Checkups and Dental Procedures
Take the anxiety out of your treatment by knowing what to expect.
The Dental Visit
Choosing a Dentist
What To Look for in a Dentist
Read "Choosing a Dentist" article
Your Dentist's Education
In the United States, a dentist must complete four years of dental school.
Read "Your Dentist's Education" article
Finding a Dentist
How Do I Look for a Dentist?
Read "Finding a Dentist" article
X-Rays
X-Rays for Children
X-rays, also called radiographs, are a valuable diagnostic tool.
Read "X-Rays for Children" article
Fluoride
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a natural mineral found throughout the earth's crust and widely distributed in nature. Some foods and water supplies contain fluoride.
Read "What is Fluoride?" article
Fluoride And Your Teeth
Fluoride's Importance To The Teeth
Read "Fluoride And Your Teeth" article
Adults and Fluoride
Can adults benefit from fluoride?
Read "Adults and Fluoride" article
Fillings
Fillings: the Basics
Determining If You Need a Filling
Your dentist may use several methods to determine if you have tooth decay,
Read "Fillings: the Basics" article
What is a Filling?
A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. When a dentist gives you a filling.
Read "What is a Filling?" article
Crowns/Bridges
What are Dental Crowns and Tooth Bridges?
Both crowns and most bridges are fixed prosthetic devices. Unlike removable devices such as dentures.
Read "What are Dental Crowns and Tooth Bridges?" article
Crowns
A crown is a tooth-shaped cover placed over a tooth that is badly damaged or decayed. A crown is made to look like your tooth. Many people call it a cap.
Read "Crowns" article
Bridges
A bridge is made to replace one or more missing teeth. Bridges can be supported by natural teeth,
Read "Bridges" article
Root Canal Treatment
Root Canal Treatment
Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with diseases of the tooth's pulp. The pulp is found in the center of the tooth and in canals (called root canals) inside the root of each tooth.
Read "Root Canal Treatment" article
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is the removal of the tooth's pulp, a small, thread-like tissue in the center of the tooth
Read "What is Root Canal Treatment?" article
Illustrations: Root Canal Treatment From Start to Finish
Illustrations: Root Canal Treatment From Start to Finish
Read "Illustrations: Root Canal Treatment From Start to Finish" article
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal Disease
If you have been told you have periodontal (gum) disease, you're not alone. An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of the disease.
Read "Periodontal Disease" article
AAP Clears up Misconceptions About Periodontal Health
What causes bad breath? Is it normal for gums to bleed? Should pregnant women avoid the dentist?
Read "AAP Clears up Misconceptions About Periodontal Health" article
Dentures and Dental Implants
What are Dental Implants?
What are Dental Implants?
Read "What are Dental Implants?" article
What Are Implants?
Implants are devices that replace the roots of missing teeth, and are used to support crowns, bridges or dentures.
Read "What Are Implants?" article
Who Is an Implant Candidate?
If you're interested in replacing your missing teeth, or a single missing tooth,
Read "Who Is an Implant Candidate?" article
Tooth Removal and Extraction
Tooth Removal / Tooth Extractions
Tooth Removal / Tooth Extractions
Read "Tooth Removal / Tooth Extractions" article
Tooth Extraction
What Is It?
Read "Tooth Extraction" article
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last molars on each side of the jaws. They are also the last teeth to emerge,
Read "What are Wisdom Teeth?" article
Anesthesia
Local Anesthesia
For some dental procedures, your dentist will numb a part of your mouth by injecting anesthetic drugs into your gum or inner cheek.
Read "Local Anesthesia" article
Sealants
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are plastic coatings that are usually placed on the chewing (occlusal) surface of the permanent back teeth — the molars and premolars — to help protect them from decay.
Read "Dental Sealants" article
