Before I talk about the most common dental procedures in Nigeria, let’s talk about why people visit a dentist. People have different reasons for visiting a dentist. Most times, especially in Nigeria, pain from toothache drives them to the dental clinic.
Poor dental education is the reason why most people only visit the dentist when they are in pain.
Anxiety, lengthy periods in the dental chair, specious information passed around from ignorant citizens, and previous unpleasant experiences on a dental chair are some of the reasons militating against visits to the dental clinic.
However, the advent of Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) has improved visits to the dentist lately, this can be arguably due to people’s resolve to utilize their monthly or yearly contribution, as the case may be, to these HMOs.
There are lots of dental procedures that anyone who goes to the dentist can experience. Here are the most common dental procedures in Nigeria.
1. Extractions
This is the removal of teeth from the alveolar bone under local anesthesia (LA). Extractions can be simple or surgical.
For a simple extraction, after it is confirmed that the LA is working (the patient feels numbness around the tooth to be extracted), an elevator is used to luxate the tooth after which an extraction forceps is used to pull the tooth out.
The procedure is a bit more advanced when it comes to surgical extractions as the tooth area has to be incised and the tooth drilled out with motor-driven burs, once the tooth is removed, the incision is then sutured with the right sutures.
2. Fillings
Fillings are restorative dental treatments to repair minimal to moderate tooth fractures, tooth decay, and damaged surfaces of teeth.
Fillings are conservative procedures. They are utilized to prevent further damage to teeth.
Different materials for fillings are used depending on the location of the tooth, the extent of tooth decay or damage, and the preference of the patient or the dentist.
Examples of filling materials are but are not limited to composite, glass ionomer cement(GIC), MTA, Zinc Oxide Eugenol cement, Zinc Phosphate cement, etc.
3. Root canal treatment (RCT)
RCT, as commonly used by dentists, is a procedure used to salvage teeth that otherwise would have to be extracted.
It involves the total removal of the pulp tissue which supplies the tooth with blood and nerves. This procedure involves 2 to 3 visits to the dentist after which it is always advised to crown (put a cap on) the tooth.
4. Crowning
This can be done both in the clinic and the dental lab. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a tooth to restore its shape, and strength, and improve its appearance.
Crowns are cemented after the tooth is prepared, and they fully encase the visible or coronal part of the tooth (the portion above the gum line). There are different types of crowns namely Porcelain- Fused with metal crown (PFMC), Metal crown, Zirconia crown, Gold crown, etc.
5. Denture
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth. Dentures can be partial or complete depending on the number of missing teeth.
An impression is usually taken in the the clinic, cast with dental stone to make a model then sent to the dental lab for the fabrication of the denture. When the removable denture returns from the lab, the dentist then fits it in the patient’s mouth.
6. Gum surgery
Infection to the gum may lead to surgery to the gum. Gum surgery due to gingival recession is as a result of the use of a hard brush and overzealous tooth brushing. This involves the raising of flaps or gum grafts under local anesthesia.
7. Braces
Braces are orthodontic appliances that are fixed on the surfaces of teeth to align and straighten them. They help to position teeth about the patient’s bite thereby improving the aesthetics and facial appearance of the patient.
Braces correct a lot of dental anomalies by a constant force that over time moves teeth into the desired position. There are different types of Braces with relative cost.
8. Groove sealant
This procedure involves the application of a thin, plastic restorative material on the occlusal (chewing ) surfaces of the teeth. Sealants are usually applied on deep grooves on molars and premolars to reduce food stagnation thereby preventing tooth decay.
This procedure is mostly done for children. It is a treatment that gives children a good impression of a visit to a dentist because it is painless.
9. Scaling and polishing
This is becoming the treatment most enlightened individuals visit a dental clinic for.
It involves the use of dental instruments or an ultrasonic machine to remove plaque, calculus, and stains attached to the surfaces of teeth, then polished using prophylactic paste which contains a higher fluoride level than toothpaste.
Patients are advised to do S&P, as fondly called, at least once a year.
10. Bridges
Bridges are used to replace missing teeth. They are cemented permanently. They are a better option compared to a removable denture.
They use the support of the two adjacent teeth of the space created by the missing tooth or teeth. The dentist prepares the adjacent teeth to accept a cap that will hold and act as the support for the replacement.
Different types of bridges are employed by the dentist according to the location of the missing teeth or space created.
11. Implants
These are used to replace missing teeth too. The advantage of an implant over a bridge is that an implant only utilizes the space as the adjacent teeth are not disturbed.
The treatment involves an implant being sunk and surgically positioned into the bone which acts as the root. And an appropriate crown fabricated and cemented on the implant.
12. Teeth whitening
This procedure also is gaining ground as more and more people become conscious of their looks. Thanks to advertisements people watch on the TV showing sparkling white teeth.
It involves the use of chemicals or solutions to improve the shade of teeth color.
There are two types. In-office teeth whitening is done by the dentist using some equipment including teeth whitening machines in the clinic and take-home kits which are used by patients at home. In-office teeth whitening gives an instant result while the take-home kit takes some time before the result is seen.
13. Veneers
People go to the dentist to get veneers for chipped, decayed, and stained teeth. Veneers are strong thin pieces or facings of ceramic or resin material that are bonded to teeth. They restore aesthetics and also help to close gaps between teeth.
For more information about your dental health, you can contact us for your medical advice. You can also explore our shop for all your dental supplies.
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