Visiting your dentist is a vital part of maintaining good oral health. Regular check-ups and cleanings help keep teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime. In addition to offering routine dental care, a dentist office can provide a range of other procedures and services to help keep your smile as healthy and as radiant as possible.
Sometimes, even with the best oral care at home, dental issues will still arise. A dentist office is the perfect solution for maintaining good oral health and for identifying any issues in their early stages, when treatment is typically less complicated.
Dentists provide a range of services and procedures, including the following:
Regular Dental Exams and Teeth Cleanings
Regular dental exams involve a thorough evaluation of your teeth, mouth, and gums to check for signs of any dental problems, such as tooth or root decay, gum disease, or oral cancer. X-rays may also be recommended at certain visits to monitor and assess the teeth and gums. This is to help your dentist identify issues such as gum disease, bone loss in the jaw, and hidden cavities that may not be easily visible during a physical exam.
Preventative care is essential when it comes to dental health. In addition to exams to evaluate your oral health, regular cleanings with a dental hygienist are often recommended twice per year to help keep teeth and gums healthy. The aim of teeth cleanings is to remove tartar, plaque, stains, and bacteria on the teeth (and gums) to improve their appearance and help prevent cavities and gum disease. Any visible buildup is removed from the teeth using special tools. Then, the hygienist will gently polish your teeth and apply a fluoride or sealant treatment, if needed, to protect the teeth from decay.
Tooth Extraction
A tooth extraction involves removing a tooth. This is usually necessary when a tooth is impacted, damaged, broken, or decayed beyond repair. The dentist may recommend an extraction if a tooth causes discomfort or is a risk to your oral health. To extract an affected tooth, the dentist numbs the area around the tooth and uses special tools to gently remove it. Sedation may be used to relieve pain and anxiety during the procedure.
Dental Filling
A dental filling is a restorative procedure that aims to repair teeth that have been damaged due to decay, cracks, or fractures. Once the dentist removes the damaged part of the tooth, they will fill the cavity with a material such as amalgam or tooth-colored composite resin. The tooth filling will restore the function and appearance of your tooth and help prevent further decay.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is used to treat and save damaged and infected teeth. Root canals are tiny passageways inside the teeth that extend to the tip of the root. The root canals and the interior of the teeth have pulp inside, which contain blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. If the pulp becomes infected or inflamed, such as through an untreated cavity, a root canal is necessary. This procedure involves removing the pulp, cleaning the root canal, and filling it with a malleable material to restore its function. Once healed, the tooth is permanently sealed with a crown.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a permanent solution to replace missing teeth. The implants are very durable and look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. They are also a convenient alternative to traditional bridges or dentures and the most stable and longest-lasting treatment for tooth replacement.
A dental implant includes a titanium post that is surgically implanted into the jawbone, which fuses to the bone and serves as an anchor for the restoration. After the implant heals and fuses to the bone, replacement teeth or crowns are attached, restoring your smile and function.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth can become darker, stained, or discolored over time, particularly from smoking and contact with certain things such as coffee, soda, fruit juices, and wine. Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment to lighten the shade of your teeth and brighten your smile. There are a range of safe teeth whitening treatments that can be done professionally at your dentist’s office to reduce or eliminate dental staining, such as customized whitening trays and Zoom whitening treatment. Some methods last longer than others, if you are looking to whiten your smile, your dentist can talk to you about which method would be best for you, based on your requirements.
Dental procedures and services are designed to maintain your oral health and restore a lost smile. Whether it’s a simple cleaning or a more involved procedure requiring a specialist, dentist offices offer a range of services to address various dental needs. If you are experiencing discomfort, discoloration, or require any dental procedure, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment. This is because prevention is always the best course of action. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings will help avoid the need for extensive dental procedures and maintain good oral health.
Top Dentist Office in Eugene, OR
If you are looking for a high quality, family-friendly dental practice, visit Dr. Binder at 360 Dental. We offer a comprehensive range of general and restorative dental services to take care of all your oral health needs, including teeth cleanings, routine exams, oral surgery, tooth extraction, teeth whitening, dental implants, and much more.
To find out more about our services and treatments, call us at (541) 689-1645 or alternatively, you can request an appointment online. Our dentist office is conveniently located in Eugene, Oregon.