What are the types of dental treatment, and how does the dentist fix teeth?

Even though it has been well established that poor oral health can be associated with severe medical conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, etc., it is still one of the most overlooked sectors in India. According to a survey, approximately 50% of school children have dental caries, while around 90% of adults suffer from periodontal disease and require proper dental treatment.

Several causes have been observed, resulting in poor oral health in India. For instance, it is not considered to be as essential as other chronic health issues. Children and adults nowadays also depend more on fast food and carbonated drinks consumption than ever. Not brushing teeth after consuming these types of foods and beverages lead to several dental health issues like –

1. Tooth decay.
2. Bad breath.
3. Gum or periodontal diseases.
4. Tooth sensitivity.
5. Tooth erosion.
6. Mouth sores.

However, these common oral issues can be prevented through regular check-ups and by opting for dental treatment at the onset of the symptoms. Hence, individuals should gain an idea regarding common dental treatments through which these issues can be fixed –

• Scaling and cleaning –

Dentists carry out scaling and cleaning to remove deposits from teeth. These include plaque build-up, food particles, hardened calculus, etc. In the scaling and cleaning process, the dentist uses a rotating brush with a polishing paste to remove and clean your teeth. One should visit the dentist periodically for such clean-ups to prevent gum disease.

• Fillings –

This medical procedure is used to treat tooth decays that cause cavities. In this case, dentists first remove the decay. The tooth cavity is then cleaned, dried, and sealed with a filling material.

• Restoring damaged teeth –

There are several dental treatment methods used to restore the appearance, functionality, and shape of an individual’s teeth. These include bonding, veneers, crowns or on-lays.

• Root canal treatment –

In this case, the damaged or infected pulp of a tooth caused due to decay is removed and cleaned. Then, a sealing material is used to fill this cavity.

• Tooth extraction –

In this procedure, a tooth which has been extensively damaged or decayed is removed or extracted as it can be extremely painful and uncomfortable. The treatment is the least invasive and is conveniently carried out via anaesthetic numbing.

• Dentures –

Individuals whose teeth are permanently damaged can opt for this procedure. Here, the natural teeth are removed and replaced with artificial ones called dentures. Individuals should keep in mind that dentures should be removed religiously at night and need to be cleaned regularly.

• Tooth implants –

These procedures are usually carried out to replace a missing tooth artificially with a suitable implant. Such implants are screw-shaped and made of titanium, designed to fit one’s jaw permanently. An artificial tooth is then placed over it to hide the screws.

While these dental treatments are effective, they often come in costly, deterring individuals from opting for one. Another reason for poor oral health in India is the lack of awareness as well as proper dental infrastructure in public hospitals.

As a result, individuals need to avail treatment from private clinics and pay for procedures out of their pocket. The substantial costs at private clinics keep them from availing dental treatment in time.

However, the financial aspect can be addressed by availing handy financing options like a health card. These cards are easily available and come with sizeable funding. Once you apply for the digital health card, you use it immediately to fund your medical expenses and pay off the due amount by converting it into affordable EMIs.

Other features of this card include –

• Pre-approved limit –

Existing customers can apply for a health card and get pre-approved for financing of up to Rs.4 lakh. Furthermore, no additional documentation is needed during the application procedure, which will aid in quick processing.

• Nominal joining fee –

Applicants only need to pay a nominal amount as joining fee during the application procedure. They can choose from two card types – insta variant for a nominal payment of Rs.707 and the non-insta variant at just Rs.587.

• Funding for the family

The Bajaj Finserv Health EMI Network Card can be used to finance treatment costs for an immediate family member, such as spouse, children, parents, and siblings. Thus, you can avail health care for the whole family with one health card only.

• Coverage for essential treatments –

Cardholders can avail financial coverage for dental treatment as well as all essential plus non-essential treatments with the help of a health card. Some of the 800+ treatments and procedures include –

1. Diagnostic care.
2. Cardiac surgery.
3. Oncology treatments.
4. Orthopaedics treatment.
5. General surgery.
6. Plastic surgery.
7. Hair treatment.
8. ENT issues.

• Complimentary offers

A health card also offers a complimentary insurance cover for personal accidents of up to Rs.1 lakh. Besides that, one can also avail discounts on consultations through digital health technology and treatment from super-speciality hospitals, diagnostic clinics, etc. with the health card, among others.

Thus, individuals should go for dental check-ups regularly to maintain good oral health, which will also help in preventing major diseases. They can also use the card to pay for dental treatment costs from more than 5,500 located at 1,000 plus cities within the country.