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Dental Procedures: Frequently Asked Questions

Find detailed information about common dental procedures including root canals, implants, extractions, fillings, crowns, bridges, and more.

1 What is a root canal treatment and why is it needed?

A root canal treatment is a dental procedure that removes infected or damaged pulp (the soft tissue inside teeth containing nerves and blood vessels) from inside a tooth. It's needed when the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, cracks, repeated dental procedures, or injury. The procedure saves the natural tooth and prevents extraction by cleaning the canals, disinfecting them, and sealing them to prevent further infection.

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2 Are root canal treatments painful?

Modern root canal treatments are typically no more painful than getting a filling. Local anesthesia numbs the area completely during the procedure. While you might experience mild discomfort for a few days afterward as the inflammation subsides, most patients report that the procedure relieves the pain they were experiencing from the infected tooth. Over-the-counter pain medications are usually sufficient for any post-procedure discomfort.

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3 What are dental implants and how long do they last?

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots for replacement teeth. They provide a permanent base for fixed or removable replacement teeth that are designed to match your natural teeth. With proper care, the implant itself can last a lifetime, while the crown attached to it might need replacement after 10-15 years due to normal wear and tear. The long-term success rate for dental implants is around 95%.

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4 What's the difference between a dental crown and a dental bridge?

A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. It covers the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gum line. A dental bridge, on the other hand, is used to replace one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap between remaining teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) held in place by dental crowns attached to the natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap.

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5 How are cavities filled?

The process of filling a cavity involves several steps: First, the dentist numbs the area around the affected tooth with local anesthesia. Then, they remove the decayed portion of the tooth using a drill or laser. Next, they clean the cavity of bacteria and debris. Finally, they fill the cleaned cavity with a filling material (such as composite resin, amalgam, gold, or porcelain), shape it to match the tooth's natural contour, and polish it. The procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on the size and location of the cavity.

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6 What is a dental extraction and when is it necessary?

A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. It becomes necessary when a tooth is severely damaged beyond repair due to decay, trauma, or disease; when there's severe periodontal (gum) disease that has loosened the tooth; to make room for orthodontic treatment; when wisdom teeth are impacted or causing problems; or when primary (baby) teeth don't fall out in time for permanent teeth. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, sometimes with sedation for more complex cases.

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7 What happens during a professional teeth cleaning?

During a professional teeth cleaning (dental prophylaxis), a dental hygienist uses specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar (calcified plaque) from all tooth surfaces, including below the gumline where your toothbrush can't reach. They'll also polish your teeth to remove surface stains and smooth the tooth surface to make it harder for plaque to accumulate. The cleaning is usually followed by flossing and may include a fluoride treatment. The hygienist will also check for signs of potential issues like cavities or gum disease.

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8 How does teeth whitening work?

Professional teeth whitening works by using bleaching agents (usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) that break down stains into smaller pieces, which makes the color less concentrated and your teeth brighter. In-office whitening uses higher-concentration bleaching gels applied by a dentist, often activated by light or heat for faster results. Take-home professional kits use custom-fitted trays with a lower-concentration gel that you apply for a specified period. Both methods are effective, though in-office treatments typically produce more immediate results.

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9 What are dental sealants and how are they applied?

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings made of plastic or other dental materials that are applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars and premolars) to prevent decay. The application process is quick and painless: First, the teeth are thoroughly cleaned and dried. An acidic solution is briefly applied to roughen the tooth surface for better adhesion. After rinsing and drying again, the liquid sealant is painted onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens, sometimes with the help of a curing light. Sealants can last up to 10 years.

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10 What is scaling and root planing?

Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure used to treat gum disease (periodontitis). It's more intensive than a regular cleaning and focuses on the areas below the gumline. Scaling removes plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the tooth surface and below the gumline. Root planing smooths the root surfaces, removing any remaining tartar and making it harder for bacteria to adhere. The procedure may require local anesthesia and might be done over several visits. It helps the gums heal and reattach to the teeth, reducing pocket depth and the risk of further disease progression.

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11 How long does a filling, crown, or bridge last?

Dental restorations have varying lifespans. Fillings typically last 5-15 years depending on the material used (amalgam usually lasts longer than composite) and your oral habits. Dental crowns generally last 10-15 years, though gold or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can last up to 20+ years. Dental bridges typically last 10-15 years with proper care. However, these are averages - with excellent oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and avoiding habits like teeth grinding or chewing hard foods, your restorations can last significantly longer.

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12 What is the difference between traditional braces and clear aligners?

Traditional braces consist of metal or ceramic brackets bonded to teeth, connected by wires and tiny rubber bands that apply pressure to move teeth. Clear aligners are removable, transparent trays custom-made to fit over your teeth, which are changed every 1-2 weeks to progressively move teeth. Key differences include: visibility (aligners are nearly invisible); removability (aligners can be removed for eating and cleaning); comfort (aligners generally cause less irritation); treatment time (braces sometimes work faster for complex cases); and compliance (aligners require disciplined wear of 20-22 hours daily). Braces are typically more effective for complex orthodontic issues, while aligners work well for mild to moderate cases.

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13 What are veneers and how are they placed?

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials (usually porcelain or composite resin) designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve appearance. The placement process typically involves multiple visits: First, a small amount of enamel is removed from the front of the tooth (about 0.5mm). Then, an impression of the prepared tooth is taken to create the custom veneer. While the permanent veneer is being made (usually 1-2 weeks), a temporary one may be placed. Once ready, the permanent veneer is bonded to the tooth using special cement activated by light, creating a strong bond. Veneers can dramatically improve the appearance of teeth with minimal invasiveness.

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14 How are wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth (third molars) removal varies in complexity depending on whether the teeth are erupted or impacted. The procedure typically involves: administering local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia depending on complexity; making an incision in the gum to access impacted teeth if necessary; removing bone that blocks access to the tooth root; sectioning the tooth into pieces if easier to remove that way; extracting the tooth; cleaning the site of any debris; stitching the wound if necessary; and placing gauze over the extraction site to control bleeding. Recovery usually takes a few days to a week, with potential swelling, discomfort, and restricted diet during this time.

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15 What is involved in a dental implant procedure?

A dental implant procedure typically involves several stages over 3-9 months: Initial consultation and planning with imaging; surgical placement of the titanium implant into the jawbone (under local anesthesia or sedation); a healing period of 3-6 months for osseointegration (bone fusing to the implant); placement of an abutment (connector) on the implant once healed; taking impressions for creating the crown; and finally attaching the custom-made crown to the abutment. Some cases allow for immediate or early loading where a temporary crown is placed sooner. Advanced techniques like computer-guided surgery and immediate implant placement (extraction and implant placement in one visit) may also be used in suitable cases.

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