When it comes to your oral health, it’s important to understand the different procedures, costs and benefits of common dental procedures. Before booking an appointment for that root canal or Zoom whitening treatment, arm yourself with the facts about the pros and cons of common dentistry procedures. Even if you have a healthy diet and practice good oral hygiene habits at home, your teeth can still benefit from professional dental care on occasion. From routine cleanings to major restorative work, there are several different kinds of dental services you may want to consider at some point in your life. Whether you’re wondering about the costs and benefits of laser dentistry or wondering if Invisalign is right for you, this article covers many common dental procedures.
Read on to learn more about the costs and benefits of each one.
Checkup and Cleaning
The most basic procedure in all of dentistry is cleaning and exam. During your cleaning appointment, your hygienist will remove any built-up plaque and tartar from your teeth. While you might think that brushing and flossing are enough to keep your teeth healthy, it’s not enough to get rid of the bacterial plaque that leads to gum disease. A cleaning will also give your dentist a chance to look for any signs of decay or other oral health issues that might require treatment. Cost: Cleanings are usually included in your regular checkup price, but check with your dentist before your appointment.
- Benefits: Keeping your teeth and gums healthy with regular cleanings can help you avoid more serious issues like tooth decay or gum disease. It can also help you avoid having to have teeth pulled out or implants put in to replace missing teeth.
Root Canal
If you have a tooth that is infected to the point that it needs to be extracted, don’t worry: you may be able to save it. If you have a root canal, a dentist will remove the infected or broken-down section of your tooth. They will then fill the inside of the tooth with a root canal filling, seal it up and then give you a crown or other type of filling for the outside of the tooth to finish the job. Though this procedure is one of the most common types of dental surgery, it is highly effective in saving teeth from extraction.
- Cost: Root canals tend to be more expensive than other procedures, with most patients paying between $1,000 and $1,500 per tooth. Benefits: While this procedure is more expensive than a filling, it allows you to keep the tooth and avoid the costs of dentures and other dental appliances. Root canals have a high success rate when done properly by a skilled dentist.
Zoom Whitening
If your teeth are stained or discolored, or you want to get a jump start on yellow teeth caused by coffee or smoking, whitening might be the right choice for you. Zoom whitening is a teeth whitening procedure where a dentist applies a gel to your teeth and then applies a powerful light that causes a chemical reaction and breaks down the discoloration. The gel is designed to protect your gums and avoid sensitivity that could happen with other types of teeth whitening procedures. Zoom whitening can also be performed on your front teeth to give you a big smile before a big event.
- Cost: Zoom whitening can cost between $400 and $950, and results are usually visible after two to three sessions. Some dental offices offer a package price for multiple whitening sessions.
- Benefits: Teeth whitening can improve your appearance and self-confidence. In addition, it can be helpful for people with dental issues such as bite problems caused by misalignment.
Porcelain Veneers
If you have crooked teeth or teeth that are darker than you’d like, porzellan furniere may be the right choice for you. Veneers are usually used to improve the appearance of teeth that have been damaged or discolored. Veneers are a type of porcelain that is placed on the outside of teeth to change their shape and color. Dentists have been using veneers for years and have perfected the procedure to the point where it is almost like having your own natural teeth. Most dentists who specialize in cosmetic dentistry offer porcelain veneers as an option to improve your smile.
- Cost: Veneers are not particularly cheap, but the investment may be worth it if you are self-conscious about your smile. The average cost of veneers is $2,100, and they usually last between 10 and 15 years.
- Benefits: Veneers can be a great option if you have teeth that are discolored or have minor imperfections that keep you from feeling comfortable when you smile. Veneers can give you the confident smile that you have always wanted.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding also referred to as tooth bonding, is a procedure that uses composite resin to fill in gaps, chips, or spaces between your teeth. The dentist places an adhesive on your tooth, then applies a soft composite material, then sands and polishes it to blend it into your smile. Bonding is a quick, simple, and affordable way to patch a tooth and prevent further dental problems.
- Cost: Dental bonding can cost around $150, depending on the material used. Many dental offices offer group pricing for patients who want bonding on their teeth.
- Benefits: Dental bonding is a quick and simple procedure that can be used to fill in chips and gaps between teeth. It is a great option for patients who don’t want traditional dental work that involves filing down your teeth or using braces.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are caps that are placed over damaged or decayed teeth. They are usually used on the biting surface of a tooth or a tooth that has a root canal. Crowns can be made of porcelain, gold, or other materials. A dental laboratory will take an impression of your teeth and then create a custom crown to fit your mouth and teeth. Crowns can last many years if cared for properly and can be used to strengthen the teeth that have a crown.
- Cost: Dental crowns can cost between $600 and $1,500. The cost can vary depending on the type of crown you get and if you need additional procedures, such as root canal therapy, to prepare for a crown.
- Benefits: Crowns can be used to strengthen decayed teeth or to hold a root canal filling in place. They can also be used to cover teeth that have had teeth removed due to periodontal disease or other dental issues. Crowns can be an excellent way to restore your natural teeth and improve your appearance.
Conclusion
When it comes to your mouth, prevention is the best cure. If you take good care of your teeth at a young age, you can avoid many of the procedures discussed above. Brushing and flossing are the first steps toward a healthy smile. If you need a little extra help, like whitening or cosmetic procedures, remember that they are not meant to replace good oral hygiene. Instead, they are meant to enhance your smile and boost your confidence.