Dental procedures can be confusing for patients. Understanding what can be done to keep your pearly whites healthy isn’t always simple, which is why it’s important to know the most common dental procedures from a general dentist. From simple fillings and check-ups to root canal treatments and crowns. These are the most common procedures that a general dentist does on an average day. While there are many different reasons why a person would need dental care, many people visit their family dentist regularly for routine check-ups and preventive procedures.

Continue reading to discover the top six most common dental procedures from a general dentist.

1. Check-up and cleaning
Every three months or so, you should go to your family dentist for a routine check-up. This provides you with the opportunity to examine your gums and teeth for any signs of decay or damage. This is also a great time for preventive procedures like dental cleaning that includes polishing, scaling, and flossing. It removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from your teeth using special instruments. Dental cleaning usually lasts between 30 minutes and one hour.

2. Dental x-rays
Dental x-rays are often used by general dentists to determine when a tooth requires treatment. With regular exams, the dentist can see if there is any damage or decay beneath the surface of your teeth. This helps to prevent serious problems like cavities and tooth loss. Dental x-rays help to diagnose problems early on as well. By taking an x-ray, the dentist can detect what’s going on with your mouth and make a more accurate diagnosis.

3. Toothache treatment
Sometimes a toothache can be eliminated with over-the-counter painkillers. However, if the pain is continuous, you might want to visit a general dentist. A general dentist might be able to determine the cause of the pain and recommend further treatment.

4. Root canal treatment
Root canal treatment is a common dental procedure that is generally performed on the tooth’s root. If your tooth has been damaged by severe decay, you may need a root canal treatment. If you have any type of toothache, swollen gums, or pain in your jaw or neck, it’s important to get checked out by a general dentist quickly. A root canal treatment will help relieve the pain caused by this type of dental issue and provide you with long-term relief from any discomfort.

5. Tooth extraction
Tooth extraction is a procedure in which the tooth is removed from the gums to prevent or heal an infection, injury, or disease. As with any surgical procedure, a dentist will offer anesthesia before and during the extraction. The person receiving this treatment will likely have a local anesthetic applied to the gum tissue, which will numb the area around the tooth that’s being extracted. Tooth extractions can be performed in many different ways depending on what type of tooth is being removed and what health issue it’s associated with. For example, teeth may be removed via forceps, dental needles, or scalpel. 

If you have an abscess or tumor near your tooth roots that is pressing against them and causing pain or swelling, your dentist may recommend that you undergo root canal treatment instead of extracting your tooth altogether. If you have a chipped, cracked tooth, your dentist may recommend dental crowns instead of extraction.

6. Teeth whitening
One of the most common procedures that a general dentist will provide is teeth whitening. Teeth whitening is also one of the easiest and least expensive procedures. A quick visit to your local family dentist's office can keep your smile dazzling white while providing you with a healthier oral environment.