Going to the dentist can feel terrifying and overwhelming. It can make you nervous and anxious. What’s going to happen? Why do I need dental work? Which dental procedure do I need? You most likely have more questions than you do answers.
At Boulder Dental Designs, we understand that visiting a dental office is unnerving, but it doesn’t have to be. In this post, we’ll share some of the most common dental procedures in the industry and how serious they are on a scale of one to 10 (10 being the most serious). We hope that this information will convince you that the best decision you can make for your oral health is to stop by our practice and schedule your next appointment.
Common Dental Procedures
Procedure #1 – Fillings and maintenance
This is one of the most common dental procedures dentists take care of for patients. The seriousness of this procedure is between a one and two, seeing that it’s non-invasive and rarely requires anesthesia to complete. Most individuals spend no more than 45-60 minutes at the office total.
Procedure #2 – Root canal therapy/treatment
A root canal is the removal of a tooth pulp. This means that the nerve of the tooth has decayed, and it no longer serves a purpose. If an infected pulp is not treated or removed, it could lead to more serious infection throughout the mouth. In most cases, root canal therapy is between a five or seven, depending on the patient.
Procedure #3 – A dental crown
A dental crown is a relatively simple procedure, although it can take multiple visits to complete. The crown sits over a cracked, damaged, or chipped tooth to reinforce and protect it from further decay. On average, patients rate dental crown placements between a four and a six.
Procedure #4 – Dental implants and/or bridges
Dental implants do involve invasive surgery. The patient will need to be sedated, in nearly every case. The dentist will then implant the post into the jawbone, which the abutment and the crown will be attached once the implant heals properly. This procedure is at least a seven when it comes to seriousness. Although a serious procedure, it offers numerous benefits compared to not having a tooth in that same gap.
Procedure #5 – Tooth extractions
A tooth extraction could be the result of various causes. Whether you’ve sustained an oral injury, damaged a tooth, or need more room for braces, you may need a tooth extracted. An extraction, typically, is the last option, since it is invasive and requires surgery to complete. For most, this dental procedure is an eight or above.
What to Expect at Boulder Dental Designs
Now that you’re aware of the most common dental procedures, you will understand that going to the dentist is a benefit to your oral health. Allowing infections, decay, or injury to go untreated will only result in worse conditions later. If you’re ready to schedule your next dental checkup, give Boulder Dental Designs a call today!
