It is not unusual to feel scared or intimidated when visiting your general dentist. 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: https://www.myfarmingtondentist.com or call Farmington Family Dentistry at 5052954075 for an appointment in our Farmington office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Farmington, NM.
Wondering if you should choose a general dentist as your next dental professional? Keep in mind that choosing a new dentist is like choosing a new health care professional, as general dentists are your go-to professionals whenever you are in need of any type of dental care. If you need more detailed dental work, then…
A dental check-up goes a long way when it comes to keeping your teeth healthy. It consists of a visual examination looking for developing dental and health issues, plus preventative treatments like teeth cleanings. Dentists recommend coming in for a dental check-up two times a year, and people who follow their advice rarely find themselves…
With the latest treatments in cosmetic dentistry, it is easy to have a white, bright smile. Everybody wants to have sparkling teeth, but it is difficult to achieve it without professional help. That is why teeth-whitening treatments are everywhere. If you are thinking about getting a cosmetic dentistry treatment to treat your stained teeth, here…
TMJ disorders are known to be one of the most grueling, as they induce a lot of discomfort and difficulty eating. However, modern-day technology has allowed for a wide range of options when it comes to treatment plans. Working with a general dentist is typically the first step. As surprising as it may be, general…
With the latest treatments in cosmetic dentistry, it is easy to have a white, bright smile. Everybody wants to have sparkling teeth, but it is difficult to achieve it without professional help. That is why teeth-whitening treatments are everywhere. If you are thinking about getting a cosmetic dentistry treatment to treat your stained teeth, here…
TMJ disorders are known to be one of the most grueling, as they induce a lot of discomfort and difficulty eating. However, modern-day technology has allowed for a wide range of options when it comes to treatment plans. Working with a general dentist is typically the first step. As surprising as it may be, general…