Get Directions Pay Online Call Us
Schedule Online Make a Payment Give Us a CallOpens popup with phone numbers for locations

The Most Common Dental Procedures

by Oct 28, 2025General Dentistry

common dental procedures

Table of Contents

 

Key Points

  • Modern dentistry involves many different types of preventative, restorative, cosmetic, and other procedures; it can be overwhelming trying to keep them all straight.
  • Understanding common procedures, and the issues they address, can help give patients confidence and potentially ease existing dental anxiety.
  • This can translate to patients who are more willing to schedule and keep dental visits, resulting in better oral and overall health outcomes. 

When was the last time you visited the dentist? If you are like most Americans, you might be surprised to learn that only about 65 percent of adults visit the dentist at least once a year, when the standard for routine checkups and cleanings is at least twice a year. Most concerning of all is that this percentage seems to be declining.1

One of the main reasons that patients put off dental care is uncertainty about treatment. Learning more about common procedures can help alleviate anxiety and evoke a greater appreciation for care that keeps your smile bright and healthy.

Below is a list of the most common dental procedures that can help prepare you for your next appointment. At ProGrin Dental, we believe that informed patients are confident patients, and we are here to guide you through the types of dental procedures you are most likely to encounter.

Preventive Dental Procedures

Preventive dental care is extremely important. It helps detect problems early on and, in many situations, avoid more involved and costly treatments down the road.2 Here are the most common preventative procedures you will find at your dentist’s office.

Professional Teeth Cleaning

One of the typical preventative dental procedures you will encounter is professional teeth cleaning. This treatment is the foundation of good oral health and is recommended twice a year for most patients.

What happens during a cleaning:

  • Removal of plaque and tartar buildup using specialized instruments
  • Polishing of teeth to remove surface stains
  • Flossing between all teeth
  • Fluoride treatment application (optional)
  • Examination for signs of cavities, gum disease, or other issues

Professional cleanings by your Anderson SC dentist remove deposits that regular brushing and flossing cannot reach, helping prevent cavities and gum disease before they start.

Dental Examinations

Regular dental examinations are another cornerstone of preventive care. During these appointments, your dentist carefully inspects your teeth, gums, and overall oral health.

Components of a dental exam:

  • Visual inspection of teeth and gums
  • Oral cancer screening
  • Bite alignment assessment
  • Jaw joint evaluation
  • Review of X-rays (when needed)

These routine examinations help catch problems early when they are easier and less expensive to treat.

X-Rays

Dental X-rays are essential diagnostic tools that reveal what is happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. Dentists use different types of X-rays depending on your needs.

Common types of dental X-rays:

  • Bitewing X-rays: Detect cavities between teeth
  • Periapical X-rays: Show the entire tooth structure, including roots
  • Panoramic X-rays: Capture a complete view of your mouth
  • Cone beam computed tomography (CT) scans: Provide 3D imaging for complex cases3

Modern digital X-rays use significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays, making them safer than ever before.

Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)

When gum disease progresses beyond gingivitis, a deep cleaning—also known as “scaling and root planing,” or “gum and bone therapy”—becomes necessary. This procedure goes beneath the gum line to remove bacteria and smooth root surfaces.

What to expect:

  • Treatment may be done in sections over multiple visits
  • Local anesthesia ensures comfort
  • Significant improvement in gum health
  • Possible need for maintenance cleanings

Restorative Dental Procedures

Restorative dentistry refers to the restoration of teeth or the bite. It plays an important role in correcting issues or repairing decay or damage to the teeth and gums. Here are some of the most common dental procedures aimed at restoration.dental crown image

Fillings

Dental fillings have been practiced in some form for thousands of years.4 It remains one of the most performed procedures in dental offices across the country. When a tooth develops a cavity, your dentist removes the decayed portion and fills the space with restorative material.

Types of filling materials:

  • Composite resin (tooth-colored)
  • Amalgam (silver fillings)
  • Gold fillings
  • Ceramic fillings

At ProGrin Dental, we help you choose the best filling material based on the location of the cavity, the extent of decay, and your personal preferences.

