What are dental procedures?
Your dentist might recommend a dental procedure if you have pain, infection, an injury, disease, deformity or other problems with your teeth or gums. If you’ve been told you should have a dental procedure – or you’re considering having one done – this will help you with some things to think and ask about.
A dental procedure is anything that involves a dentist working on your mouth. They include:
- a filling
- pulling a tooth out
- putting a crown on a tooth
- surgery or treatment for gum disease (called periodontal disease)
- straightening crowded teeth
- aligning teeth, bite and jaws
- having a denture, dental implant or bridge made and fitted after losing teeth
dental surgery or treatment after an injury or cancer
What Your Dentist discuss with you before a procedure
Your dentist or dental specialist will explain to you clearly what the procedure involves. You need to agree to any treatment for you or your child including the fees before treatment begins.
Here you can also ask your dentist about any concerns that you have. Questions such as:
- How long will the procedure take and what does it involve?
- What does it cost?
- What are the risks and benefits?
- What are the alternatives?
- Do I have a choice about what fillings are used?
- What should I expect after the procedure? For example, if you are having your wisdom teeth extracted, it can take 4 or 5 days for the pain and swelling to subside.
- What sort of anaesthetic will I be given? Remember to tell the dentist about any allergies you have.
- What can I do to prevent tooth decay and gum disease in future?
