Different Types of Dental Work and Services

Dental visits aren’t a walk in the park for most individuals. Patients are scared and intimidated by the buzzing noise and the large chair where they are supposed to sit. 

People visit the dentist for different reasons, such as getting a smile makeover, undergoing a root canal, treating gum disease, getting braces, having a tooth extracted, etc. Cosmetic dentistry has become a trend in recent years. A soaring number of individuals decide to install implants or veneers. If you wish to get dental implants, make sure to find a cosmetic dentist. 

These are the most popular types of Malouf Dental services. 

Cosmetic services

Cosmetic dentistry is increasing in popularity due to providing patients with the opportunity to improve the appearance of their teeth. The most common cosmetic dentistry procedures include teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, bonding, dental implants, inlays and onlays, etc. Teeth whitening is among the simplest and most affordable ways of improving your smile.

Moreover, dentists apply special hydrogen peroxide gel and light sources to whiten the smile of patients faster. The procedure is non-invasive, safe, and much more efficient compared to whitening kits meant for home use. In contrast, dental veneers refer to custom-made shells made of porcelain or resin designed to cover the front surface of teeth. After removing a thin layer of enamel from the surface, these shells are cemented to the front of patients’ teeth, thus changing their shape, color, and size. 

Dental crowns, also names caps, replace the entire damaged or decayed tooth right above the gum line. Their role is to hold a cracked tooth in place or prevent a weak tooth from breaking. They can be used for cosmetic purposes to cover discolored or misshapen teeth. Crowns are made from several materials, including metal, porcelain, ceramic, and resin. 

Inlays and onlays, also named indirect fillings, can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite materials. Their job is to fill damaged or decayed teeth. These filings are produced in a dental laboratory and later secured into place by dentists. The term inlay refers to the filling that’s bonded within the tooth’s center. Conversely, the term onlay describes the filling that involves more points or provides coverage of the biting surface. Read here about the comparison of inlays and onlays.

The job of these indirect fillings is to preserve the health of teeth as much as possible. They are considered a crown alternative but cost more to install. Conversely, dental implants refer to replacement roots inserted into the missing tooth’s bone socket. During the healing process of the jawbone, the bone grows around the implanted post in order to provide a foundation for the replacement tooth. 

Endodontic procedures

Another common type of dental service is the endodontic procedures, referring to root canal therapy. Root canals are typically preceded by overwhelming tooth pain because of the inflammation or infection of the tissue under or inside your tooth. In order to eliminate the pain, the dentist has to deaden the affected nerve and perform the elimination of the tissue. 

When paying a visit to an endodontist, this professional will first diagnose the issue and then perform a root canal if absolutely necessary. Patients are usually numbed before the procedure takes place so as for them to feel no pain, only pressure. Following the procedure, patients are pain-free due to the elimination of the infection. 

Periodontal treatments

Another popular type of dental service is periodontal treatment. These services involve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and conditions that impact the supporting structures of teeth. Supporting tissues refer to the alveolar bone, gingiva, cementum, and periodontal ligament. 

The main services provided by periodontists are the treatment of gum disease in the early and late stages, which may impose the need for surgery. Surgical procedures involve pocket reduction and gum grafts. Patients struggling with gum disease are strongly advised to visit a periodontist. The following link, https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gingivitis-periodontal-disease, provides a more detailed explanation of gum disease.

Pediatric dental services

Pediatric dental services are an important aspect of dentistry. Pediatric dentists have a specialized skillset customized toward taking care of children’s oral health. These professionals offer specialized care to children of all ages, from infants through teens. Although the largest part of general dentists offers treatment to children, most parents prefer pediatric specialists due to their age-specific knowledge. 

Moreover, the most common pediatric dental services include checkups, cleanings, cavity fillings, and other forms of routine care suited to the needs of children. Pediatric dentists also specialize in monitoring the development of kids’ teeth and diagnosing oral conditions linked to childhood conditions. 

Orthodontic services

Another type of dental service that’s required by patients is orthodontic procedures. The aim of these procedures is to improve the alignment of the jaw and teeth. Patients who have underbite, overbite, crossbite, or misaligned teeth might require such services to correct these issues. Additionally, orthodontic treatments include the use of palate expanders, braces, retainers, clear aligners, etc. The role of these devices is to improve the alignment of one’s bite and teeth over time. 

Prosthodontic procedures

Another form of dental assistance provided to patients is prosthodontic procedures. These procedures enable the replacement and restoration of a damaged or missing tooth. The dental work offered by prosthodontic specialists involves designing, manufacturing, and fitting artificial replacements. 

Furthermore, the job of prosthodontists is to restore the natural appearance and functionality of one’s mouth. The most common services include installing bridges, dental implants, dentures, or reconstructive surgery. These specialists are also trained in providing crowns and veneers. 

Oral and maxillofacial surgery

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are experts in diagnosing and offering treatment of issues like defects, diseases, or injuries in one’s neck, jaw, mouth, and face. These surgeons perform corrective jaw surgery, tumor removal, tooth extraction, wisdom teeth extraction, etc. Their responsibility is to restore the function and appearance related to the oral and maxillofacial region. 

The bottom line

Oral health should be your top priority. 

Make sure you collaborate with the best professionals!