Crowns

Dental crowns, sometimes called “caps,” are custom-made coverings that fit over damaged or weakened teeth. This is one of the common dental procedures that can save a tooth from extraction.

Reasons you might need a crown:

  • A large cavity that is too big for a filling
  • Cracked or broken tooth
  • Root canal treatment
  • Severe tooth wear
  • Cosmetic improvement of appearance

Crowns are designed to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and function, restoring both appearance and bite strength. At ProGrin, we offer same-day crowns, which eliminates the need for putty impressions, temporary crowns, and the time and hassle associated with multiple visits.

Root Canals

Despite their intimidating reputation, root canal treatments are typical dental procedures that relieve pain rather than cause it. When the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, a root canal can save the tooth.

The root canal process:

  • Local anesthesia is administered for comfort
  • The infected pulp is carefully removed
  • The inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected
  • The tooth is filled with a special material
  • A crown is typically placed to protect the tooth

Modern techniques and anesthesia make root canals no more uncomfortable than getting a filling.

Bridges

Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth by “bridging” the gap between remaining teeth. This is an important procedure among the list of common dental procedures for tooth replacement.

Benefits of dental bridges:

  • Restore your smile and facial structure
  • Improve chewing and speaking ability
  • Prevent remaining teeth from shifting
  • Distribute bite forces evenly

Cosmetic Dental Procedures

Cosmetic dentistry is aimed at enhancing the appearance of your teeth and gums, and often overlaps with restorative dentistry procedures. Here are a few of the most common cosmetic dental procedures.

Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is one of the most popular types of dental procedures for enhancing your smile. Your ProGrin dentist in Anderson SC can provide safe, effective whitening treatments that deliver better results than over-the-counter products.

Whitening options:

  • In-office whitening for immediate results
  • Take-home custom trays for gradual whitening
  • Combination approaches for optimal results

Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin shells that cover the front surface of teeth, correcting various cosmetic concerns. While not as common as fillings or cleanings, veneers have become increasingly popular among the common dental procedures offered at modern practices.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are a modern orthodontic procedure that are a great alternative to metal braces. They comprise a set of clear, removable aligners that gradually move teeth into desired positions over the course of several months. They are virtually invisible, can be removed during meal times, and require far fewer visits and adjustments than traditional braces.

Extraction Procedures

Tooth extraction remains one of the most common dental procedures. These are most frequently done for wisdom teeth removal and for a few other typical issues.

Tooth Extractions

Sometimes a tooth cannot be saved and must be removed.

Common reasons for extraction:

  • Severe tooth decay beyond repair
  • Advanced gum disease
  • Dental trauma
  • Overcrowding (often before orthodontic treatment)
  • Problematic wisdom teeth

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth extraction is one of the most common dental procedures for young adults. These third molars often cause problems because there is not enough room in the mouth for them to properly emerge.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Understanding the common dental procedures you might encounter helps reduce anxiety and empowers you to take charge of your oral health. If you are looking for a dentist Anderson SC residents trust, ProGrin Dental is here for you. From preventive care to restorative treatments, we offer comprehensive services to keep your smile healthy and beautiful.

Don’t wait until you are experiencing pain or discomfort. Regular dental visits allow us to catch problems early and provide the most conservative treatment possible. Contact ProGrin Dental today to schedule your appointment and experience the difference that quality dental care makes.

 

References

  1. “Dental Care Utilization Among Adults Aged 18−64: United States, 2019 and 2020,” National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db435.htm.
  2. Vaishnavi Bhaskar, Kathleen A. McGraw, and Kimon Divaris, “The importance of preventive dental visits from a young age: systematic review and current perspectives,” Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry, March 2014, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3964025/.
  3. Mohan Kumar, Muhammad Shanavas, Ashwin Sidappa, and Madhu Kiran, “Cone Beam Computed Tomography – Know its Secrets,” Journal of International Oral Health, International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry, February 2015, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4377156/.
  4. Gregorio Oxilia, Flavia Fiorillo, Francesco Boschin, et al., “The dawn of dentistry in the late upper Paleolithic: An early case of pathological intervention at Riparo Fredian,” American Journal of Biological Anthropology, March 2017, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajpa.23216.