Dental Procedures

Fillings

Dental fillings repair cavities (tooth decay) by removing the damaged portion of the tooth and filling the space with a restorative material. Left untreated, cavities can grow and lead to infection, pain, and tooth loss. Fillings restore the tooth's shape and function while preventing further decay.

Composite resin fillings are the most common choice today—they match tooth color and bond directly to the tooth. Amalgam (silver) fillings are durable and cost-effective but more visible. Glass ionomer fillings release fluoride and are sometimes used for children or root surfaces. Your dentist will recommend the best option based on the cavity's location, size, and your preferences.

The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. After numbing the area, the dentist removes the decay, cleans the cavity, and places the filling material. Composite fillings are hardened with a special light. You may experience slight sensitivity for a few days; this usually resolves on its own.

Crowns and Bridges

A dental crown is a cap that covers a damaged, weakened, or cosmetically flawed tooth. It restores the tooth's shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are used when a filling is insufficient, after root canal treatment, or to protect a cracked tooth. They can be made from porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or all-ceramic materials.

A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth (or implants). The artificial teeth fill the gap, restoring your smile and ability to chew. Traditional bridges require preparing the neighboring teeth to support the restoration. The process typically involves two visits: one to prepare the tooth and take impressions, and another to place the final crown or bridge.

Root Canals

Root canal treatment saves a tooth when the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels) becomes infected or damaged. Causes include deep decay, repeated dental procedures, cracks, or trauma. Without treatment, the infection can spread, cause an abscess, and lead to tooth loss.

Contrary to popular belief, root canals are not especially painful—they relieve pain. The procedure involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning and shaping the root canals, and sealing them. The tooth is then restored with a filling or crown. Most root canals are completed in one or two visits. With proper care, a treated tooth can last a lifetime.

Root Canal Myths vs. Facts

• Myth: Root canals are painful. Fact: Modern techniques and anesthesia make the procedure comparable to getting a filling.
• Myth: It's better to extract the tooth. Fact: Saving your natural tooth is usually the best option for function and oral health.
• Myth: Root canals cause illness. Fact: This outdated belief has been debunked by scientific research.

Extractions

Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket. It may be necessary when a tooth is too damaged to repair, severely infected, impacted (as with wisdom teeth), or causing crowding. Extractions are classified as simple (visible teeth removed with forceps) or surgical (teeth that are impacted or broken below the gumline).

After extraction, a blood clot forms in the socket—this is essential for healing. Your dentist will provide instructions: avoid rinsing vigorously, don't use a straw, and stick to soft foods for a few days. Some swelling and discomfort are normal; pain medication and ice packs can help. If you experience severe pain, bleeding that doesn't stop, or signs of infection, contact your dentist promptly.

Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening can brighten your smile by several shades. In-office whitening uses a high-concentration peroxide gel applied by your dentist, often activated by a special light. Results are achieved in a single visit, typically lasting one to three years with proper care.

At-home whitening involves custom-fitted trays and a lower-concentration gel you apply daily for one to two weeks. Over-the-counter whitening products (strips, gels, toothpaste) are less effective but more affordable. Whitening works best on natural teeth; crowns, fillings, and veneers do not change color. Some sensitivity during treatment is common and usually temporary.

Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment corrects misaligned teeth and jaws to improve function, oral health, and appearance. Traditional braces use brackets and wires to gradually move teeth into position. They are effective for all types of malocclusion and are often the choice for children and complex cases.

Clear aligners (such as Invisalign) are removable, nearly invisible trays that are changed every one to two weeks. They work well for mild to moderate crowding and spacing. Treatment length varies from several months to a few years depending on the case. After treatment, retainers are essential to maintain results—teeth can shift back without them.

When to Consider Orthodontics

• Crowded or overlapping teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
• Difficulty chewing or speaking
• Jaw pain or TMJ issues
• Desire for a straighter smile