Table of Contents
- • Preventive Procedures
- • Restorative Procedures
- • Cosmetic Procedures
- • Surgical Procedures
- • Orthodontic Treatments
- • Preparing for Your Procedure
- • After-Care Instructions
Preventive Procedures
Professional Cleaning
What it is: Removal of plaque and tartar buildup above and below gumline.
Frequency: Every 6 months (more if you have gum disease)
What to expect: Scaling, polishing, flossing. Takes 30-60 minutes. Painless for most patients.
Dental Sealants
What it is: Protective coating applied to chewing surfaces of back teeth.
Best for: Children's molars, but adults can benefit too
What to expect: Quick, painless. Teeth cleaned, dried, solution applied, special light hardens it. Lasts 5-10 years. Prevents 80% of cavities.
Fluoride Treatment
What it is: Concentrated fluoride applied to strengthen enamel.
Types: Gel, foam, or varnish
What to expect: Applied after cleaning. Takes 1-4 minutes. Don't eat/drink for 30 minutes after. Especially beneficial for children and those at high cavity risk.
Restorative Procedures
Fillings
What it is: Repair cavities by removing decay and filling the hole.
Materials: Composite (tooth-colored), amalgam (silver), gold, ceramic
Process: Local anesthetic → remove decay → clean area → place filling → shape and polish
Recovery: Numbness wears off in 1-3 hours. Avoid hot foods until then. Mild sensitivity for a few days is normal.
Crowns
What it is: Cap that covers damaged tooth to restore shape, size, and strength.
When needed: Large cavity, cracked tooth, after root canal, cosmetic improvement
Process: Two visits. First: prepare tooth, take impressions, place temporary crown. Second: remove temporary, place permanent crown.
Care: Brush and floss normally. Avoid hard foods on temporary crown. Crowns last 5-15 years.
Bridges
What it is: Replacement for one or more missing teeth, anchored to adjacent teeth.
Types: Traditional, cantilever, Maryland bonded
What to expect: Similar process to crowns. Two visits. Prevents teeth from shifting, restores chewing/speaking ability. Lasts 5-15 years with care.
Root Canal
What it is: Treatment to save infected or damaged tooth by removing pulp.
When needed: Deep decay, repeated procedures on tooth, crack/chip, or trauma
Process: Anesthetic → open tooth → remove infected pulp → clean and seal → usually need crown after
Recovery: Mild discomfort 2-3 days. Take prescribed pain medication. Avoid chewing on that side until permanent restoration. Success rate: 85-97%.
Cosmetic Procedures
Teeth Whitening
Options: In-office (1 visit, dramatic results) or take-home trays (2 weeks)
Lightens teeth 2-8 shades. Results last 6 months-2 years. May cause temporary sensitivity.
Veneers
What: Thin shells bonded to front of teeth
Fix chips, gaps, discoloration, misalignment. Permanent (removes enamel). Lasts 10-15 years.
Bonding
What: Tooth-colored resin applied to repair chips/gaps
Quick (30-60 min per tooth), affordable. Lasts 3-10 years. Less permanent than veneers.
Gum Contouring
What: Reshaping gumline for better smile appearance
For "gummy smile" or uneven gums. Uses laser or scalpel. Healing takes 1-2 weeks.
Surgical Procedures
Tooth Extraction
When: Severe decay, infection, crowding, or wisdom teeth issues
Types: Simple (visible tooth) or surgical (impacted/broken)
Recovery: Bite gauze 30-45 min. Ice packs for swelling. Soft foods 24-48 hours. Avoid straws (dry socket risk). Heals in 1-2 weeks.
Dental Implants
What: Titanium post surgically placed in jawbone, topped with crown
Process: Multiple visits over 3-6 months. Post placed → healing → abutment → crown
Benefits: Permanent solution, looks/functions like natural tooth. 95% success rate. Lasts 25+ years.
Gum Surgery
Types: Flap surgery (deep cleaning), gum grafts (cover exposed roots), gingivectomy (remove excess gum)
When needed: Advanced gum disease or receding gums. Recovery: 1-2 weeks. Important for preventing tooth loss.
Orthodontic Treatments
Traditional Braces
How: Metal brackets and wires gradually move teeth
Duration: 18 months - 3 years
Monthly adjustments. Avoid hard/sticky foods. More affordable than aligners. Most effective for complex cases.
Clear Aligners
How: Series of custom clear trays
Duration: 6 months - 2 years
Removable for eating/brushing. Nearly invisible. Change trays every 1-2 weeks. Best for mild-moderate cases.
Preparing for Your Procedure
Before Your Appointment
- ✓ Ask questions - understand the procedure
- ✓ Discuss sedation options if anxious
- ✓ Arrange transportation if needed
- ✓ Follow fasting instructions (if applicable)
- ✓ Take prescribed medications as directed
- ✓ Brush and floss before appointment
Day of Procedure
- ✓ Arrive early to complete paperwork
- ✓ Bring insurance information
- ✓ Wear comfortable clothing
- ✓ Tell staff if you feel nervous
- ✓ Bring headphones/music if allowed
- ✓ Have someone drive you home (if sedated)
General After-Care Instructions
First 24 Hours
- • Rest and avoid strenuous activity
- • Apply ice packs for swelling (20 min on/off)
- • Eat soft, cool foods
- • Avoid hot foods/drinks until numbness wears off
- • Don't rinse vigorously or use straws
Pain Management
- • Take medications as prescribed
- • Over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen/acetaminophen)
- • Don't take aspirin (increases bleeding)
- • Some discomfort is normal for 2-3 days
Diet
- • Soft foods: soup, yogurt, mashed potatoes, eggs
- • Avoid: hard, crunchy, spicy, or sticky foods
- • Stay hydrated
- • Gradually return to normal diet
When to Call Your Dentist
- • Severe pain not relieved by medication
- • Excessive bleeding lasting more than 24 hours
- • Fever over 101°F
- • Swelling that worsens after 2-3 days
- • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Knowledge is Confidence
Understanding dental procedures removes fear and helps you make informed decisions about your oral health. Always discuss concerns with your dentist!