The infected pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned, disinfected, and filled with gutta-percha. Finally, the tooth is sealed, and a crown is usually placed to protect it from future damage. Why It’s Important: Root canals save teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted. By preserving the tooth, you avoid issues like shifting teeth and problems with biting and chewing. 5. Tooth Extractions What It Is: Tooth extraction removes a tooth that is too damaged or decayed to be repaired. Extractions are also common for impacted wisdom teeth or teeth that cause overcrowding. What to Expect: A simple extraction is performed on teeth visible in the mouth, typically using a local anesthetic. For more complex cases (such as impacted wisdom teeth), a surgical extraction may be necessary, which involves making an incision in the gum to access the tooth. Why It’s Important: Sometimes, removing a tooth is the best option to prevent infections, overcrowding, or damage to surrounding teeth. After the tooth is extracted, your dentist may discuss options for replacing it, such as dental implants or bridges. 6. Dental Implants What It Is: Dental implants are small titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone, serving as a foundation for replacement teeth like crowns, bridges, or dentures. What to Expect: The implant procedure involves multiple steps. First, the implant is surgically placed into the jawbone. Over the next few months, it fuses with the bone in osseointegration. Once the implant is secure, an abutment is attached, and a crown or other prosthetic tooth is placed on top. Why It’s Important: Dental implants provide a long-term solution for missing teeth, restoring function and appearance. They help prevent bone loss and shifting of nearby teeth, maintaining the integrity of your bite. Conclusion Understanding common dental procedures like cleanings, fillings, crowns, and root canals can help demystify the dental experience and alleviate anxiety about visiting the dentist. Each procedure plays an important role in maintaining and restoring oral health. By staying informed and keeping up with regular dental visits, you can ensure your smile stays healthy, strong, and confident. If you ever have questions about a specific dental procedure, don't hesitate to ask your dentist —they’re there to help guide you through every step of your oral health journey!