Types of services that dental clinics offer
The range of dental services that you can get from a fully equipped dental clinic is quite extensive. Dentists offer multiple services under one roof to attract more clients. Some dentists also specialize in one kind of service and focus on that. Insurance companies classify dental services into preventative, basic, and major services. However, dentists classify their services based on their work type, starting from basic cleaning to the most technically advanced surgeries.
Types of dental services
Cosmetic dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry services aim to improve the appearance of your teeth. These services are elective and sometimes provide restorative benefits. They include:
- Inlays and Outlays
This is the medical term for fillings made in a dental lab and placed on the tooth surface to cover mild to moderate tooth decay.
- Composite bonding
Dentists repair decayed or damaged teeth with material close to the enamel color. They drill the decay and sculpt the material into the exact shape to resemble your teeth.
- Dental veneers
Dental veneers are made from medical-grade ceramic to rectify gaps, cracks, or damages.
- Teeth whitening
Dentists remove accumulated plaques and stains and use bleaching agents to restore the teeth close to their natural color.
- Implants
Dentists insert a tiny titanium screw into the jaw at the place of the missing tooth. The bone and supporting tissues fuse with the implant and get permanently fixed.
Endodontic procedures
Endodontic procedures are commonly known as root canal therapy. If the interior of a patient’s tooth is decayed, infected, or damaged, an endodontist performs a root canal and treats the issue. Apart from root canal therapy, endodontic services include endodontic treatment, surgery, and trauma surgeries.
Pediatric dental services
Pediatric dentists offer specialized services for the oral health of children. They also monitor the development of a childs’ teeth regularly. Some of the primary services under pediatric dental services are:
- Preventive and diagnostic dentistry
This includes oral evaluation, dental cleaning, fluoride treatments, and sealants to prevent cavities.
- Restorative dentistry
This service includes damage repair and restoration of the appearance of a child’s teeth using composite bonding, pulp treatment, and dental crowns.
- Interceptive orthodontics
It helps to influence the growth and position of the jaw and teeth, which can reduce the need for future treatments. Doctors use habit appliances, distalizers, and space maintainers to position the teeth.
- Orthodontics
This corrects and straightens teeth and jaw misalignment using metal braces, ceramic braces, retainers, or invisible aligners.
Periodontal treatments
Periodontal services refer to the treatments that prevent, diagnose, and treat conditions that affect the supporting structures like the gingiva, alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, and cementum. Periodontists offer services like:
- Scaling
- Root planning
- Root surface debridement
- Regenerative procedures
- Surgeries for severe gum diseases
- Dental implants
Orthodontic services
Orthodontic services diagnose position and correct misaligned or mispositioned teeth. Common services include:
- Correction of overcrowded or misaligned teeth
- Treating malocclusion
- Maintaining space
- Lips and cheek bumpers
- Palatal expanders
- Retainers
Diagnostic and preventative dental services
These services focus on preserving oral health and preventing cavities, gum disease, or enamel wearing. These services include:
- X-rays
- Sealants
- Fluoride treatments
- Cleaning
- Oral exams
Prosthodontic services
Prosthodontists design manufacture artificial replacements for damaged teeth to restore the shape and structure of the mouth. They do it using:
- Dental implants
- Bridges
- Dentures
- Reconstructive surgery
- Cosmetic procedures using crowns and veneers
Oral and maxillofacial surgery
Specialists surgeons conduct surgeries to correct trauma injuries, defects, or diseases in the jaw, neck, and mouth. These surgeries are performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons or periodontists who have received advanced training in such procedures. They provide these services to restore the mouth, jaw, and neck functions or aesthetics. Services under oral and maxillofacial surgery include:
- Tooth extractions
- Gum grafts
- Corrective jaw surgery
- Cleft palate surgery
- Tumor removal
- Impacted teeth extraction
- Nonrecoverable wisdom teeth extraction