Root canal treatment is a procedure used to save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. It involves removing the damaged pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it to prevent further infection.

Modern root canal treatments are generally painless due to the use of anesthesia. Patients may feel some discomfort afterward, but it is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.

A root canal procedure typically takes 1-2 appointments, depending on the complexity of the case. Each appointment can last between 60 to 90 minutes.

Crowns are caps placed over damaged teeth to restore their shape, size, and function. Bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring onto adjacent natural teeth or implants.

With proper care, dental crowns and bridges can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, or even longer.

Crowns and bridges restore functionality, improve appearance, and prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of place.

Dental implants are metal posts or frames that are surgically placed into the jawbone beneath the gums. They serve as a foundation for mounting replacement teeth.

Dental implants are a safe and well-established treatment. Success rates vary depending on the location in the jaw, but they generally exceed 95%.

Recovery from dental implant surgery typically takes a few days to a week, but complete healing and integration of the implant with the jawbone can take several months.

Professional teeth whitening at a dental clinic or using at-home kits are the most common options for whitening teeth.

Yes, when performed by a dental professional or using dentist-approved kits, teeth whitening is safe. However, overuse can lead to tooth sensitivity.

The effects of teeth whitening can last from several months to a few years, depending on your diet, lifestyle, and oral hygiene habits.

Dental fillings are materials used to restore the function and integrity of a tooth's structure that has been damaged by decay or trauma.

Common materials for fillings include composite resin (tooth-colored), amalgam (silver-colored), gold, and ceramic.

The lifespan of a dental filling depends on the material used and how well you care for your teeth, but they can last from 5 to 15 years.

Wisdom teeth often need to be removed if they are impacted, cause crowding, or lead to pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth.

The procedure itself is done under anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain. Some discomfort and swelling are normal after the procedure, but this can be managed with pain relievers.

Recovery typically takes a few days to a week. Full healing of the extraction site can take several weeks.

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are placed over the front surface of the teeth to improve their appearance.

People with chipped, stained, misaligned, or unevenly spaced teeth are good candidates for dental veneers.

With proper care, dental veneers can last between 10 to 15 years.

Dental braces are used to correct misaligned teeth, crowded teeth, and bite issues like overbite or underbite.

The duration varies depending on the complexity of the case, but most patients wear braces for 18 to 24 months.

Yes, alternatives include clear aligners, ceramic braces, and lingual braces, which are less noticeable than traditional metal braces.

It is recommended that a child visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth coming in.

You can prepare your child by explaining what will happen in a positive manner, reading books about going to the dentist, and setting a good example by maintaining your own dental appointments.

Common dental treatments for children include cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, fillings, and space maintainers.

A jaw bone fracture is a break or crack in the jawbone, typically caused by trauma such as an accident or sports injury.

Treatment typically involves aligning the bones properly, which may require surgery, and immobilizing the jaw with wiring or a plate until it heals.

Recovery time varies, but most patients heal within 6 to 8 weeks. Full recovery may take longer depending on the severity of the fracture.

Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop in the jawbone, while tumors are abnormal growths of tissue. Both can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the cyst or tumor, and in some cases, additional therapy may be needed if the growth is malignant.

Symptoms can include swelling, pain, difficulty chewing or speaking, and in some cases, loose teeth or a change in jaw shape.

Oral cancer screening is a procedure in which a dentist or doctor checks for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth.

Oral cancer screenings are recommended for everyone, especially those who use tobacco, consume alcohol frequently, or have a history of cancer.

During an oral cancer screening, the dentist will examine your mouth, lips, and throat for any abnormal sores, lumps, or discoloration.

Complete dentures are removable appliances that replace all the missing teeth in a patient's upper or lower jaw.

With proper care, complete dentures can last between 5 to 10 years. However, they may need to be adjusted, relined, or replaced over time.

To care for your dentures, brush them daily with a non-abrasive cleaner, soak them in a denture-cleaning solution, and rinse them thoroughly before wearing.

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth, gums, and smile. Common procedures include teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding.

Cosmetic dentistry can enhance your smile, boost your confidence, and even improve the functionality of your teeth.

Yes, cosmetic dentistry procedures are generally safe when performed by a qualified dental professional. However, it's important to have a consultation to discuss your specific needs and any potential risks.

Gum surgery is a procedure to treat gum disease or to reshape the gum line for cosmetic purposes. It can involve removing excess gum tissue, grafting, or regenerating lost tissue.

Gum surgery may be necessary when non-surgical treatments are not effective in treating gum disease, or for aesthetic reasons to correct a "gummy" smile.

After gum surgery, follow your dentist’s instructions, which may include taking prescribed medications, using a special mouthwash, and avoiding certain foods until healing is complete.