Dental Procedures Swansea, MA
Dental procedures involve all procedures and treatments that are not considered or performed routinely. Routine procedures include examinations and professional cleanings, along with a few treatments for functional purposes. Dental procedures cover many aesthetic and functional treatments, from basic fillings to tooth replacements and extractions.
Various dental procedures are available at Barrington-Swansea Family Dental in Swansea and the surrounding area. We can help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile by treating conditions as soon as they arise. Call us today at (508) 439-4074 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Determining Candidacy
Each type of dental procedure differs from the next, along with its guidelines and candidacy. We recommend that all patients visit their dentist for a biannual routine check-up and cleaning to treat conditions as soon as they arise. The number of regular checkups will help maintain a healthy oral cavity. Routine treatments include regular and deep cleanings, fluoride treatments, bonding and tooth whitening, and sealant and crown placement.
We determine candidacy for each dental procedure depending on the patient's age, condition, and severity of their case. Dental procedures are typically performed to treat cases of moderate to severe tooth decay, tooth damage, or gum disease. These conditions can stem from a disorder such as TMJ, behavioral factors such as clenching and grinding or poor oral hygiene, and genetic factors that impact growth and development.
“We determine candidacy for each dental procedure depending on the patient’s age, condition, and severity of their case.”
Tooth Fillings
The standard protocol to treat a cavity involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling the space left behind. However, according to WebMD, dentists may also utilize fillings to repair teeth that are cracked, broken, or otherwise damaged. Typically, the dentist will inject a local anesthetic into the area around the tooth and begin removing the decayed area with a drill, air abrasion instrument, or laser. The dentist will then clean the cavity of any remaining bacteria or debris in preparation for the filling. There are many different types of fillings available. Our team will help you decide the right type for you.
“… dentists may also utilize fillings to repair teeth that are cracked, broken, or otherwise damaged.”
Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges and Root Canals
Dental crowns are tooth-colored caps used as a tooth replacement option for patients with damaged or weak teeth. They are most common after a root canal treatment since removing a good amount of natural tooth structure during the procedure is necessary. Crowns can consist of various dental materials, including porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, metal, and composite resin. The type of material used depends on many factors, including:
- How much natural tooth is remaining
- How much of the tooth will show when smiling
- The color of the surrounding teeth
- The function of the tooth that needs the crown
- The location of the tooth
- The position of gum tissue
Root canal treatment involves removing inflamed or decayed tooth roots from an infected pulp. They are often a result of facial or dental trauma, severely decayed teeth, frequent dental treatment, faulty or dysfunctional crowns, and damaged (chipped, cracked, or broken) teeth. In most cases, we will restore the tooth with a filling or crown after a root canal procedure.
“Dental crowns are tooth-colored caps used as a tooth replacement option for patients with damaged or weak teeth.”
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Tooth Replacement Options
There are a variety of tooth replacement options available for patients with dental or facial trauma, genetic or behavioral conditions, and prior dental treatments. Tooth replacements include implants, bridges, partial and complete dentures, and crowns. Replacing a tooth is often necessary to maintain proper oral function and restore speech, eating, and breathing. We will discuss tooth replacement options with patients when the need arises.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing, commonly called a deep cleaning, is a procedure performed to treat or prevent the progression of gum disease. During scaling and root planing, we use a special scraping tool to remove plaque from the surfaces of teeth and then smooth out the roots. This allows the gums to properly heal and reattach to the teeth. A deep cleaning is usually needed when a patient's teeth and gums are worn or decayed. We will discuss this treatment option when we first spot signs of developing gum disease.
“Scaling and root planing, commonly called a deep cleaning, is a procedure performed to treat or prevent the progression of gum disease.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How to determine candidacy for dental procedures?
Q. Why might I need dental crowns, dental bridges, or root canals?
Q. What tooth replacements options are available?
Q. What are some of the reasons one might need a tooth extraction?
People Also Ask
Q. What methods are available to repair a chipped tooth?
Q. What happens during a routine dental checkup?
Q. What does the dentist look for in a dental examination?
Q. What are fluoride treatments?
Q. What should I know before beginning my search for a dentist?
Q. What are some of the signs indicating a need for tooth extraction?
Tooth Extractions
Tooth extractions are a common dental procedure that may be performed for a variety of reasons. Teeth may need extraction due to severe tooth decay or periodontal disease, trauma, injury, an abscess, malocclusions, tooth impaction, or compromised wisdom teeth. In most cases, the patient is given a local or general anesthetic, depending on their condition and its severity.
There are simple and surgical extractions. A simple extraction involves the removal of a visible tooth that can be loosened and easily removed using a single instrument. A surgical extraction involves extracting a tooth that lies beneath the gums or is broken at the gumline and is much more difficult to remove. Wisdom teeth are the most common type of extraction, although they can be considered simple or surgical depending on their placement in the mouth.
We will discuss after-care tips with every patient undergoing an extraction procedure. It is important to rest before and after the procedure as teeth and gums will likely be sore and tender. We will make additional recommendations on a case-by-case basis.
“Teeth may need extraction due to severe tooth decay or periodontal disease, trauma, injury, an abscess, malocclusions, tooth impaction, or compromised wisdom teeth.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do most dental procedures hurt?
A. We administer an anesthetic for most non-routine dental procedures to keep patients comfortable and pain-free during treatment. In many cases, patients may feel soreness, tenderness, and slight discomfort following a procedure due to the pressure put on the teeth and gums. However, this should dissipate within the first few hours or, at the most, a few days.
Q. How much do dental treatments cost on average?
A. Every dental procedure differs in the materials used, extent of decay, and length of time. As such, the cost of each procedure is discussed after an examination appointment in which we can properly determine what the treatment will entail. It is a good idea to also discuss your dental package with your insurance provider.
Q. How long do dental crowns last?
A. Dental crowns have become quite durable with recent advancements in dental technology. Most crowns, depending on the material used, can last from five to 15 years with adequate care and maintenance. We will discuss a crown's possible longevity with the patient during their placement appointment and provide them with healthy hygiene habits to adopt.
Q. How can I properly care for and maintain healthy teeth at home?
A. Basic brushing is not enough to maintain healthy teeth and gums, especially following any dental treatments. We recommend patients brush their teeth two to three times daily, rinse after each meal, and floss at least once a day. It is also important to avoid sticky, hard, sugary, and acidic foods and beverages that easily decay the teeth. Lastly, make sure to visit your dentist regularly for a biannual checkup and cleaning.
Q. When does pain become abnormal after an extraction or root canal treatment?
A. Extensive procedures, such as extractions, root canals, and surgeries, often have the longest recovery time. However, anti-inflammatory and pain medications should help with swelling and healing. Patients should not experience pain for longer than two weeks. Give us a call if you are experiencing pain for longer than the ascribed time for your procedure type.
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Dental Terminology
Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with stronger medication and treatment options instead of ineffective store-bought products.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business and website security
- Barrington-Swansea Family Dental was established in 2002.
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- We serve patients from the following cities: Swansea, Barrington, Somerset, Seekonk, Providence, East Providence, Rumford, Westport, Dighton, Assonet, Freetown, Fall River, Riverside, Warren, and Bristol
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