Dental Treatments: TOP 10 Most Common Dental Procedures
Going to the dentist can be intimidating or scary for many people. The buzzing sounds, the x-ray machines, the big chairs – it can all be a little overwhelming. If you know what you’re in for, though, your experience will be much easier to handle.
People have to visit their dentists for all sorts of reasons, but there are a few common dental procedures that we provide that everyone should know. Here are 10 of the most common dental procedures, all of which we can do at the offices of Thomas L. Anderson, DDS and Associates.
(1) Teeth Cleanings
This is by far the most common reason people visit the dentist. Dr. Anderson and his team of experts recommend a cleaning every six months; where some only recommend once a year. Either way, it’s a very important part of oral health. Your own toothbrush will never be as efficient as the tools a dentist uses to clean your teeth.
An annual or semi-annual visit for a dental cleaning will keep your teeth healthy, shiny, and strong. Plus, a cleaning causes very little discomfort, so no need to fret! Now you know why this is the #1 most common on the list of dental procedures in our industry!
(2) Professional Teeth Whitening
Like cleaning, professional teeth whitening is a relatively painless procedure. Some people are sensitive to the whitening agents used, but otherwise it’s an easy procedure that we offer to give you a dazzling smile. At-home teeth whitening kits involve a lot of extra time and effort. You need to buy kits and spend a lot of time to achieve less than customized results.
At our offices, bleaching is quicker and safer because it is performed by professionals. Most often, dentists use a special hydrogen peroxide gel and a special light source to whiten faster.
(3) Extractions
Extractions sound scary and painful. Admittedly, they are not the most pleasant of dental procedures. However, we will do everything in our power to help you feel comfortable. You may need an extraction for any number of reasons.
When having a tooth pulled, you’ll thoroughly numbed. You won’t be able to feel a thing! You may be sore afterwards, but extractions are almost always to prevent further pain. Remember, we want your teeth to be healthy and if we can SAVE Your Tooth — We WILL!
(4) Porcelain Veneers
If your teeth are crooked or discolored, we may recommend veneers. These are very popular solutions to common tooth problems for a natural-looking result. It’s essentially a thin covering placed over the front section of a tooth or set of teeth. They’re mainly used for correctional purposes, but they can be used for whitening, too. This dental process is simple and painless for most people, and it’s easy for us to perform. Ask us about a Smile Makeover … we can discuss your smile goals and customize a treatment plan just for you!
(5) Fillings
Cavities are all too common and all too easy to get. For most cavities, a filling is the recommended answer. Acids in food and inside your body can easily break down tooth enamel if overexposed.
Luckily, filling most cavities is a quick procedure. You’ll likely be numbed, which can last for a few hours after the filling is over. It usually takes about an hour to finish up, and then it’s good as new! You might feel pressure while they’re working, but it shouldn’t be painful.
(6) Porcelain Crowns
If your cavity is a little too big for a filling, or the top part of your tooth has decayed, a porcelain crown is the solution. These are usually two-visit dental procedures, but like the filling, shouldn’t be overtly painful. We will take a molding of your tooth so that our lab can craft a properly fitted crown to cover the decayed area.
The second visit will involve fitting and securing the crown, which is usually quite fast and painless. Porcelain Crowns can restore teeth and can also be used to complete a root canal treatment or a dental implant.
(7) Root Canal Therapy
This is one procedure that most people dread, and for fair reasons. Root canals are usually preceded by some pretty awful tooth pain. A root canal means the tissue inside or under your tooth is infected and inflamed. To get rid of the pain, the dentist needs to deaden the nerve and remove the tissue. Sometimes you may need to take an antibiotic before the procedure to heal any infection.
Remember, a root canal treatments get you OUT OF PAIN! The good thing is that you’ll be numbed before it happens, so you won’t feel any pain, just pressure. Once the procedure is over – and it can take a few hours – you’ll be numb for a while, but hopefully pain free since the infection will be gone.
