Healthy teeth shape how you speak, eat, and feel about yourself. When something hurts in your mouth, it can drain your energy and mood fast. A trusted family dentist helps stop that pain and protects you from bigger problems. In a family practice, you get care that fits every stage of life. Children, adults, and older parents can all sit in the same waiting room and get the help they need. This guide explains six common treatments you can expect from a family dentist in Burlington. You will see what each treatment does, why it matters, and when you might need it. You will also learn simple steps to ask the right questions and feel calm in the chair. With clear information, you can face dental visits with less fear and more control.
1. Routine exams and cleanings
Routine visits keep small problems from turning into emergencies. Most people need a checkup every six months. Some need them more often.
During a visit, the team usually:
- Checks your teeth, gums, tongue, and cheeks
- Looks for early signs of decay and gum disease
- Removes plaque and tartar you cannot brush off at home
The cleaning reaches under the gumline and between teeth. Regular cleanings lower your risk of pain, loose teeth, and costly work later. Children also benefit. Early visits help them form calm habits and reduce fear.
2. Fillings for cavities
Cavities start small. They grow in quiet ways. You may feel nothing until the damage is serious. A filling stops decay and seals the tooth.
In a family practice, the dentist usually:
- Numbs the tooth
- Removes the decayed part
- Places a filling material to rebuild the shape
Common filling materials include composite resin and sometimes metal. The choice depends on cost, strength, and where the tooth sits in your mouth.
Fillings protect you from pain, infection, and the need for root canals or extractions. Children often need fillings when baby teeth get cavities. Treating baby teeth matters. Untreated decay can affect speech, eating, and future adult teeth.
3. Root canals to save damaged teeth
When decay or injury reaches the inner part of a tooth, the nerve becomes inflamed or infected. That can cause sharp pain, swelling, or heat and cold sensitivity. A root canal removes the infected tissue and saves the tooth.
In a typical root canal, the dentist:
- Numbs the tooth and places a small cover to keep it dry
- Opens the top of the tooth and cleans the inner canals
- Fills the canals and closes the opening
Often, you also need a crown on that tooth. The crown adds strength so you can chew again. A root canal helps you keep your natural tooth instead of losing it.
4. Crowns to strengthen weak teeth
A crown is a strong cap that covers a damaged tooth. It restores shape and function. It also guards the tooth from cracking.
You may need a crown if you have:
- A large filling that weakens the tooth
- A cracked or worn tooth
- A tooth that had a root canal
The process often takes two visits. First, the dentist shapes the tooth and takes a mold or digital scan. You leave with a temporary crown. Later, you return to have the final crown placed.
Crowns come in different materials, such as porcelain fused to metal and full ceramic. The choice depends on strength needs, tooth location, and cost.
5. Extractions when a tooth cannot be saved
Sometimes a tooth is too damaged to repair. A deep crack, severe decay, or a failed root canal can make removal the safest choice. Wisdom teeth also often need extraction when they crowd other teeth or trap food.
During an extraction the dentist:
- Numbs the tooth and surrounding gum
- Gently loosens the tooth
- Removes the tooth and places gauze to control bleeding
After removal, you receive clear instructions for home care. Simple care lowers the risk of infection and pain. Later, you can talk about replacement choices such as bridges, partial dentures, or implants.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research offers more information on tooth decay and treatment choices.
6. Preventive care for children and adults
Prevention reduces fear, cost, and time in the chair. Family practices focus on simple steps that protect every age group.
Common preventive treatments include:
- Fluoride treatments that strengthen enamel
- Sealants that cover the grooves on back teeth to block food and bacteria
- Custom night guards that protect teeth from grinding
Children often receive fluoride and sealants once their first permanent molars appear. Adults benefit from fluoride when they have dry mouth, many fillings, or gum recession.
Comparison of common family dental treatments
Treatment | Main purpose | Typical visit time | Common for children | Common for adults
|
Routine exam and cleaning | Prevent problems and remove plaque and tartar | 30 to 60 minutes | Yes | Yes |
Filling | Stop decay and repair a small cavity | 30 to 60 minutes | Yes | Yes |
Root canal | Treat infection and save the tooth | 60 to 90 minutes | Sometimes | Yes |
Crown | Strengthen and protect a weak tooth | Two visits of 45 to 60 minutes | Sometimes | Yes |
Extraction | Remove a tooth that cannot be repaired | 30 to 60 minutes | Yes | Yes |
Preventive treatments | Lower risk of decay and damage | Added to routine visit | Yes | Yes |
How to prepare for your family visit
You can take three simple steps before your next appointment.
- Write down your main concern and when it started
- List all medicines you take and any allergies
- Bring your child’s questions so they feel heard
Ask the dentist to explain what will happen, how long it will take, and what you can expect later that day. Clear answers reduce fear. They also help you choose the treatment that fits your health, budget, and family needs.
With steady care and honest talks, a family practice can protect your mouth through every stage of life.