When you think about dentists, cleaning and filling teeth may come to mind. But, today’s dentists can provide a wide range of services for better oral health care. In fact, Fairbanks dentists are skilled professionals offering the highest level of care for people needing a variety of treatments. Here are some of the dental practices offered by your local dentist.

#1 Bonding

Teeth are one of the most visible features of a person’s face, so it’s important to feel comfortable about their appearance. If you have a chip in your teeth, a space between teeth, or discolored teeth, it may make you self-conscious about smiling. Bonding is a procedure in which a dentist applies a resin material to teeth to hide imperfections.

#2 Bridges

When a person is missing teeth, a dentist may recommend a bridge, which is a single artificial tooth or set of artificial teeth placed in between natural teeth or dental implants. The benefits of a bridge are both cosmetic and practical. While improving the appearance of teeth by filling a gap, bridges also help stabilize the placement of existing teeth.

#3 Crowns

If a tooth has developed extensive decay or cracks, your North Pole dentist may recommend a crown, which is a cap that fully covers the existing tooth. The cap is shaped to look like a regular tooth, so it appears natural in your mouth.

#4 Dental Implants

Implants involve surgically placing a small post in the jawbone and then mounting an artificial tooth on the post. Implants provide greater stability when conditions are not ideal for a bridge alone. In cases in which anchor teeth are not present on both sides for a bridge, a dental implant may be recommended.

#5 Mouth Guards/Night Guards

Special teeth guards can be custom made to protect your teeth. As an example, mouth guards offer protection for athletes playing contact sports. Alaska dental arts practitioners see a lot of demand for hockey players wanting mouth guards. Night guards are recommended for people who grind their teeth while sleeping. The guards provide a shield that protects enamel from excessive wear.

#6 Root Canals

Inside the hard shell of teeth, a soft tissue called pulp exists, which consists of blood vessels and nerves. When teeth are damaged, the pulp can become infected or compromised, often resulting in pain and discomfort. Root canals involve removing the pulp and sealing the tooth to keep infection out.

#7 Sealants

No matter how well you brush and floss your teeth, there are areas that are difficult to reach, especially for teeth toward the back of your mouth. A Fairbanks dentist can apply a sealant to keep teeth protected in those areas, reducing the changes of tooth decay.

#8 Whitening

People admire beautiful white teeth. But over time, food, beverages, smoking, and age can discolor them. Your dentist can provide whitening treatments to brighten your teeth and smile.

#9 Veneers

To correct worn, chipped or yellowed teeth, your dental professional may suggest applying veneers, which are made of porcelain or composite materials. Veneers can restore teeth to a natural, healthy appearance.

A Reason to Smile

Fairbanks dentists offer many services in addition to routine cleaning and filling. Preventative and corrective procedures can ensure a lifetime of smiles about your family’s oral health.