A healthy smile boosts self-confidence. It is important to regularly see your dentist for a consultation to keep the health of your teeth in good shape. There are several general dentistry services that serve the purpose of preserving your teeth in good health. These include periodontics (cleaning), composite fillings/bonding, and endodontics.
Most people start with routine dental checkups and cleanings, then move into deeper or more specific care only when the exam shows a need.
Periodontics
Periodontics (cleaning) is a deeper cleaning of your teeth than in a regular cleaning, which is a typical part of your regular dentist visit. A regular dental cleaning is the one that most people are familiar with. During a regular dental cleaning, your dentist examines your mouth, removes tartar, plaque, and other debris above the gum line, and then polishes your teeth.
In a periodontal cleaning, however, which sometimes is also called deep cleaning, the dentist, in addition to removing tartar, plaque, and other debris, goes below the gum line to remove any buildup, so that a patient’s gum disease does not become problematic. During a periodontal cleaning, the dentist clears out periodontal pockets, which are spaces between a patient’s teeth and gums. These pockets collect the bacteria that make plaque and can cause tooth and gum infections. In the worst scenario, a patient’s gums can become swollen and separate from the teeth they hold in place, resulting in loose teeth and possible tooth loss. By clearing the debris in periodontal pockets, gums become healthier, inflammation lessens, and the pockets may shrink.
Composite Fillings
Another general dentistry service is composite fillings/bonding. If you have discoloration, a chipped tooth, or a gap, and you’re looking for an inexpensive repair to improve the appearance and condition of your teeth, then your dentist may determine that the right procedure for you is composite fillings/bonding. Tooth filling/bonding is a procedure where your dentist applies a tooth-colored composite resin to one or more of your teeth to repair damage. It’s a cost-effective solution because it’s considerably less expensive than other cosmetic dental procedures, such as crowns and veneers.
Endodontics
Endodontics is yet another general dentistry service that deals with the treatment of the inner part of the tooth or the dental pulp. Endodontics includes procedures and treatment of a number of diseases that involve the dental pulp, the innermost part of the tooth. The pulp is protected by the outermost part of the tooth, the enamel, and the dentin that lies underneath the enamel. This hard casing of the pulp protects it from becoming infected by microbes present in the mouth. In cases of tooth decay, this outer cover erodes away to form holes or cavities that expose the dental pulp to these microbes as well as to hot and cold temperatures. Since the pulp is rich with nerves and blood vessels, infection of the pulp can lead to sensitivity and a toothache.
Some of the procedures used in endodontics include:
- Root canal treatment – This is one of the most common procedures for treating the dental pulp in cases of tooth decay.
- Endodontic retreatment surgery involving removal of the protective crown and the filling inside so that a tooth that did not heal properly or has developed new problems can be retreated and refilled.
- Treating injuries or cracks in the teeth that involve the dental pulp is another endodontic procedure.
If decay or infection reaches the pulp, root canal therapy may help preserve the natural tooth instead of removing it.
These are the most common forms of dentistry which aim to keep your teeth healthy and attractive. It is important to maintain good dental hygiene daily by flossing, brushing, and using mouthwash. These, combined with regular dental visits, will help fight gum disease or prevent existing conditions from worsening.
