Research shows that 9% to 15% of the population fears going to the dentist for one reason or another. Many people are unhappy with their smiles or are in pain and put off going to their dentist due to their dental anxiety.

If you are one of these people, we are here to reassure you that the most common dental procedures are nothing to dread. One way to realize this is to understand what goes on behind a tooth extraction or a root canal.

So, does going to the dentist frighten you? Read our list of the most common types of dental services, what they involve, and why you should schedule an appointment now.

Fillings

When we eat acidic or foods high in saturated fats and sugar, those chemicals combine with the bacteria in our mouths to eat away tooth enamel.

You usually notice this when you see dark spots forming along the exterior of your tooth. That is a cavity, and they can be quite painful, causing issues like toothaches and sensitivity.

One way to fix this is a filling. During this procedure, the dentist will apply a local anesthetic to the area. That way, you don’t feel a thing.

Next, they remove the decayed area so that the tooth is clean and no longer at risk of infection or rotting. A tooth-filling substance is then applied to fill the hole.

These can be:

• Gold
• Silver amalgam
• Porcelain
• Plastic
• Composite Resin

There is little pain when it comes to filling a tooth. The novocaine should number the area enough so that you don’t feel anything. Depending on the severity and number of cavities, the procedure should only take 20 minutes to an hour to complete.

Root Canals

If your dentist recommends a root canal, don’t worry. Though those words can be scary to hear, that is due to the stigma society places on a relatively simple procedure. About 15 million people get root canals per year, making this one of the most general dental services your dentist performs.

A root canal is necessary when tooth decay has reached an advanced stage. That is usually when the cavity has increased beyond what a filling can repair.

When tooth decay occurs, it eats away at the pulp and connective tissue of our teeth, which ends up killing the root. Once the root is dead, it leads to a rotting or a dead tooth.

The root canal is a way to save the tooth before extraction is necessary. Your dentist will go inside and scoop out the bacteria and decay.

Then, they fill the space, seal it up, and place a crown over it to ensure the tooth stays healthy. There are many pros to a root canal that include saving your original tooth and relieving your pain.

The procedure should only take up to 60 minutes. Though, if there is a more complex situation, it may take 90 minutes to perform. That said, our modern-day technology and anesthetics ensure you don’t feel any pain or uncomfortable feelings during the root canal treatment.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a cap that takes the shape of a human tooth. Dentists use these tools to restore a chipped, brittle, worn down, or broken tooth. Many people who get dental crowns have a tooth so worn down it has lost its original shape.

To fix this, the dentist reshapes the tooth, then uses a putty or paste solution to create an impression. Then, they send that mold to a dental lab, where they form a crown that will fit perfectly over your tooth.

During this time, you will have a temporary crown until you go in for your second visit. Once you go back in for your procedure, your dentist will cement the permanent crown in place. This procedure is also not very invasive, so there is no pain involved.

Dental Implants

If you have a missing tooth or teeth, dental implants can fill in those gaps. Implants act like an actual tooth, even including a crown and root.

During the surgery, your dentist will drill a hole into the bone under the missing tooth. They then apply metal posts that act as the tooth root.

Afterward, they install the implant to take on the appearance of your natural teeth. Implants don’t only fill space, though. They also provide bone growth in your jaw.

Once a tooth goes missing in your mouth, that area tends to weaken, and bone resorption occurs. Dental implants solve that problem by revitalizing your jaw and keeping it healthy.

Since your dentist applies a general or local anesthetic during this procedure, there is no pain involved. Once you sit in the chair, the entire appointment should last roughly 1-3 hours, depending on how many implants you need.

Extractions

There are several instances where tooth extraction is necessary. Most of the time, you need a tooth pulled when fillings or a root canal are no longer viable solutions.

These include teeth that undergo severe decay, breakage, or exhibit signs of periodontal disease. Many people who begin to get their wisdom teeth often opt to remove them before they cause any dental issues.

When it comes to the process of extraction, your dentist applies a local anesthetic to the area so that it is numb. Then, they take a tool called the forceps to grab hold of the tooth.

They gently rock it back and forth to loosen it from your jaw. In some cases, the dentist may break the tooth apart inside your mouth to provide a better extraction process.

When it comes to your wisdom teeth, it depends on their state of impaction. Third molars develop late in life, around our 20s, and have little room to come in.

Therefore, they often don’t fully erupt. If they partially erupt, your dentist can remove them without surgery. But if they have not come in at all, then oral surgery may be necessary.

During this process, your dentist applies a general anesthetic. That way, you don’t feel any pain or anxiety while they cut into the bone to remove the wisdom teeth. Afterward, they can prescribe anti-inflammatory medication and advise you to rinse with salt water to prevent infection.

The duration of this procedure depends on factors like:

• Type of tooth
• Area and position of the tooth
• State of the tooth
• Tooth impaction
• Number of teeth

Typically, you can expect to spend anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour for tooth extraction.

Schedule an Appointment for Dental Procedures

As you can tell, several procedures are the norm in everyday society. From root canals to wisdom tooth extraction, your dentist has the best knowledge to ensure your procedure runs smoothly as possible.

At Limelight Dental, we offer all of these common dental procedures in a friendly and safe environment. Your general dentistry needs are a priority, and we dedicate ourselves to ensure you are calm and comfortable when in our chairs.

If you need a procedure done, don’t hesitate to contact us and schedule an appointment today. We will have your smile looking its best in no time!