It is not unusual to feel scared or intimidated when visiting your general dentistry. The various sounds can all be a lot to handle. People stare into your mouth, and it feels like you are under a microscope. When you add the bright lights, it can be downright scary.
Sometimes, it helps to know the typical experience to be better prepared. General dentists perform various procedures, so it is possible that any of these can happen at a visit. There may also be recommendations about what needs to be done. Here are four different yet standard procedures that every dentist performs.
Perhaps the most common procedure done by dentists and dental hygienists everywhere is teeth cleaning. Most dentists recommend cleanings every six months to a year. Getting teeth cleaned regularly is a crucial part of good dental health. Even for those that brush and floss regularly, there is no substitution for a good dental cleaning. Cleanings are also preventative measures to keep gum disease at bay.
Cavities happen, and even with good dental hygiene, getting a cavity is not unusual. Highly acidic or sugary foods and drinks erode the enamel over time, so cavities can happen to anyone. Sometimes, cavities can be painful, so when a patient complains of pain, that is the first thing a dentist checks. When a patient has a cavity, the first course of action is a filling. Fillings are quick to apply and set, but the whole procedure does not take more than about an hour. Pressure during the process is not uncommon, and there can also be some discomfort after.
Discolored, broken, cracked, or crooked teeth can all benefit from veneers. Veneers are a popular solution to fix certain issues. The front section of a tooth has some enamel removed, and then a shell is placed on top with a permanent adhesive. The shell is the veneer, and it looks like the original tooth. Veneers can be made whiter to brighten teeth or matched with existing tooth color. Applying veneers is an easy procedure for dentists, and getting it done does not hurt either.
Sometimes, cavities get too big for fillings when the decay gets to be extensive. Cracked teeth can also be too difficult to handle with the original tooth, so that is when crowns are the answer. Crowns take a couple of visits to get placed. In the first visit, the tooth is prepped, X-rayed, and imprinted. A temporary crown is put in, and a couple of weeks later, the permanent crown is ready to be set. The procedure at each visit does not take long, so patients should not expect to be in the chair for more than an hour at a time.
There are other procedures that a dentist performs, but as primary dental care practitioners, they have various issues that get worked on. The four procedures listed above are only a few general dentist’s activities since they do not specialize in a specific field. Armed with the knowledge to fight against dental issues, dentists are ready to help you deal with any anxiety you may also have. Do not be afraid to ask any questions so that the dentist can communicate about what to expect.
Request an appointment here: http://plainviewdental.com or call Plainview Dental at (516) 255-6716 for an appointment in our Plainview office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry in Plainview, NY.
Both general dentist and family dentists are responsible for the oral health care of patients of all ages. They provide a wide range of services, ranging from preventive measures to light cosmetic ones. Wondering whether it is best to see a general dentist or a family dentist? For the most part, they are quite similar! Keep…
Professional dental cleaning appointments are an important part of maintaining good oral health. They are typically offered by general dentistry practices as these are the facilities where routine oral health care is provided. While most people do get a professional dental cleaning once or twice a year, there are individuals who skip them, which is…
A professional dental cleaning is needed twice a year; however, many people are not sure why. Aside from the obvious fact that cleanings promote good oral health, it can be helpful to know more about the specifics. Outlined below are four reasons to get a professional dental cleaning from a general dentist.One of the main reasons…
Preventative dentistry is a branch that focuses primarily on keeping dental issues at bay. Preventing dental issues is cheaper than treating them, and you do not have to deal with the pain and discomfort that comes with oral problems when you stop them from developing in the first place.Preventive dentistry starts with educating patients about…
Denture adjustment is a necessary procedure that must be performed if your dentures no longer fit your mouth. Whether you have partial or complete dentures, these prompt your gums and soft tissues to adjust. Once the dentures have settled, they will also be likely to change over time. You may experience difficulty chewing or feel…
Gum disease can become quite serious if it goes ignored; however, with the help of a family dentist, it can be caught early on so that treatment can be quickly started. Family dentists are general dentists that specialize in working with families, which includes both the parents and children. Because family dentists specialize in general…