(8) Invisalign/Braces
Most practices are moving away from traditional braces and towards Invisalign, but they both serve the same purpose. The goal is to straighten and correct crooked teeth, as straighter teeth are often healthier and easier to take care of. Classic braces use metal and other materials to slowly tighten teeth back into place. Invisalign is less visible and slower acting, but still a very effective method to achieve the same goal with clear aligners. The procedure to have them put on can leave a little ache, but nothing too extreme.
(9) Bonding
This is another way to repair damaged or chipped teeth. It involves a resin – a sort of plastic – that we tint to match the natural shade of your teeth. It’s less invasive than some other methods, especially for smaller imperfections. Several layers are needed to really secure the resin, and a light is used to “dry” each layer. The spot is then polished and cleaned so it fits naturally into the tooth. It’s an easy procedure, but can take a little while.
(10) Dentures
Dentures are usually associated with ageing, but a lot of people may need dentures. They are meant to replace teeth in a natural way, and they’re typically removable. Fitting for dentures is very common, and it takes a while. In the end, it’s worth it to have a full set of working teeth again.
Remember, we can help you decide whether full or partial dentures or dental implants will be the best option for you!
We Offer Family Dentistry in Downtown Kansas City
We are a family dentistry office and we see patients from children, to adolescents, to adults. Not only are we a downtown Kansas City dentist in Kansas City and have an incredible team, we want to treat your family and we want to treat you like family. We would never recommend a treatment for one of our patients that we wouldn’t recommend to one of our very own family members. We understand that many people have had less than stellar dental experiences and that is why we make it our goal to be accommodating to each of our patient’s unique needs.
The dental office of Thomas L. Anderson, DDS and Associates is located in the Commerce Arcade building, right in the heart of Downtown Kansas City. You can come for the new and exciting Downtown experience. We are located just minutes from the River Market restaurants and boutiques and the Power and Light District. The offices of our downtown Kansas City dentist can take care of any of your dental needs whether they are preventative, restorative or cosmetic. We want to take care of your treatment and let you begin your exploration of the new and old sites and adventures that Downtown Kansas City has to offer. We also offer lunch-time appointments for those who commute downtown for work. We make it easy to slip in a dental appointment without having to take a day off work … no one wants to take a “vacation day” to visit the dentist!
We recognize that all of our patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented dentists are committed to working with you and your family to create a stress-free, comfortable, and rewarding dental experience every time you visit our downtown Kansas City dentist.
We Believe: Everyone Should LOVE Their Smile!
We love to improve the smiles of our patients – because we love to see them smile! From dental exams to complete smile makeovers that include various cosmetic dentistry options – the professional team at the offices of Thomas L. Anderson, DDS and Associates are constantly fine-tuning their craft through the art and science of dentistry to deliver the results their patients want. Dr. Anderson and his downtown Kansas City dentist team take the time to consult with each patient and understand what they like and do not like about their smile and what they envision as the result they want. Dental treatment options are discussed, questions are answered, and the process begins with the healthy smile of their dreams as the result. Please schedule your dental exam and cleaning appointment by calling us at 816-373-4440. We look forward to meeting you!
We Can Help You Achieve the Smile of Your Dreams!
We believe everyone should love their smile and have access to affordable dental care and quality dental procedures. Learn more about the dental procedures we offer to all ages and contact us to book your appointment or schedule your dental appointment. We are currently accepting new patients and we look forward to meeting you and helping you maintain, improve or enhance your smile!
Contact us today to schedule your dental appointment and meet with our skilled dentists at one of our three conveniently located dental office locations within the Kansas City area, including Lee’s Summit / Independence, the Country Club Plaza and Downtown Kansas City. The gentle dentists and expert team at Thomas L. Anderson and Associates look forward to working with you to treat your dental emergency, achieve proper oral health and a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions about your dental insurance benefits, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to review your policy! Please give us a call today to schedule an appointment and become part of our dental family.