The dentist will tell you that you may need to undergo a variety of procedures in order to improve your oral health. Some patients may feel anxious when they learn that they require dental work. Education can reduce anxiety, as most procedures are less frightening once you understand what they involve.
The majority of dental services can be divided into three main categories: maintenance, routine procedures, and dental surgery. You may be required to undergo some maintenance procedures, such as teeth brushing, when you visit the dentist for a routine checkup. Your dentist may need to update your dental X-rays. This means that the radiologist will photograph your teeth using a machine that photographs the bone itself. This quick and painless procedure takes only a few moments but provides dentists with valuable information that can last for several years.
We’ll start with the maintenance procedures and then move on to the more common ones. We’ll then cover dental surgery and the dental specialists who perform it. You’ll feel more comfortable visiting the dentist once you understand what each procedure involves.
Dental Care Procedures
Most dentists will perform these two dental maintenance procedures: teeth cleaning and enamel abrading. These procedures don’t need a specialist, and in many dental offices, even a dental hygienist can perform them. Let’s examine each one in detail.
Teeth Cleaning
Everyone needs their teeth cleaned every six months or a year. Regular teeth cleanings are important for maintaining your oral health. The dental expert uses a tool similar to a pick, which scrapes off tartar without causing pain. The dental expert will also clean and check the teeth beneath the gum line.
The procedure is not only beneficial for the appearance of your teeth but also has other benefits that you cannot see. Cleaning your teeth can help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. The dental expert will inform the patient if any oral health problems are detected during the cleaning procedure.
Enamel Abrasion
Your dentist may recommend enamel abrasion if surface stains bother you. This procedure uses a fine grade pumice to remove surface stains. Enamel abrasion, unlike whitening, which is a multi-step process, removes surface stains from the environment, like those caused by drinking coffee, wine, soda pop, or smoking. The enamel abrasion treatment cannot remove discoloration within the tooth. However, a veneer can be applied to address this issue. The pumice is not painful, and the treatment only takes one office visit.
Most Common Dental Procedures
Most likely, your local family dentist can provide all ten of the most common dental procedures. Most people have had a number of these treatments by the time they reach adulthood. After discussing the most popular dental procedure, teeth cleaning, we will now discuss the second most popular one – teeth whitening.
Teeth Whitening
It’s not painful to have your teeth whitened by a dentist, and the results are faster than those of at-home kits. Some people may experience sensitivity when using the hydrogen peroxide gel whitening agent. However, this is rare. Professional whitening treatments combine hydrogen peroxide with one of three light sources, including ultraviolet (UV), halogen, or light emitting diode.
Tooth Extractions
The procedure itself is not painful, although some patients may experience some soreness for a few days after the extraction. You will not feel anything because the dentist either numbs or sedates the area around the tooth. It may sound scary, but the removal of a diseased tooth will prevent future pain.
Dental Veneers
You may have a discolored tooth or a few teeth that are slightly crooked. In these cases, you need to fix the problem quickly. In one visit, your dentist can apply a veneer to hide the problem. A veneer is a thin porcelain, composite, or resin covering that is placed over the front surface of a tooth. The veneer doesn’t alter the teeth beneath it. It only addresses cosmetic issues.
Veneers are used by dentists to cover a tooth or teeth. Veneers are not painful to make or apply. This quick and painless procedure allows you to have a perfect smile.
Fillings
Fillings for cavities would have been expected to be the most popular procedure. But it’s not. Modern dentistry and dental care have improved the dental health of many people. Filling a tooth cavity allows the dentist to save a tooth rather than extract it. This procedure involves removing all the diseased bone and then inserting a permanent filling material, which can be made of gold, porcelain, or silver amalgam. Composite resin, a tooth-colored plastic or glass material, or ceramic, is also used.
The procedure takes about an hour. You won’t experience any pain because the dentist will numb the area. However, you may feel a slight pressure while the dentist is working. Plan accordingly, as the numbness can last for a few hours.
Crowns
Some cavities are impossible to fill because of the loss of bone in the patient or because the top part is decayed. Dental crowns may be the answer. The crown process can require up to two visits, depending on the method used. Both the traditional and 3D printing methods require the dentist to take X-rays and make a mold of the tooth. The dentist would send the x-rays and mold to a laboratory that created the crown and then ship it back to the dentist. However, many dental offices use a 3D printer and computer to create crowns while you wait.
The dentist will fit the crown to your tooth as soon as it is ready and secure it. It takes very little time to complete this procedure, so you can expect a quick and painless visit. It doesn’t hurt to have a crown placed, and you will feel much better afterward.
Root Canal
The root canal procedure can be frightening to patients, but it is the only way to relieve the pain of an inflamed or painful tooth. When you need a “root canal”, your tooth may be perfectly fine, but the tissue underneath it is infected. The area is numbed by the dentist, or the patient may request nitrous oxide or oral sedation. If you choose oral sedation after your appointment, you will need to have a designated driver.
You won’t even feel it. Your mouth will not hurt when you wake up because the dentist has removed all diseased tissue and deadened the nerve under the tooth. Many dentists prescribe antibiotics prior to the root canal because it involves infected tissues.
