What Dental Treatments are Available?
Whether you’re currently experiencing a dental problem or not, it’s natural to be curious about the different treatments Wetherill Family Dentistry may offer. The following go-to dental treatments are used to tackle everything from decayed teeth to gum disease.
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are an important part of cavity treatment. Cavities are caused by tooth decay. After Dr. Wetherill removes the decayed part of the tooth, he will fill in the resulting empty space. To avoid pain during the procedure, he may use a local anesthetic.
Fillings come in a variety of materials, including porcelain, composite resins, gold, and amalgam. These all have the same basic function but come with different advantages and disadvantages. For instance, gold fillings are durable but are pricier than some other options. Dr. Wetherill will gladly discuss these options with you at your appointment.
Dental Crowns
We install dental crowns (which are essentially caps) over teeth that are damaged, to restore their shape, appearance, and integrity. Before installation, Dr. Wetherill reshapes the damaged tooth so that the crown fits. Installing a crown may be appropriate when a tooth is damaged, weakened, or discolored. Sometimes, this is a one-day procedure, but often, two visits are necessary. Afterward, the crown doesn’t require any special care other than typical oral hygiene.
Scaling and Root Planing
The purpose of scaling and root planing is to get rid of worrisome plaque and tartar, thereby treating gum disease. (Tartar is hardened plaque that requires professional dental treatment to remove.) Dr. Wetherill may recommend scaling and root planing when plaque buildup has caused the gums to retreat from the teeth and create spaces prone to trapping additional plaque. During the scaling portion of this procedure, the hygienist takes out plaque and tartar. During the root planing, the hygienist removes unwanted material from your teeth’s roots, making it easier for the teeth to attach to the gums once again.
Root Canals
When infection or deterioration afflicts a tooth, a root canal may help save it. Dr. Wetherill often turns to root canals when a tooth’s nerve or pulp has suffered damage, potentially leading to an abscess or other issues. Patients may suffer from pain and sensitivity in the teeth, not to mention decay and swelling, when a root canal is indicated. Root canals usually involve anesthesia, as Dr. Wetherill will drill into the compromised tooth to clean out decay, prior to sealing the treated tooth.
These steps may occur all in one visit, or Dr. Wetherill may use a temporary seal during the first visit and apply a permanent one later. Among dental services, root canals have a reputation as painful, but the anesthesia used prior to the procedure ensures that any discomfort experienced is no more than that of a filling. Root canals are highly preferable to letting tooth decay advance.
Tooth Extractions
Tooth extractions may sound daunting, but removing a problem tooth may prevent worse issues from developing. The dental professionals at Wetherill Family Dentistry may recommend extraction in cases involving impacted wisdom teeth, damaged teeth, and teeth with problems that resist a root canal procedure. Extractions come in two types: (1) simple extractions, in which Dr. Wetherill just removes the tooth with forceps, and (2) surgical extractions, which are more complicated and will likely involve an incision and stitches.
Get Recommendations on Dental Treatments from Your Dentist
Regardless of which dental services we recommend, we’ll be able to tell you more about why we think it’s appropriate and what to expect from the process. Soon, you’ll be well on your way to having a healthier mouth! Contact Wetherill Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment today.
