Dental procedures

Tooth extraction

Key facts Sometimes, you may need to have a tooth extracted (pulled out) by a dentist. The extraction is done either under local anaesthetic at a dentist’s office or general anaesthetic in hospital. After the procedure, you may have some discomfort, pain, and bleeding. Usually, the wound takes 2 weeks to heal. Your dentist will talk to you about things you can do to help stop complications after tooth extraction. What is a tooth extraction? Sometimes, you may need to have a tooth pulled out. This is called a tooth extraction. This tooth extraction is usually done by a dentist

Root canal treatment

Key facts A root canal treatment is a dental procedure that involves the removal of infected soft tissue (dental pulp) inside a tooth. It’s also known as endodontic treatment. You may need more than one visit to your dentist or dental specialist (endodontist) for this treatment. Root canal treatment can save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted (come out). What is a root canal treatment? A root canal treatment is a dental procedure that removes the infected dental pulp inside the middle of a tooth. It’s also called endodontic treatment. Each tooth has a canal system which

Removing wisdom teeth

What are wisdom teeth? Wisdom teeth are the teeth at the back of your mouth (the third molar teeth). They tend to come through (erupt) in the late teens or twenties. Some wisdom teeth do not come through fully (partly erupt) and get stuck (or impacted) against nearby teeth or bone. This often leaves a flap of gum over your tooth. Others grow too long (over erupt). A wisdom tooth may need to be removed for one or more of the following reasons. repeated or serious infection of the gum tooth decay a wisdom tooth can grow out too far

Dental implant procedure

Key facts A dental implant is a metal screw that is used in place of the root of a missing tooth. The screw is usually made of titanium. It’s attached to the bone in your jaw. Your dentist or dental practitioner will attach an artificial tooth to the implant. More than one visit is needed to complete your dental implant procedure. What are dental implants? A dental implant is a metal screw that is used in place of the root of your missing tooth. The dental implant is attached to the bone in your jaw where the roots of the

Orthodontic treatments

Key facts Orthodontic treatments are dental procedures that help to straighten your teeth and correct problems with your bite. You might need orthodontic treatment for many reasons. The orthodontist will examine your mouth and face, and take x-rays,or make plaster or digital models of your teeth. Treatment often involves using appliancescalled braces to straighten crooked teeth or to correct problems with your bite. What are orthodontic treatments? Orthodontic treatments help to straighten your teeth and correct problems with your bite. These treatments are often done by an orthodontist, who is a specialist dentist. Orthodontists treat children, teenagers and adults. Many

Guide to dental procedures

Key facts A dental procedure is anything that involves a dentist dental practitioner working on your mouth. Dental procedures include: a filling or crown for your tooth, treatment for gum disease, straightening crowded teeth, dental surgery or having dentures made. Dental procedures can help you with pain, infection, an injury or other problems with your teeth or gums. Find out the benefits, risks and costs before you go ahead with a dental procedure. What are dental procedures? A dental procedure is anything that involves a dentist or dental practitioner working on your mouth. Dental procedures can help with: pain infections

Dentures

Key facts Dentures are false teeth that are worn to replace missing teeth. If you have missing teeth, wearing dentures can make it easier to eat and speak. Your dentures can make you feel more confident. What are dentures? Dentures are false teeth that are worn to replace missing teeth. If you have missing teeth, wearing dentures can: make eating easier make speaking easier improve your confidence Dentures are usually made of acrylic resin (plastic) or a lightweight metal frame (mainly cobalt chrome) with plastic teeth. When might you need dentures? Your dentist or dental prosthetist might speak to you

Dental fillings

Key facts You may need a dental filling if there is a cavity (hole) in your tooth due to decay or trauma. Various materials can be used for dental fillings. Dental fillings help protect your tooth from further damage. A dental filling will help your tooth look and work at its best. Your dentist or dental practitioner can tell you the best filling material to fix your tooth. What is a dental filling? Your dentist or dental practitioner can use a dental filling to fix a cavity (hole), in a tooth. You may need a filling if you have tooth decay or if

Dental crown procedure

Key facts A dental crown is a cap or cover that is specially made and fixed to your tooth. Crowns can help your tooth look and function better. You may need 2 visits to your dentist for a dental crown procedure. Once the crown is fixed in place you can eat normally. What is a dental crown? A dental crown is a cap or covering for an existing tooth. It can improve the way a decayed or broken tooth looks and make it stronger. Crowns can be made from porcelain, zirconia, gold alloy or a combination of porcelain and metal. When might

Dental bridge

Key facts A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. A dental bridge is fixed to your natural teeth and is not removable. If you look after it well, a dental bridge can last for many years. What is a dental bridge? A dental bridge can replace missing teeth with false teeth. The bridge is attached to your teeth on either side of the gap. Unlike dentures, a dental bridge is not removable. It’s fixed in place by your dentist or dental practitioner during the dental bridge procedure. Bridges are usually made of porcelain and metals such