Common procedure categories, without the sales pitch.

Fillings and restorations

Restorations repair areas affected by decay, fracture, or wear. Material and design choices depend on location, size, moisture control, bite forces, appearance, remaining tooth structure, and cost. Ask how much tooth must be altered and what future replacement could involve.

Crowns and indirect restorations

Crowns, onlays, and inlays cover or replace different amounts of tooth structure. They may be considered for heavily restored, cracked, worn, or weakened teeth. Discuss whether a more conservative restoration is reasonable, what material is proposed, and whether root-canal or gum treatment could also be needed.

Root-canal treatment

Root-canal treatment addresses inflamed or infected tissue inside a tooth. Diagnosis, anatomy, restorability, cracks, periodontal support, and final restoration affect planning. Alternatives may include extraction and replacement or, in selected circumstances, monitoring. Ask about specialist referral and prognosis.

Gum therapy

Non-surgical periodontal treatment may include thorough cleaning below the gumline and risk-factor control. Surgical or regenerative approaches may be discussed for some cases. Long-term maintenance and daily plaque control are central to managing periodontal disease.

Tooth replacement

Implants, fixed bridges, removable partial dentures, and complete dentures involve different surgery, preparation, timing, maintenance, costs, and limitations. Leaving a space may also be considered in some situations. Bone, gum health, bite, medical history, and neighboring teeth can affect the choice.

Cosmetic procedures

Whitening, bonding, veneers, aligners, and reshaping can affect appearance but have limitations and maintenance needs. Establish gum health, decay control, and realistic goals first. Irreversible procedures deserve careful discussion and, when helpful, a second opinion.