Your Guide to Common Dental Procedures Part 3

In part one of our Guide to Common Dental Procedure Series, we discussed implants, and in part two, we discussed crowns. In this section, we'll discuss preventive procedures and maintenance that may help prevent the need for both implants and crowns.

While some dental issues are caused by medical conditions, genetics, or accidents, many can be prevented when detected early. Let's discuss the procedures that can help maintain oral and dental health to keep your natural smile healthy and pain-free.

Here are some steps to address minor dental problems before they develop into more significant issues that may require full mouth restoration or an All-on-X procedure.

Procedure 1 - Adult Prophy and Scaling

When It's Used

This is the technical term for professional tooth cleaning. Regular, healthy teeth should be cleaned every six months. If you suffer from gum disease or weak enamel (which is prone to cavities), 3-4 months may be recommended.

What is Involved

Prophylaxis is short for dental prophylaxis, and a thorough cleaning is needed to prevent cavities and maintain good oral health. Scaling removes calculus (plaque) buildup along and below the gum line and between teeth where regular brushing can't always reach. Scaling and prophylaxis are generally performed with hand instruments, dental floss, an ultrasonic cleaner, and considerable skill and patience.

How Long Does It Take

It generally takes 20-30 minutes to complete. However, it is usually part of a regular check-up, so we typically schedule a 60-minute appointment.

Cost Comparison

In the US, the cost of prophylaxis and scaling generally ranges between $400 and $4,000. At Meza Dental (San Jose or Cancun), this procedure includes cleaning and scaling and costs an average of $150.

Procedure 2 - Composite (Fillings)

When It's Used

When you experience toothaches or sharp tooth pain during eating or with hot or cold drinks, you probably have a cavity. Fixing this issue will require a composite. Composite is the professional term for filling because it's made of a composite resin.

What is Involved

The first step is to determine the extent of the damaged area (cavity) using X-rays and visual assessments. Once the team has created a treatment plan, a local anesthetic is applied to numb the area. The damaged material is removed, the hole is cleaned and dried, adhesive is applied, and composite material is pushed into the cavity a little at a time. Then it is smoothed and shaped to blend in with the rest of your tooth.

How Long Does It Take

Most small cavities can be fixed in less than 30 minutes, but the more you have, the longer it takes.

Cost Comparison

The average cost of one composite in the US is $150. In Costa Rica or Mexico, that price can range from $85 to $200, depending on the surfaces treated.

Procedure 3 - Root Canal

When It's Used

A root canal is required when the pulp in the tooth's root has become infected. In some cases, the infection can be treated using an antibiotic, but if the tooth has been infected for a long time, the pulp must be removed to save the tooth.

What is Involved

A root canal can't be performed while the infection is active, so you will typically undergo a course of antibiotics first. During the procedure, the tooth is numbed using a local anesthetic, and the infected pulp is carefully removed. The inside of the tooth is then disinfected, cleaned, filled, and sealed.

How Long Does It Take

The procedure's duration depends on the tooth's size and the extent of damage, ranging from 90 minutes to 3 hours.

Cost Comparison

Root canals cost between $650 and $1,500 per tooth in the US. You can expect to pay $400–$500 per tooth in Costa Rica or Mexico.

Procedure 4 - Dental Post

When It's Used

When a tooth has extensive damage, a dental post may be required. When the damage is minimal, composite alone can repair a tooth, but when the damage is extensive and leaves large structural gaps, we insert a post to add structural integrity and prevent future breakage.

What is Involved

The procedure is similar to a regular composite filling or root canal, except that we drill out a space for the post (usually within the root canal), cement the post in place, and then add composite material to complete the repair.

How Long Does It Take

Installing a post can take as little as 15 minutes, but it is generally performed as part of a crown buildup or after a root canal.

Cost Comparison

This procedure in the US runs between $250 to $500. At Meza Dental Care, the price is $200.

Procedure 5 - Extraction

When It's Used

When a tooth is damaged beyond repair, it must be removed (extracted).

What is Involved

Before any extraction, anesthesia numbs your mouth. For a simple extraction, an elevator tool loosens the tooth from your gums, then forceps pull it out. If the tooth is impacted or doesn't have enough exposed structure to grab, a surgical extraction is performed, an incision is made in the gum for better access, and some bone may need to be removed. After extraction, a blood clot forms naturally, the area stops bleeding, and healing begins.

How Long Does It Take

The process itself takes 20-40 minutes. If you receive IV sedation, you'll remain in the office until the effects wear off, so plan for approximately one hour.

Cost Comparison

A regular extraction in the US costs $75-$200 per tooth. Impacted extractions can cost $4,000-$8,000. At Meza Dental, a simple extraction is $95, and a surgical extraction (such as a wisdom tooth) is $350.

The Little Things Add Up

Now that you know about the basic procedures that help maintain your dental health, you can see why dentists recommend cleaning, flossing, and keeping your teeth. As advanced as modern dentistry has become, nothing beats the teeth you were born with for comfort and functionality, and a little bit of effort every day can save a lot of headaches down the road.

If you need help, call us toll-free from Canada and the US at 1-(877)-337-6392. Our friendly English-speaking staff is ready to answer your questions and set your appointment.