A Dental clinic is a type of dental care provider. They provide general and specialty care, including X-rays and cleaning. They may also perform advanced reconstructions of teeth. In addition, they can offer pain relief to patients suffering from toothaches.

Dental clinics are often associated with schools, hospitals, or government offices. They also serve as teaching institutions for dentists in training.

Dental checkups

Dental clinics offer a range of treatments for different oral health issues. In addition, they also provide education and guidance on proper brushing and flossing habits. They may also offer sliding-scale fees to patients who cannot afford to pay the full price of a treatment.

During a routine visit, a dentist cleans the patient’s teeth and gums using various tools and techniques. This removes plaque and tartar that can’t be removed with regular brushing and flossing.

After the cleaning, a dentist examines the mouth and jaw area for signs of gum disease. Often, this involves checking for gum pockets. Those that are deeper than 4 mm indicate periodontitis, which is a more severe form of gum disease. They also check the tongue, soft palette, and throat for any abnormalities.

Fillings

When tooth decay (also known as cavities) compromises a tooth’s structure, fillings can help repair the damaged area. Dental fillings restore the original shape of the tooth, reduce sensitivity, and prevent further damage. During the procedure, the dentist uses a drill to remove the damaged material. She then checks that the cavity is clean and free of bacteria.

The dentist can then select the appropriate filling material. Composite (tooth-colored) fillings are quick and can usually be completed in a single visit. Amalgam fillings are more durable and can last up to 15 years. However, they may not look as natural as composite fillings. Indirect fillings are crafted in a lab, require two visits to the dentist, and are used when enough tooth remains for an indirect restoration.

Crowns

Crowns are a popular restorative dentistry solution for teeth that have been damaged by tooth decay, fractured or broken, or have large existing fillings. They also help improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth. Crowns are fabricated in a lab setting and can be made of different materials like ceramic, noble metals, porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. During the process, we will gently reduce your natural tooth size and shape to fit the crown.

For front teeth, we recommend a ceramic crown that can be color-matched to your smile. We may recommend a PFM or all-metal crown for back teeth, due to their durability and strength. They last longest and can withstand biting and chewing. The metallic color is a drawback, however.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are non-removable replacement teeth that improve your appearance, speech, and chewing abilities. They can also help prevent bone loss in the jaw where missing teeth are located. They can replace single or multiple missing teeth, and can be placed in the front and/or back of your mouth.

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon performs a physical exam, takes panoramic X-rays, and acquires 3D cone beam CT to evaluate whether you have enough healthy bone for dental implant placement. If the bone is too soft or thin, a bone graft can be performed to increase its strength and density.

The surgeon surgically places the titanium implant post, which is then covered by gum tissue to heal. After healing, a connector piece called an abutment is screwed onto the implant.

Emergency dentistry

When a dental emergency happens, the best thing to do is call a dentist and schedule an appointment. They’ll be able to tell you whether the problem is urgent and needs immediate care or if it can wait a day or two.

Dental clinics are typically located in hospitals, schools, or government offices. They are usually small rooms that contain dental chairs, lighting, handheld tools and devices, and storage areas. They may also have a reception area where desk staff wait for patients and access patient records.

They can also offer services like root canal therapy, dental bridges, crowns, teeth whitening, and IV sedation. These procedures can make your smile brighter and healthier. They can also help prevent gum disease and tooth loss. Moreover, they can also help with sleep apnea.