A Guide to the Most Common Dental Procedures

Are you wondering what procedures are most common in dentistry? Here's a guide to the most common dental procedures.

The common recommendation is to get a dental checkup and cleaning every 6 months. However, in 2022, only 64.1% of adults aged 18 and over reported having one in the past year. 

While many adults do a good job of caring for their teeth, others let their oral health fall by the wayside. As a result, they need to get more advanced procedures in addition to cleanings and exams to correct dental issues.



Are you thinking about seeing a dentist in Laurel, MD? In this guide, we'll tell you more about the most common dental procedures that dentists offer. 

Teeth Cleaning

One of the most common types of dental care is preventative teeth cleaning. It's important for the teeth to be cleaned every 6 months to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar and to prevent gum issues. 



A dentist such as Garland K. Davis, DDS can clean your teeth more deeply than you can on your own. They can also inspect your teeth and gums for signs of gum disease, tooth decay, and other issues.

Dental Implants

Dental implant procedures are also very common. If you're missing a tooth, a dental implant can be installed to serve as a replacement. A dental implant will be made out of metal and porcelain and will look just like a natural tooth. 



This process of installing a dental implant will take several months and a few visits to complete, but the results can be well worth it. A dental implant can go a long way in improving a patient's smile and can help them feel like their most confident self again.

Dental Crowns

For teeth that have been damaged from either injury or decay, dental crowns can be a good solution. Dental crowns can help to improve cosmetic issues and make damaged teeth look normal again. 

Getting dental crowns will usually require two visits. However, some dentists are able to make and replace dental crowns on the same day.

Dental crowns will be molded and fitted to a specific person's mouth, and the process of securing will usually be quick and painless. 

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are also common and can serve as a good treatment for cavities and tooth decay, as well as teeth that have been fractured. 



Cavities and tooth decay issues are very prevalent among Americans, so dental fillings are commonly performed at all dental clinics. Cavities will be identified with the help of X-rays, and then the dentist will fill the cavity with a filling as needed.

Tooth Extractions

In extreme cases of tooth decay, a tooth will need to be extracted and then replaced with an implant. A tooth that has extreme decay may cause harm to the gums or be a risk to other teeth. Wisdom teeth may also be removed.



During tooth extraction dental procedures, your dentist will remove a tooth from its socket, and this is usually a very quick process. 

Teeth Whitening

Many patients these days undergo teeth whitening procedures. A lot of people have staining on their teeth that makes them feel less confident in their smile. A professional teeth whitening treatment can help to reduce staining significantly.



While there are at-home teeth whitening kits and products available, professional teeth whitening procedures tend to be more effective. They require much less effort on the part of a patient.

Root Canal Therapy

As part of dental services, patients often need root canal treatments due to extreme tooth pain. 

During a root canal treatment, a dentist will remove diseased tissue and clean and seal the interior of the tooth. The tooth will be filled with a composite material. It may be necessary to take an antibiotic before root canal therapy, and a patient will typically be numbed directly before it.



This treatment can help to reduce the pain that is caused by an infected tooth and can help to save it and eliminate the need for tooth removal.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge can replace missing teeth and help to improve a patient's bite. These artificial teeth look like real teeth and can help to create a bridge that fills in a gap where several teeth may be missing. 



A variety of materials may be used for a dental bridge, including gold, porcelain, and alloys. 

Dentures

Similar to a dental bridge, dentures are actually removable teeth replacements that look natural and serve the purpose of a full set of teeth. Although dentures are often made for aging patients, many other people find themselves in need of dentures as well. 



When getting dentures, a dentist will examine a patient's mouth and take an impression or mold of the mouth. This will allow them to make dentures that are custom fitted for a particular patient.

Scaling and Root Planing

Patients who don't get cleanings often enough may experience issues with plaque buildup. 

Over time, plaque can build up and turn into tartar, and it can become difficult to remove. In these cases, dentists will help through the use of a procedure known as scaling and root planing. 



During this oral care process, the dentist will remove these deposits on the teeth and eliminate the buildup of plaque and tartar. 

Getting the Most Common Dental Procedures from a Dentist in Laurel, MD

Although there are many other treatments that dentists offer, these are the most common dental procedures that patients need. A professional and reliable dentist can help to improve both the function and appearance of your teeth and gums. Don't hesitate to get in touch with a dentist if you want to improve your oral health. 



Looking for a dentist in Laurel, MD? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help meet your needs.