The United States dental services market grew to an estimated $1.5 billion in 2020. It’s an impressive statistic, given the devastation of the COVID-19 virus on many industries in the country. It shows that Americans are still keen on looking after their dental health and that of their loved ones.
So, what dental treatments accounted for the most dental appointments during the past year? Read on to find out.
- Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are one of the commonest dental restoration procedures in America today, and it’s easy to see why. Fillings are used to treat cavities, which affect a substantial percentage of the population. A staggering 91 percent of Americans over 20 have had cavities at some point.
Dental fillings can also be used to repair injured or fractured teeth.
When you visit a dentist with a toothache issue, the first thing they do is check for a cavity or a crack visually or using an X-ray. Once they determine that your tooth needs filling, they remove any decayed tissue, clean the tooth and then seal it with a dental filling.
You can choose which dental filling you prefer. Options include silver, gold, dental resin, or porcelain. Where you’re not sure which filling is most suitable for you, your dentist can help.
- Dental Crowns
Where you have a tooth that’s been extensively damaged by injury or decay, your dentist may recommend a dental crown. These dental restorations can help save your teeth from extraction. They’re also ideal for fixing cosmetic imperfections.
Generally, dental crowns take two appointments with your dentist to complete the procedure. That’s because, in most cases, the crowns must be made in a dental laboratory. However, there are general dentists who can make dental crowns in their dental clinics, making it possible to complete the procedure in one visit.
As the name suggests, a dental crown will cover your tooth completely. This protects your tooth from further damage or infection.
- Tooth Extraction
Generally, dentists will avoid pulling your teeth if there’s a way to save them. However, sometimes this is the only solution. For instance, a cavity may have progressed so much that nothing much can be done except extracting the troublesome tooth.
Where extracting your tooth is the only option, your dentist will usually offer ample information before doing the procedure. They’ll also use enough anesthetics and provide a calm environment.
After the tooth extraction procedure, it’s important that you get enough rest. Don’t disturb the area where the tooth used to be until it heals. That means avoiding vigorous brushing and taking alcohol.
- Dental Implants
After tooth extraction, you may want to fill the gap. The obvious solution is to get a dental implant. A dental implant is, in essence, a false tooth that replaces a missing tooth or repairs a broken one.
Unlike what many people think, dental implants aren’t painful. Top dental clinics usually have an expert in implantology. It’s one of the dental specialties that focus on dental restoration.
It may be necessary for you to visit a dentist several times before the procedure is complete. That’s because dental implants sometimes require the removal of the root or the strengthening of the jaw bone before placing the artificial tooth.
The implantologist will give you all the guidance you need to avert or minimize any anxiety or pain.
- Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is among the simplest and most popular cosmetic dental procedures in the US today. The procedure is meant to restore the natural whiteness of your teeth, helping you achieve a brighter smile.
There are many reasons your dentist may recommend teeth whitening. It could be that your teeth are stained or discolored. Discoloration can happen as you age and have your teeth exposed to a variety of substances containing tannin, nicotine, and so on.
The approach to teeth whitening can differ depending on your preference. Your dentist may recommend a tooth whitening bleach that’s easy to use. They’ll provide the instructions you should follow to achieve the best results.
Another increasingly popular teeth whitening procedure is referred to as laser teeth whitening, where the dentist uses light to accelerate the whitening process. Note that a bleaching material is still used. The laser light’s purpose is to make the procedure fast and painless.
After the laser teeth whitening procedure, your dentist will recommend a teeth whitening toothpaste specifically designed for patients who’ve undergone the procedure.
- Braces
After a cosmetic dental evaluation, your dentist may recommend braces. Braces are specifically designed to position your teeth in a way that makes them more attractive and easier to clean. Braces also make it easier for you to eat and talk.
People with crooked or crowded teeth can benefit from braces. Generally, most people who get braces are teenagers. But you can still find adult and kids braces too.
In the past, braces were shiny mouthfuls of metal, so many people shunned them. Thankfully, there are many more options available today, some of which are hardly visible. For instance, you can opt for clear aligners like Invisalign.
If braces are the ideal solution for you, your dentist will recommend which solution can work best for you. Note that what works for someone else may not necessarily work for you.
Know What Dental Treatments Suit You
As you can see, there’s a variety of dental treatments that were wildly popular in the past year. Many Americans will still visit their dentists this year for some of these procedures. The essential thing is to know what best suits you or your loved one.
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