General Dentistry includes various treatments and procedures that protects and maintains your oral health. The dentist diagnoses any cavities and disease to keep your teeth, mouth, and gums healthy. This covers different kinds of activities like routine procedure, restorative procedure, cosmetic procedures, and others.
When a tooth gets decayed, causing cavity inside the tooth which is then treated by removing the decayed tissue and filling the cavity. The material used for fillings are of different types like tooth-colored plastic, gold, porcelain, and silver amalgam. Gold and silver fillings are durable that lasts up to 10 to 15 years. Tooth-colored plastic fillings give an esthetic look that matches the color of your tooth.
When the infection increases and spreads to the roots of your teeth, dental filling is not advisable and root canal procedure has to be performed. The infected pulp tissue is removed from the teeth, then disinfected and cleaned, and after that filled and sealed. Finally, a crown is placed on the affected tooth and restores the functionality of the tooth. Root canal treatment has become common in modern times, is more effective and takes a few sittings only.
Scaling refers to deep cleaning of the teeth. Teeth scaling is recommended when your mouth shows symptoms of chronic periodontal disease. Plaque bacteria cause your gums to pull away from the teeth that create large pockets between your teeth and gums. These pockets allow more bacteria to grow where your toothbrush cannot reach. Hence, flossing is required at regular intervals. But if left untreated for a long time, the bacteria grow more causing bone and tooth loss. Scaling refers to scraping plaque from the pockets between your teeth and gums.
Dental extraction procedure is completely removing one or more tooth when it is beyond getting any treatment. Although, dental extraction is not suggested often but, when the affected tooth or teeth has complex problems that can’t be treated, dental extraction is your last resort. The reason for dental extraction could be:
- Deep infection spread to the root of the teeth
- Poor positioning or overcrowding of the teeth
- Gum diseases that loosens the root of the teeth
- Any trauma to the teeth, mouth, or jaw
- Problems caused due to wisdom teeth
The removed tooth or teeth is replaced by an artificial tooth or dentures. With a few precautions, you can get back to your daily routine activities.