Should you whiten your teeth at home or the dentist’s office?
It depends on how bright you’d like your smile to be. At-home teeth whitening products only contain three to 20% peroxide. Whereas dentists have access to whiteners containing as much as 43% peroxide!
For the most dramatic results, we suggest going to your dentist. You can get your teeth 8 shades brighter than they usually are, and it’ll probably only take about 60 minutes.
What can other types of dental procedures your dentist help with? Read on to find out!
1. Extraction Oral Procedures
First, on our list of dental procedures, let’s talk about tooth extractions. Whenever they can, your dentist is going to want to save your tooth. However, sometimes the damage to a tooth is so advanced that the tooth is beyond repair.
When decay or damage is unfixable, a dentist will choose to extract the tooth entirely. Another reason for a tooth extraction would include having a crowded mouth.
An overcrowded mouth means that there are too many teeth for you to have a comfortable bite. After the extraction, you can decide between dentures vs implants, depending on your situation.
2. Overcoming Dental Problems With Veneers
One of the biggest dental problems patients face is cavities. To give your teeth the best protection possible, consider getting dental veneers. Veneers are a permanent procedure.
A layer of material is carefully placed over your tooth surface. The dentist will use either composite or porcelain as the fabric. Along with keeping your teeth safe from damage, the material also improves the aesthetics of your smile.
The best part is that veneers are stain-resistant. The glossy coating keeps molecules from penetrating deep underneath their surface.
Your teeth, on the other hand, have pores that make it easy for damage to occur. After getting a complete set of veneers, you’ll find that your smile is brighter and stronger.
3. Routine Cleanings and Root Scaling
When’s the last time you saw your dentist for a routine cleaning? You should be seeing your dentist at least twice a year to get your teeth professionally cleaned. If you suffer from a problem switches periodontal disease, you’ll need to schedule even more cleanings.
Some dentist offices provide advanced cleaning treatments known as root scaling. Individuals with gum disease have issues with bacteria becoming trapped in their gum pockets. Root scaling will get rid of this bacteria while also helping your dentist keep an eye on any potential decay.
When it comes time to get your cleaning, let your dentist know if you’re sensitive to hot or cold water. You should also make them aware that your teeth are extra sensitive in general. A lot of dentistry practices will be happy to provide numbing gels or even inject an oral anesthetic.
Preparing for Dental Procedures
Now that you know about a few of the most common dental procedures, you can better prepare yourself for your next visit. Since nobody likes surprises, go ahead and reach out to your dentist now. Find out exactly what will be happening during your next appointment.
If you don’t have an appointment scheduled, now would be a great time to make one. If you’d like to find out more ways to stay on top of your health, we’ve got you covered. Read another one of our blog posts.