Invisalign and Traditional Braces
Straightening crooked or twisted teeth is a possibility for anyone. Dentists today offer plastic braces as well as invisible aligners. Invisalign dentists are usually also brace providers. The type of device that you choose depends on how severe the overlap is, as Invisalign can only be used on teeth with mild to moderate crookedness.
Invisalign treatment can take longer than braces. You may experience some mouth discomfort for about a week after undergoing either procedure. Tylenol is usually enough to relieve this pain. Invisalign allows you to eat anything you want. Braces require you to temporarily avoid certain foods because they could get stuck in the metal.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is less common than veneers but achieves the exact same result – covering damage. Your dentist can use resin to repair a chipped tooth or other damage. The dentist can fill in a chip or a gap by layering several applications of resin and drying them each with a special lamp. The dentist will then polish the area to make it look like part of the original tooth.
Dental Bridges and Dentures
You want to replace your missing tooth as soon as you can for both cosmetic and health purposes. A full set of teeth is more attractive and makes eating easier. Dentures and dental bridges are available to address the problem of tooth loss caused by accidents, disease, and aging. Dentures and dental bridges can be used to replace missing teeth.
It takes time for partial or complete dentures to be developed. They are designed to match your teeth and look as natural as possible. If you feel pain, tell your dentist immediately so that they can adjust the fit. Dentures are usually painless for most people, and fitting them is also not painful.
Oral Surgery
Oral surgery is one of the less common dental procedures. Most dentists are not needed by most people unless they have lost a tooth in a sporting event. The most common oral surgery is to pull a tooth.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 20. They can be straight and give you more chewing power. However, if they are crooked or partially erupted, your dentist may need to remove them. Wisdom teeth that erupt incorrectly can cause bite problems because they crowd out other teeth. It takes a few weeks to recover from the surgery, but it doesn’t hurt because the dentist will numb the mouth and use light sedation if requested.
Dental Implants
Dentures and bridges are not a permanent solution for tooth loss. Dental implants do. Dental implants are not removed at night. They become part of the mouth. You may need to do some research in order to find affordable dental implant options near you. However, if you have lost teeth as a result of an accident, your insurance company might cover the cost. It takes a few months to complete the process.
Your oral surgeon will implant a post into your gums and jawbone after a consultation. A bone graft may be required in cases where the jawbone structure is damaged. The dentist will create a fake tooth that looks just like the original, and then screw it onto the post at a subsequent appointment. These complex procedures can restore the smile. Do some research to find the best cosmetic dental office in your area.
Apicoectomy
A dentist may not be able to perform a root-canal in rare cases because the root of the tooth has developed into a hooked shape at the bottom. An oral surgeon will remove the tip of the root and fill the space left by the removal with an inert substance. This procedure is similar to a root canal, but it requires an oral surgeon who specializes in this. The patient is sedated or given a numbing medication similar to that used in a root canal.
Treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious condition that affects breathing during sleep, leading to fatigue, cognitive impairment, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In response to the growing awareness of OSA, dental medicine has advanced several treatment options to help manage the condition. One of the most common surgical treatments is uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPP), a procedure that removes excess tissue from the throat and soft palate to widen the airway, reducing obstructions. Additionally, tongue advancement procedures can be performed to prevent the tongue from collapsing backward and blocking airflow. These surgical treatments are typically recommended for patients with severe OSA who have not responded to other interventions, such as lifestyle changes or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.
For patients with mild to moderate OSA, non-surgical treatments may be more appropriate and less invasive. One effective alternative is the use of a Mandibular Repositioning Device (MRD), a custom-fitted oral appliance designed to shift the lower jaw forward while sleeping. By repositioning the mandible, this device helps keep the airway open and reduces snoring and breathing disruptions. MRDs are often preferred by patients who find CPAP machines uncomfortable or difficult to use consistently. Although they are not suitable for all cases, these oral appliances provide a practical and convenient solution for many individuals suffering from sleep apnea. Regular follow-ups with a dentist or sleep specialist are essential to ensure that the chosen treatment is effective and properly fitted for long-term success.
Visiting Your Dentist
Regular dental visits are essential for maintaining the health of your teeth, gums, and jaw. Preventive care, such as routine cleanings and exams, helps catch potential issues early before they become serious problems. Cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer can often be detected in their early stages during a dental checkup, making treatment more effective and less invasive. Many people avoid the dentist due to fear or anxiety, but modern dentistry has advanced significantly, offering pain-free or minimally uncomfortable procedures. Local anesthesia, sedation options, and improved techniques ensure that most treatments are quick and comfortable.
If dental anxiety prevents you from making regular visits, consider strategies to ease your stress. Bringing headphones and listening to music or a podcast can provide a welcome distraction during your procedure. Discussing your concerns with your dentist beforehand can also help, as they may offer additional comfort measures, such as explaining each step of the process or using numbing gels before injections. Education is key to reducing fear—understanding what to expect can make the experience feel less intimidating. By prioritizing your oral health and staying proactive about dental care, you can prevent painful conditions and expensive treatments in the future, ensuring a confident and healthy smile for years to come.