A Guide to Dental Services: From Cleanings to Oral Surgery

A person’s oral health is essential for overall well-being, and understanding the various dental services available is the first step in achieving a beautiful and healthy smile. From routine cleanings to more complex procedures like oral surgery, understanding the different dental services available is critical to ensuring a healthy and vibrant smile. 

Various Dental Services

This guide will walk you through the most common dental services, including cleanings, dentures, and oral surgery, to help you make informed decisions about your dental care.

Preventive Dental Care

Preventive dental care is the foundation of good oral health. It includes services focused on maintaining your teeth and gums, such as:

  • Regular checkups and cleanings: Professional cleanings and exams help to remove plaque and tartar buildup and detect issues early.
  • Dental X-rays: These imaging tests diagnose hidden problems, such as cavities or bone loss.
  • Fluoride treatments and sealants: These are preventive measures applied to teeth to protect against decay.

You can visit this link for a comprehensive list of preventive dental services.

Restorative Dental Services

When dental problems arise, restorative services by a oral surgeon in Livingston help repair or replace damaged teeth. Some specific restorative dental services include:

  • Fillings: Used to repair teeth with cavities or minor fractures.
  • Crowns and bridges are prosthetic devices that cover or replace damaged or missing teeth.
  • Root canals: This treatment involves removing infected pulp inside a tooth to save it from extraction.
  • Dental implants: A long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth.

Dentures

Dentures are removable appliances designed to replace missing teeth and improve your quality of life by restoring function and appearance. There are different types of dentures available, such as:

  • Complete dentures: Replace a full set of missing teeth.
  • Partial dentures: Replace a few missing teeth and attach them to the remaining natural teeth.
  • Implant supported dentures are a more stable and comfortable option, as they are anchored to dental implants.

Oral Surgery

Oral surgery is necessary when dental issues require more invasive treatment. Some standard oral surgery procedures include:

  • Tooth extractions: Removal of damaged or problematic teeth.
  • Wisdom teeth removal: Extraction of impacted or problematic wisdom teeth to prevent complications.
  • Dental implants: Surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone to support a dental prosthesis.
  • Bone grafting: A procedure to rebuild bone in areas where it has been lost due to tooth extraction or gum disease.

Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that focuses on correcting teeth and jaw alignment. Some common orthodontic treatments include:

  • Braces: Traditional metal or ceramic brackets and wires used to straighten teeth.
  • Clear aligners: Removable, transparent trays that shift teeth into proper alignment.
  • Space maintainers and palatal expanders: Appliances used to guide teeth and jaw growth in children.

Conclusion

From preventive care to oral surgery, understanding the various dental services available is crucial for maintaining a healthy smile. By staying informed and working closely with your dental care provider, you can ensure that your teeth and gums remain in good condition for years. Don’t hesitate to contact a dental clinic like Kids & Family Dentistry for all your dental needs.