A dentist can make your smile brighter, with the use of several techniques and dental work. He is a licensed professional who is qualified to diagnose and treat conditions related to the teeth and mouth. He can assess the health of your teeth and perform necessary treatments and procedures to prevent future damage. Despite the horror stories about dental procedures, a visit to the dentist’s office doesn’t have to be scary. If you have been putting off a visit to your dentist because of this fear, then you should learn the facts on various types of dental work.
Common Dental Work

A root canal treatment is probably the most feared dental procedure. It’s not as painful as it sounds, especially when you prepare yourself by knowing what to expect. Anesthesia is applied to your tooth and surrounding gums to numb the area. Once the area is numb, the dentist drills a hole through the tooth to access its cavity. A root canal file is used to remove excess pulp and an antiseptic solution is applied to clean root canals. As a final touch, the dentist fills your root canal with a flexible plastic compound and places a crown or tooth cap to seal the dental work.

Tooth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental work today. As opposed to store-bought whitening treatments, a dentist-supervised procedure makes use of a customized program for optimal results. A hydrogen peroxide solution is applied to your teeth and is left to soak for a few minutes before rinsing off. Your dentist will repeat this a few times. Afterward, he uses a high intensity light to trigger a chemical reaction that results in brighter teeth. This whitening dental work helps you achieve a shade that is about 2 to 3 times brighter.

Dental fillings are the most common type of dental work. Each person probably needs at least one dental filling restoration in his lifetime. However, today’s dental fillings are different from the gray or black-tinged material that they used in older dental work. Resin fillings can be color-matched to your teeth, making them less conspicuous. They are more durable than amalgam or mercury fillings, and less toxic, and can even strengthen your tooth.

Caring for Your Teeth

Aside from regular visits to the dentist, personal dental hygiene is necessary to preserve any dental work that you have had done. Brushing and flossing are obvious ways to prevent decay and remove plaque. Eat a well balanced diet, and avoid sugary and starchy food to maintain tooth and gum health as well. Flossing is essential to prevent gingivitis.