When it comes to day-to-day dental hygiene, you're probably already familiar with the basics. Regular brushing and flossing is essential for your oral health, but in some cases you'll require additional dental care. Certain procedures, like fillings and root canals, should always be performed by a trained professional.

There are several treatments that should always be performed by a professional. Trying to treat these ailments yourself poses a high risk for infection and other complications. When it comes to any of the following treatments, always seek out a professional.

According to Hoffman & Arthur, a dentist in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, small cavities are often impossible to detect on your own. Your dentist has special equipment and X-rays to locate and fill cavities before they cause serious problems. On top of cavities, your dentist can help to repair teeth that have been damaged from unusual wear and tear, like teeth grinding or injuries that cause cracked teeth.

When the pulp inside the center of a tooth becomes dead, damaged or diseased, it poses serious risk for abscess or infection. There are a variety of different diseases that can affect your tooth's pulp, and each one should be treated right away by a dental professional. A root canal is the most common treatment for damaged pulp. This treatment involves the removal of the affected pulp, after which the center of the tooth is cleaned and re-filled.

No matter the reason for an extraction, this procedure should always be performed by a dental professional. Extraction involves the complete removal of the tooth from its socket in the bone. Wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure for people in their late teens to early 20's, when the wisdom teeth can cause crowding and pain. Other reasons for tooth extraction can include severe tooth decay or a broken tooth.

If you have missing teeth, bridges and implants can be used to replace them. While they both serve a similar function, the two procedures are performed very differently. A dental bridge literally forms a bridge to cover the gap left by a missing tooth. It uses the teeth on either side of the gap as an anchor, with a false tooth in the center. Dental implants, on the other hand, use an artificial root in the place of a missing tooth. Over time, the artificial root fuses to the jaw bone, creating a permanent prosthetic root. Once the root is fully fused, a permanent crown is placed over the top of the root.

If your tooth has been damaged, your dentist might suggest a dental crown. Crowns preserve teeth that have been cracked, damaged or decayed. Essentially, a crown is a "cap" that is placed over the damaged tooth. It's shaped just like a healthy tooth, so it covers and protects the damaged tooth while concealing the appearance of damage.
Crowns that are properly cared for can last for a long time, upwards of 30 years or more. Longevity depends on several factors, including:

• Material used
• Location of tooth in mouth
• Dental hygiene habits
• Additional factors such as teeth grinding or clenching

Routine cleanings are just a small part of your overall oral health. When it comes to more in-depth procedures, it's essential to find a dental provider you trust. The right dentist can give you peace of mind when it comes to seeking treatment for any number of dental problems.