Picture this: you’re chowing down on a bucket of crunchy popcorn in Wrigley Field watching the game.
All of a sudden, you feel something break in your mouth. Ouch, and it hurts, too.
Maybe it’s finally time to go to the dentist? You should probably get your popcorn tooth checked out and, come to think of it, when was the last time you got a cleaning? What kinds of things do dentists even do anymore?
Keep reading to learn about three of the most common and essential dental services in the Windy City.
1. Emergency Dental Service
First of all, if the situation is life-threatening, calling 9-1-1 will be the way to go. Most small dentists’ offices keep regular business hours and do not have the tools to handle a serious mouth or jaw injury.
The popcorn you broke your tooth on earlier? That’s probably not a dire emergency, but try telling that to the intense pain.
If you need fast dental care, most family dentists can get you in with no problem. Just make a quick phone call or an online appointment through the system on their website.
2. Regular Cleaning
Regular teeth cleaning services are important because they help keep your teeth healthy and free of plaque and tartar buildup. And yes, they can tell how often you floss.
What can you expect from a teeth cleaning service? During a typical cleaning, your technician will:
- Remove any plaque or tartar buildup
- Polish your teeth
- Check for signs of gum disease or tooth decay
You can also expect to have a brighter smile and fresher breath after your service!
3. Other Dental Services
Here’s a brief list of less common dental services:
Periodontic Treatment
Periodontics deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the gums and supporting bone.
Gingivitis is the most common form of periodontal disease. It’s a mild infection of the gums that can often be reversed with the help of a licensed Periodontist.
Extractions
A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone.
The procedure is usually performed by a family dentist but may be done by an oral surgeon if the tooth is impacted or broken.
Crowns and Fillings
Crowns: You need a crown when a tooth has been damaged or weakened by decay to the point where it can’t support a filling. Dentists also give crowns to improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth.
Fillings: Fillings repair small cavities and cracks in teeth. If left untreated, these minor issues can turn into bigger problems over time.
Time to Start Flossing?
So are you going to get your popcorn tooth checked out? Did you realize you’ve also been having sore gums and you need a Chicago periodontics expert to help?
Now that you’ve taken a look at these dental services, you can start thinking about scheduling your next appointment. Be sure to start flossing so they think you do it all the time.
If you enjoyed learning about dental service in the Windy City, take a look at some of our other city services guides in our blog!
