For some people, any type of dental procedure can be scary when it’s your own mouth. Having information about these procedures can help reduce your fears and anxiety in visiting the dentist. In this article, we will be giving you the five most common dental procedures in the Philippines.

Children and adults need to visit their dentists regularly to see if there are any problems or issues with their oral health. Prevention is also better than cure when it comes to your dental health. Once you know what to expect during these common dental procedures, you will feel comfortable in the dentist’s chair.

Here are the most common dental procedures in the Philippines:

1. Extractions

A tooth needs to be completely removed when it is broken or beyond repair. Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. There are two types of extraction; Simple and Surgical extraction. These types of extraction uses local anesthetic. Local anesthesia is the temporary loss of sensation in one part of the body and is topically applied or injected agent without losing the person’s consciousness.

Simple extraction is for the visible teeth that can be removed by loosening the tooth and removing it. Surgical extraction is sometimes performed by an oral surgeon or an orthodontist for a tooth. Your dentist may make a small cut into your gums to access the tooth and remove it. After the extraction, your doctor will give you an anti-inflammatory medication.

2. Fillings and Repair

This is one of the most often performed procedures in a dental office. Your doctor might use different methods to figure out where the decayed tooth is. They might use x-rays or a cavity detecting dye. Your dentist will use a silver metal or white composite material to fill the hole and even out the chewing surface, and to seal it at the same time once the cavity is found. Cavity may no longer grow in that area as long as you are practicing proper oral health care.

3. Braces

Braces are usually recommended by a dentist to improve a patient’s orofacial appearance. Getting and maintaining braces can be nerve-wracking for some people. Crooked, crowded teeth, incorrect jaw position, overbites and underbites, and disorders of the jaw joints are corrected when braces are used.

There are four types of braces; traditional braces are made of high-grade stainless steel and have metal brackets that are attached to each tooth. Ceramic braces are same as traditional braces but the brackets are made from a clear, transparent ceramic material. Damon braces are popular with orthodontists because it provides a lighter treatment and is self-ligating, and uses a slide mechanism instead of elastics to connect archwires. Lastly, Invisalign is a type involves clear plastic alignments that resembles mouth guards which are custom made for you.

4. Root Canal

This is a type of treatment that can repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed. The removal of the infected or irritated nerve tissue that lies within the root of the tooth is known as Root Canal. The nerve and pulp are removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. The tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form if left untreated.

5. Teeth Whitening

Most of us wants that perfect pearly white teeth, that’s why, we use all types of toothpastes that can help brighten up our smile, but some people want instant results. They opt for a laser teeth whitening treatment. This procedure has been developed for a fast and efficient reduction of discoloration and staining. This treatment uses light-activated bleaching gel to whiten your teeth.

Some of us are afraid of going to the dentist, and in order to avoid procedures like these, we must practice proper oral health care such as brushing our teeth, flossing, and gargling an antiseptic mouthwash.

Looking for a dental clinic in Manila? Contact us today and we can help you give you the perfect smile that you need! We also have branches at Calasiao and Lingayen, Pangasinan.