Are you anxious about your dental appointment? Don't worry, you are not the only one. A majority of patients experience dental anxiety because of a lack of understanding about what happens during routine procedures. Being a Woodbridge dentist serving our patients for years, I have noticed that information regarding expectations can go a long way to relieve anxiety before your appointment. Let us explain the most common dental procedures that we perform at Napa Dental and what to expect during your appointment.

Regular Cleanings by Your Dentist in Woodbridge

Regular dental cleanings form the cornerstone of preventative dental care. During a dental cleaning appointment with a Woodbridge dentist, our dental hygienists begin by examining your gums and teeth for any potential problem areas. Using special tools, they gently scrape away plaque and tartar buildup that you cannot eliminate through normal brushing.

The cleaning typically includes:

• Scaling to remove tartar deposits
• Polishing to eliminate surface stains
• Flossing between the teeth to remove debris
• Application of fluoride treatment to harden enamel

Cleanings are painless for most patients, although you might experience a minor sensitivity if you have gum inflammation. Bi-annual cleanings ward off more serious dental issues and keep your smile healthy and bright.

Dental Fillings at you Dentist in Woodbridge

Tooth fillings are one of the most common restorative procedures any Woodbridge dentist performs. Fillings restore tooth structure and function when a cavity is caused by decay.

A filling procedure typically involves:

1. Providing local anesthetic for comfort
2. Removing decayed parts of the tooth
3. Cleaning the area
4. Filling the cavity with composite resin, amalgam, or other materials
5. Shaping and polishing the filling to match your natural bite

At Napa Dental, we use tooth-colored composite fillings that exactly match your natural teeth most of the time. The entire procedure usually takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the size and location of the cavity.

Root Canal Therapy from Your Dentist in Woodbridge

Root canal therapy has a negative reputation, but with modern techniques, this procedure is very comfortable. When you visit a Woodbridge dentist for a root canal, you're receiving treatment that saves teeth that would otherwise have to be extracted.

During a root canal:

1. The area is thoroughly numbed with local anesthetic
2. A small access hole is drilled into the tooth
3. Infected pulp tissue is carefully removed
4. The canal is cleaned, shaped, and disinfected
5. The space is filled with a biocompatible material
6. A temporary or permanent filling is placed
7. A crown is normally advised to protect the tooth

The majority of patients report that root canal therapy is similar to receiving a filling. The treatment eliminates infection pain rather than creating it.

Cosmetic Dentists' Treatments with you Dentist in Woodbridge

In-office professional teeth whitening at your Woodbridge dentist creates stunning results that over-the-counter systems can't begin to match. At Napa Dental, we provide both in-office and take-home whitening treatments.

In-office whitening typically:

• Takes about an hour
• Uses higher concentrations of whitening agents
• Involves gum and soft tissue protection
• Provides instant results, whitening teeth often several shades

Take-home kits use custom-fitted trays and professional-grade whitening gel for convenient application on your own timetable.

Dental Veneers at Your Woodbridge Dental Office

Veneers are porcelain shells that are custom-designed to fit over the front of teeth. When you choose a Woodbridge dentist for veneers, you're making an investment in a long-term cosmetic solution.

The veneer process typically involves:

1. Initial consultation and planning
2. Minor preparation of tooth surfaces
3. Impressions for custom fabrication
4. Temporary veneers while permanent ones are fabricated
5. Bonding of permanent veneers to teeth

Veneers can correct issues like discoloration, chips, gaps, and minor misalignments, providing you with a naturally beautiful smile.

Preventive Care with you Dentist in Woodbridge

Prevention is still the most important aspect of dental care. Your regular visit to your Woodbridge dentist should include:

• Thorough examinations
• Digital X-rays as needed
• Oral cancer screenings
• Personalized oral hygiene instructions
• Preventive treatments like sealants and fluoride

At Napa Dental, we emphasize patient education, informing you on how to maintain optimum oral health between appointments.

Why Choose Napa Dental as Your Woodbridge Dentist?

Choosing the right dentist in Woodbridge can make all the difference in your dental experience. At Napa Dental, we combine modern methods with compassionate care. Our address at 75 Napa Valley Avenue puts us within reach of residents throughout Woodbridge.

Our extended hours, including Wednesday evening appointments until 8:00 pm and Saturday hours, accommodate even the busiest schedules. We understand dental anxiety exists, so we take the time to discuss procedures and ensure your comfort.

Whether you need a regular cleaning, restorative work, or cosmetic treatment, our team is ready to provide the highest quality care. Contact Napa Dental at 905-893-8939 to schedule your appointment with a Woodbridge dentist you can rely on today.

Remember that regular dental visits are essential to maintaining not just your oral health, but your overall well-being as well. We look forward to seeing your smile!