Dental Procedures

Because dentists believe the best teeth are your own teeth, modern dental offices perform hundreds of different dental procedures to make sure you keep your teeth.

Your dentist may recommend a procedure for one of several reasons:

• Prevention - to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as they are now.
• Restoration - to treat damaged teeth and gums and replace lost teeth.
• Cosmetic - to improve the appearance of your teeth.

Some of these procedures are straightforward, while others are more involved. The information in this section has been provided to help you understand the different procedures available to keep your smile healthy.

Only your dentist has the skills, training and expertise to identify and address all your oral health care needs. The information on this section is intended for informational use only and does not substitute the professional care of your dentist. If you have a question or concern that is not covered in this section, please contact CDA or ask your dentist.

Orthodontics - Orthodontic treatment uses braces or other appliances to put gentle pressure on your teeth and eventually move them into the right position.

Root Canal Treatment - Root canal treatment is the process of removing the infected, injured or dead pulp from a tooth.

Fillings - There are several different types of fillings that can be used to fill a cavity, but the final decision on which type of filling is placed in your mouth is yours alone.

Crowns - If your tooth is damaged but not lost, a crown (also called a cap) can be used to cover the damaged part of your tooth. A crown protects your tooth from further damage.

Bridges & Dentures - Bridges and dentures are two ways to restore a badly damaged tooth or replace a lost tooth.

Dental implants - Dental implants are used to replace missing roots and support replacement teeth, which may be fixed to the implant(s). Or you may be able to take them out yourself.

Teeth whitening - Although teeth are not naturally meant to be completely white, many Canadians want a brighter smile. Responding to this desire, a wide range of "whitening" options has become available to consumers.

Bonding & Veneers - Bonding and veneers make your teeth look better by changing their colour, shape or spacing.

Care After Minor Oral Surgery - Sometimes, after minor oral surgery, you may have pain, bleeding and swelling. This section offers some advice on dealing with these problems.

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