Dental care
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Dental checkup and cleaningA dentist checks your teeth and gums, and a hygienist removes tartar and plaque. This is done with special tools and a gentle powder.⏱ usually 40 to 60 minutesCavity treatmentThe dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth and fills the hole with a filling. This is usually done with a numbing shot.⏱ usually 30 to 60 minutes per toothRoot canal treatmentThe dentist removes the inflamed nerve from inside the tooth, cleans the canals in the roots, and seals them tightly. The tooth is saved.⏱ usually 1 to 2 hours per visit, often 1 to 3 visitsTooth extractionThe dentist removes a tooth with local numbing. It usually takes a few minutes.⏱ usually 15 to 30 minutesWisdom tooth removalAn oral surgeon removes the back tooth, called the wisdom tooth. This is usually done under local anesthesia. If the tooth is inside the bone, a small cut is made in the gum.⏱ usually 20 to 60 minutesDental crownA crown is an artificial cap placed over a damaged tooth. It protects the tooth and brings back its shape.⏱ usually 2 visits of 1 to 2 hours, 1 to 2 weeks apartBracesAn orthodontist glues small brackets to your teeth and joins them with a wire. The wire slowly moves the teeth into the right place.⏱ putting them on usually takes 1 to 2 hours; treatment usually lasts 1.5 to 2.5 yearsTeeth whiteningThe dentist puts a special gel on your teeth that lightens the enamel by a few shades.⏱ usually 1 to 1.5 hoursDental sealants for childrenThe dentist fills the grooves on the chewing teeth with a thin protective material. This keeps food from getting stuck there, so tooth decay is less likely.⏱ usually 5 to 10 minutes per tooth