Many people are afraid of the dentist for whatever reason. A lot of this fear stems from the many procedures that dentists perform. Dental procedures can be scary because most people don’t understand how the procedures work or they believe that there will be a lot of pain involved.
Here are some of the most common dental procedures that seem scary, but are actually quite simple:
Bonding
Bonding is a treatment that dentists perform to repair decayed, fractured, discolored, or chipped teeth. To do this, your dentist will mix a composite resin (a type of plastic) and form it into a paste. This mixture is then tinted to match the color of your teeth.
Layers are then added to your teeth and hardened using a laser or UV light. The resin is then shaped and polished to make it blend seamlessly with the rest of your teeth. This process is painless because the area of the tooth that the dentist is working on doesn’t have much sensitivity.
The reason this procedure may seem scary to some patients is because they don’t understand how simple it really is. When people chip or damage a tooth, they tend to think its irreparable. Or, they think that the procedure to fix it is much more complicated than it really is.
Braces
Braces are an appliance used to correct misaligned or crowded teeth. They work by forcing the teeth into the ideal position over time. Since braces are usually given to kids, installing them can feel scary.
To install braces, orthodontists put a device into the mouth that keeps it dry and prevents the mouth from moving. Then, they dry the teeth and apply an etchant to prep the surface of the teeth, the braces are then applies using an adhesive. Finally, they will run a wire through the braces.
Getting braces installed is painless. There is some discomfort associated with having them tightened, but it’s nothing unmanageable.
Implants and Bridges
When you are missing a tooth or several teeth, your orthodontist will usually recommend an implant or bridge. Bridges are false teeth that are held in place by the surrounding teeth. The bridge is made of two crowns on the anchor teeth and the false tooth between those two anchors. Dental implants are artificial root which support the false teeth.
What many people don’t know about this process is that it can actually be less painful than a tooth extraction. Because the procedure involves structural elements of the mouth like the jaw people anticipate more pain than there really is.
Gum Surgery
Gum disease affects both the gums and the jaw bone. If left untreated, it can lead to the loss of teeth and gums. Gum disease has two stages—gingivitis and periodontitis. If the gum disease isn’t treated in the earlier stage of gingivitis, you may be a candidate for gum disease.
To treat gum disease, a gingival flap surgery is usually performed. During this procedure, the surgeon will fold the gums back to create a flap and remove the infected issue below and between the teeth.
When dental patients hear the word “surgery,” it can be quite scary. However, this procedure usually produces only mild pain that can be managed by over-the-counter medications.
Root Canals
Root canals are arguably one of the most misrepresented dental treatments. People associate them with extreme pain, but that isn’t usually the case.
The goal of a root canal is to save an infected tooth. During a root canal, the dentist will remove bacteria and dead tissue from the inside of the tooth. Because of technological advancements, root canals can be completed in only two visits.
To perform a root canal, your dentist will use a small drill to drill a hole inside of the tooth. They will then clear the damaged and diseased pulp from the inside of the tooth. Once the new chamber is cleaned and dried, the dentist will close it with a temporary filling until the permanent crown is ready.
Extractions
Dentists perform extractions for many different reasons. It could be to prepare teeth for braces, to save space, or because of damage. Whatever the reason is, the process is usually the same. To perform a dental extraction, dentists first apply a local anesthetic to the tooth being pulled. In some cases, the dentist will administer conscious sedation or anti-anxiety medicine.
Extractions are one of the most common procedures that people fear. In reality, dentists perform many of these procedures without any problems. There is really nothing to fear.
Crowns
A crown is a cover that is placed over a tooth which has been severely damaged. Crows are typically made of acrylic, porcelain, or metal. Porcelain crowns are most commonly used for front teeth since they look the most natural, whereas metal crowns are usually used in the back of the mouth because of their strength.
To install a crown, orthodontists freeze the tooth with anesthesia and file it down so the crown can fit over it. After the dentist has an impression of the gums and teeth, a temporary crown is placed until the permanent one is ready.
During the patient’s next visit, they will place the permanent crown. The reason many people are scared of this particular procedure is because the dentist has to file down a tooth or several teeth. Realistically, patients don’t feel any of this because of the anesthesia.
Give Us a Call Today
Our team of expert dental care providers at Vellore Woods Dentistry is proud to offer high-quality dental care. We are skilled at making all of our patients feel comfortable and safe by being prepared to answer any questions and explain any procedures. Explore our many services by clicking here or give us a call at (905) 417-5550.