You trust your family dentist with a lot. Your comfort. Your time. Your health. You also deserve to know what actually happens in the chair. Common dental treatments are not mysterious. They follow clear steps that protect you and your children from pain, infection, and tooth loss. When you understand these treatments, you feel less fear and more control. You can ask sharper questions. You can spot problems early. You might visit a dentist in Transcona, or one in another neighborhood. The core treatments are often the same. Cleanings. Fillings. Crowns. Root canals. Extractions. Each one has a clear purpose. Each one aims to stop damage before it grows. This guide walks through what these treatments are, why you might need them, and what to expect at each visit. You deserve straight answers about your care.
1. Routine Checkups and Cleanings
Regular visits keep small problems from turning into emergencies. You should know what happens during a standard visit.
- Exam. The dentist checks your teeth, gums, and bite. You may also get X-rays. These pictures show hidden decay and bone loss.
- Cleaning. A hygienist removes plaque and tartar. Then your teeth get polished. This helps prevent cavities and gum disease.
- Fluoride. You or your child may receive a fluoride treatment. This strengthens tooth enamel and lowers the risk of decay.
Most families do best with checkups every six months. If you or your child has frequent cavities, your dentist may suggest more visits. Early care costs less money and less stress.
2. Fillings for Cavities
Cavities are common in children and adults. A filling restores a tooth after decay. The steps are direct.
- The dentist numbs the tooth.
- The decay gets removed with a drill or other tool.
- The space is cleaned and shaped.
- A filling material is placed and hardened.
Common materials include composite resin tooth colored and amalgam, silver colored. Each has strengths. Composite blends with your teeth. Amalgam lasts a long time in the back teeth, where you chew harder.
Comparison of Common Filling Materials
| Feature | Composite (Tooth Colored) | Amalgam (Silver Colored) |
|---|---|---|
| Best location | Front and visible teeth | Back chewing teeth |
| Appearance | Blends with tooth | Dark metal look |
| Typical durability | Many years with care | Often longer in heavy use teeth |
| Tooth removal needed | Less tooth removed | More tooth structure removed |
You can ask which option fits your tooth, your budget, and your comfort.
3. Crowns to Protect Weak Teeth
A crown is a strong cover for a damaged tooth. It restores shape and strength. Dentists often use crowns when a tooth has
- A large cavity that a filling cannot support
- A crack
- A root canal treatment
- Heavy wear
The usual steps include
- Shaping the tooth so the crown can fit
- Taking a mold or digital scan
- Placing a temporary crown
- Fitting the final crown at a later visit
Crowns can be metal, porcelain, or a mix. You can ask about strength, look, and cost. For children, a stainless steel crown may protect a baby tooth that has deep decay. This prevents early loss of the tooth and helps the child chew and speak.
4. Root Canal Treatment
Root canals treat infection inside a tooth. They often save teeth that would otherwise need removal. Pain, swelling, or a deep cavity can signal the need for this treatment.
During a root canal, the dentist
- Numbs the tooth
- Removes infected pulp tissue
- Cleans and shapes the root canals
- Fills the canals with a rubber-like material
- Seals the tooth, often with a crown
The goal is simple. Remove infection. Relieve pain. Keep the tooth so you can chew.
5. Tooth Extractions
Sometimes a tooth cannot be saved. Extraction is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. Your dentist may recommend this if you have
- A tooth with deep decay that reaches below the gum
- A broken tooth that cannot hold a crown
- Severe infection and bone loss
- Crowding before orthodontic treatment
- Impacted wisdom teeth
The dentist numbs the area. Then the tooth is loosened and removed. You receive instructions for home care. These steps lower the risk of infection and support healing.
6. Preventive Treatments for Children
Family dental practices focus on children. Early prevention protects adult teeth before they even grow in.
- Sealants. Thin coatings are placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Sealants block food and germs from hiding in grooves.
- Fluoride varnish. A quick brush on treatment. It hardens the enamel. It works well for children at high risk for cavities.
- Growth checks. The dentist watches how the jaws and teeth grow. Early signs of crowding or bite problems lead to timely referrals.
You can help by bringing your child to their first birthday or when the first tooth appears. Short visits build trust and reduce fear.
7. Gum Care and Deep Cleaning
Gum disease can cause tooth loss and affect your general health. Signs include bleeding gums, bad breath, and loose teeth. A regular cleaning may not be enough if the disease has started.
Your dentist may suggest scaling and root planing. Many people call this a deep cleaning. The hygienist cleans below the gum line. Rough spots on the roots are smoothed. This helps gums reattach to the tooth. You may receive numbing for comfort.
After deep cleaning, you return for follow up. You may need cleanings more often to keep the disease under control.
8. Simple Cosmetic Treatments
Many family practices offer basic cosmetic care. These treatments focus on healthy teeth that you want to look better.
- Teeth whitening. Your dentist can use stronger products than store kits. This can remove stains from coffee, tea, or tobacco.
- Bonding. Tooth colored material is added to fix small chips, close small gaps, or change shape.
- Simple orthodontic options. Some offices offer clear aligners for mild crowding. Others refer you to an orthodontist.
Cosmetic care is personal. You can talk through what bothers you most. Then you and your dentist can set realistic goals.
How Often Should You Visit
Every month is different. Yet public health experts offer clear starting points. The CDC states that regular dental care helps prevent cavities and gum disease. Many people do well with two visits each year. If you have diabetes, smoke, or have a history of gum disease, you may need more visits.
When you know what to expect, you walk into your appointment with less fear and more strength. You can protect your teeth. You can protect your children. You can use these common treatments to stay out of pain and keep your smile working for your whole life.
