A basic dental procedure is a routine, non-specialized treatment performed by a general dentist, focusing on the prevention, diagnosis, and simple restoration of common oral health issues. These procedures form the foundation of ongoing dental care and are typically covered by standard dental insurance plans. Basic procedures address problems like early-stage decay or maintain overall mouth health before conditions progress to require complex interventions. They are generally completed during a standard office visit without the need for extensive laboratory work or specialized surgical facilities.
Maintaining Oral Health
Basic dental care centers on preventative measures and regular diagnostic assessments designed to catch problems early. A professional cleaning, known as prophylaxis, is a foundational procedure where a dental hygienist removes plaque and hardened tartar, or calculus, from the tooth surfaces and along the gumline. This scaling process uses specialized instruments to dislodge mineralized deposits that regular brushing and flossing cannot remove, helping prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease. The cleaning is typically followed by polishing using a gritty paste to smooth the tooth surfaces, making it more difficult for new plaque to adhere.
The routine dental exam is performed by the dentist, often immediately following the cleaning, to assess the health of the teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues. This examination includes checking for signs of decay, evaluating existing restorations, and screening for oral health issues, such as gum disease or oral cancer. Diagnostic imaging, usually dental X-rays, is a component of the assessment, revealing issues invisible to the naked eye. These images help identify interproximal decay between teeth, bone loss associated with gum disease, or problems within the tooth’s root structure.
Preventative applications strengthen the tooth structure against future decay. Fluoride treatments are often applied at the end of a cleaning, either as a varnish or a foam, to remineralize enamel and increase resistance to acid erosion. Dental sealants involve applying a thin, plastic coating onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth. This coating flows into the natural pits and grooves of molars, creating a smooth barrier that seals out food particles and bacteria, which significantly lowers the risk of developing cavities.
Repairing Minor Damage
When decay penetrates the enamel and creates a cavity, the most common basic restorative procedure is a dental filling. This treatment stops the progression of decay, restores the tooth’s structure, and prevents infection from reaching the sensitive inner pulp. The procedure begins with a local anesthetic to numb the area, ensuring patient comfort. A high-speed drill is then used to carefully remove all decayed and compromised tooth material until only healthy structure remains.
The cleaned cavity is shaped and treated with a bonding agent to ensure the filling material adheres securely. The material chosen depends on the tooth’s location and patient preference, with amalgam and composite resin being the most frequent options. Amalgam, a silver-colored mixture of metals, is durable and often used for back teeth that endure heavy chewing forces. Composite resin is a tooth-colored plastic and glass mixture that offers an aesthetic option, bonded to the tooth in layers and hardened using a specialized curing light.
Once the material is placed and cured, the dentist sculpts and adjusts the filling to match the natural contours of the tooth. This ensures the filling does not interfere with the patient’s bite or cause discomfort when chewing. The final stage involves polishing the filling surface to create a smooth finish that resists plaque accumulation. A simple filling restores the tooth’s function and integrity, preventing the need for more complex treatments like crowns or root canals.
Simple Tooth Removal
While prevention and restoration are the primary goals of basic dentistry, a simple tooth extraction is sometimes necessary when a tooth is damaged beyond repair or poses a risk to oral health. A simple extraction is the removal of a tooth that is fully visible above the gum line and has a relatively intact structure, which can be removed without surgical intervention. This procedure is distinct from a surgical extraction, which involves an incision into the gum tissue or the removal of surrounding bone. The need for simple removal usually arises from severe decay, extensive fracture, or advanced periodontal disease where the tooth has lost too much supporting bone.
The process for a simple extraction begins with local anesthesia to numb the area, ensuring the patient only feels pressure, not pain. The dentist uses specialized instruments, called elevators, to gently loosen the tooth from the periodontal ligament that anchors it within the jawbone. Once loosened, forceps are used to grasp the visible portion of the tooth and remove it from the socket. Following the removal, gauze is placed over the site to encourage the formation of a blood clot, which is crucial for initial healing and preventing a condition known as dry socket.