A dentist is a physician responsible for the care of their patient’s teeth. In addition to teeth care, most dentists try to teach and give oral hygiene tips. The day-to-day activities for a dentist may vary based on their patient’s needs. Here are some of the common procedures performed by a dentist in Mobile, AL.
Cleaning
One of the most important parts of oral hygiene is getting your teeth clean. During this procedure, the dentist or dental hygienist uses a dental tool to remove plaque or tartar from your teeth. If there is too much buildup from plaque, then the dentist may recommend a deep scaling of the teeth as part of the cleaning process. It is recommended that a dental cleaning be done every six months.
Fillings
After your teeth have been clean, the dentist normally does an examination to look for any cavities or tooth decay. If any cavities are found, then you will need to make an appointment at West Mobile Dental Care or your local dentist office for a filling. The filling is used to repair the hole found in your tooth due to the decay. Most dentist use a filling, which matches the color of your teeth.
Root Canal
If a cavity is left untreated, it can spread to the center of the tooth, which can cause severe pain. Once it reaches this point, then a root canal will be needed. As part of this procedure, the dentist remove the tissue for the center of the tooth called the pulp by drilling a hole in the tooth. After the pulp is removed, the tooth is sealed off using a filling or a crown. This step also helps to provide an infection from occurring inside of the tooth.
Teeth Whitening
Another common procedure performed by a dentist in Mobile, AL is teeth whitening. Over the years, teeth begin to darken due to drinking coffee, tea, or smoking. Some medications can also affect the color of your teeth. Using a peroxide-based mixture, the dentist applies the mixture to your teeth to lighten them up. You may be required to obtain more than one treatment before your teeth are perfectly white again.