Common Procedure Summaries
Below is a list of common procedures that we perform (in alphabetical order). The list is not all inclusive and is provided as a brief synopsis of procedures for parents to refer if in need of more information before or after an appointment. Dr. Thiel and staff will go over each procedure with you in detail and answer any questions or concerns you might have during your appointment.
- bleaching/whitening – use of a peroxide based material to whiten naturally discolored teeth; agents include whitening strips or custom plastic trays and a gel based peroxide that is used while sleeping
- bonding – adding tooth-colored material to fill in blank spaces between teeth; teeth are sculpted to look natural with bonding agent
- check-up/exam – screening for oral health issues such as cavities, gum disease, improper eruption of teeth, oral cancer, etc.; recommended twice per year
- cleaning/prophylaxis – removing harmful plaque and tarter above and below the gum-line and polishing to remove surface staining on teeth
- crowns – a restorative procedure that is used when a portion of the tooth is lost due to dental decay or due to trauma
- extractions – required when a tooth is not lost naturally or if dental decay or trauma results in an infection surrounding the root surface
- fillings – materials such as amalgam or composite resin that is used to replace a decayed surface of the tooth after the decay is removed
- fluoride – topical application applied directly to the teeth to provide protection to the tooth from dental decay; this treatment is recommended twice a year directly after the dental cleaning/prophylaxis
- general anesthesia – this procedure is recommended for very young children or patients that have difficulty cooperating with treatment in the office; an inhalation anesthetic is administered by a medical anesthesiologist in a surgery center or operating room environment and during this procedure all dental treatment, x-rays, cleanings are provided
- pulpotomy – this procedure removes part of an infected or irritated portion of the nerve and blood vessels within the tooth; a sedative material is placed to help allow the remaining nerve and blood vessel tissue to heal while a restorative material such as a crown is placed over the tooth for strength
- sealants – bonding material is placed on grooves and pits on back teeth to prevent decay; no drilling or anesthesia required
- sedation – an inhalation or oral medication that helps reduce the anxiety that some children will have in response to dental procedures
- space maintainers – an appliance is placed to keep baby teeth from shifting into a lost tooth space so the permanent tooth can erupt in its natural proper space; the small appliance is placed in the mouth around the empty space
- X-rays – taking images (with low radiation and a special lead apron to reduce exposure) of teeth’s subsurface to help identify problems that are not externally visible; allows treatment to occur for problems before problems become serious