There's no question about it, every season is a season for smiles! It could be a child's graduation, or it may be a daughters wedding. Whatever the reason, we've all got something to smile about.
We'd like you to know that we can help to make your smile look as good as you feel. Through the use of some very simple cosmetic techniques we can whiten and brighten, mask stains and hide chips. We can fill in the gaps, cover the cracks, correct the spacing and even ensure that the length of your teeth is as even as possible!
The technical terms are whitening, bonding and recontouring but what is really noteworthy is that many of these procedures are essentially painless, can be done in our office in a session or two, and will help you to improve your smile power.
So call us for a consultation about the cosmetic treatments that may be best for you. In this, the season of smiles, you'll truly have something to smile about!
Did you know that after your teen years, your teeth become less susceptible to cavities but more vulnerable to periodontal disease (gum disease)? Did you also know that periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults?
Periodontal disease starts with plaque, that almost invisible sticky film of food and bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums every day. If you want to keep your teeth, you must remove this accumulation of plaque each and every day.
Proper cleaning removes plaque from the surfaces of the teeth and from the sulcus, that critical area where the tooth and the gum meet to form a shallow crevice around each tooth.
Proper toothbrushing disrupts plaque from the inner, outer and top surfaces of the teeth. (Flossing and professional dental care are needed to complete the job.)
Most people do not realize that choosing a toothbrush can make a difference in the quality of care you can provide for your teeth. The preferred shape for any toothbrush is a straight handle. A straight handle allows for easy grasping of the brush. For handicapped patients or people who have difficulty gripping a thin handle, Custom handles can be fabricated by your dentist.
The toothbrush filaments should be of equal length and rounded, as they provide easy adaptability to all tooth surfaces and gums. The bristles themselves should be composed of nylon and not natural bristles. This is because natural bristles easily harbour bacteria while the nylon bristles discourage the settling of these micro-organisms.
It is very important that a soft bristle brush be used and not a hard bristle. The hard brush "ditches" the tooth and abrades the gums. Both conditions cause tooth sensitivity to hot and cold substances. If you are presently using a hard bristled toothbrush, it is important that you change to a soft bristle immediately.
If sensitivity is presently experienced then a consultation with your hygienist or dentist would help because there are special treatment methods for this condition.
A worn toothbrush will not get your teeth clean; if the bristles are not straight they will not clean the critical sulcus area. It is suggested that you replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months.
The Bass method is a simple yet effective method of brushing all the teeth in a systematic manner. As adults, we need to concentrate our brushing on the sulcus around the teeth. It is in this sulcus that plaque and calculus accumulate and where periodontal disease starts.
One should always start in the same place when brushing and move systematically from tooth to tooth, in the same way every day, as this develops a habit.
A good place to start is on the inside, upper back teeth. Place the toothbrush at the 45 degree angle so it is half on the gum and half on the tooth. Remember to gently vibrate the toothbrush bristles in a forward and backward motion working some of the bristles under the gum. This angle and motion allows the bristles to clean the surfaces of the teeth under the gum.
Count to ten and then sweep the toothbrush down to remove the plaque (You can remember this motion with the simple saying, "Jiggle, Jiggle, Jiggle, Swish."!). Remember, do not scrub as this can actually wear away tooth enamel or your gums; you do not have to brush hard to brush well.
After the inside of the upper teeth are done, move to the outside of the uppers. Again, start at one side, at the back, with the brush at 45 degrees to the teeth and gums. The tops of the teeth are cleaned using a back and forth motion for each tooth.
The bottom teeth are treated in a similar manner. Start at the back inside and work your way around, spending about ten seconds at each position. Make sure the bristles are on both the tooth and gums. Be extra careful with the back of the lower front teeth; plaque easily collects in this area. Do not forget to brush the outside and tops of the lower teeth.
At the beginning, bleeding and soreness of the gums may be noticed. This is normal and to expected. But if the bleeding and soreness persist, a visit to the dentist is necessary.
Ideally, one should brush after every meal and snack. However, with today's busy lifestyle, this is often inconvenient and difficult to achieve. It is important that you brush at least once every day; the most effective time to brush is JUST BEFORE BED.
Do not rush your brushing! It is better to brush your teeth once a day, properly, than to brush many times haphazardly. Brushing your teeth should take at least 3 minutes to complete.
Proper brushing every day will help to provide a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. If you have questions regarding special brushing aids, toothpastes, mouthwashes or other dental concerns, please feel free to consult with your dental centre staff.
RETURN TO TOP OF PAGEA Regular Checkup is the most important thing you can do for your dental health, next to brushing and flossing. Regular checkups aren't just about cavities, and they aren't just for kids either. Checkups are primarily about prevention, ensuring that new dental problems don't develop and preventing existing problems from becoming worse. Even if you're diligent about brushing and flossing, your teeth and gums still need regular care from a dental professional. Your dentist looks for anything unusual and catches small problems before they become big ones. He or she checks for gum disease, cavities, eroded fillings, hairline tooth fractures, infections, and, particularly if you smoke, abnormal tissues that could turn into oral cancer. Based on the results of your checkup, your dentist can give you helpful advice on personal dental care and can answer your questions about your dental health.
Don't wait until it hurts. With checkups, the rule of thumb is once every six months. But like most rules, there are exceptions. Depending on a number of factors: existing dental problems, the likelihood of new problems, the effectiveness of your personal care program, your rate of tartar build-up and so on-your dentist may suggest that you visit more or less often.
Ever get nervous when you visit the dentist? You're not alone. Dental anxiety, from a few butterflies to serious fear, is not uncommon. Some people developed anxiety as children or had a painful dental experience as an adult. Or they feel guilty about not taking better care of there teeth or not going to the dentist for a long time.
Sometimes dental anxiety can cause people to delay visiting the dentist for checkups. Or it can cause them to avoid the dentist altogether. And that can jeopardize their health.
Even people who visit their dentist regularly get anxious sometimes. If you get nervous about dental visits, don't be embarrassed. Talk to your dentist or hygienist about it. They are trained to help relieve your nervousness. They understand how you feel. They won't judge you and can help.
The tremendous advances in dental equipment and techniques in recent years have made painful dental experiences virtually a thing of the past. If fear of pain is keeping you out of the dental chair, talk to your dentist.
Dental anxiety often begins in childhood. You can help your young child feel better about visiting the dentist by taking him or her with you to your checkup. When your child sees how comfortable you are with a checkup, he or she is more likely to feel OK about his or her own visits. Many dentists support this approach. Check with yours before bringing your child to the dental office.
X-rays help your dentist detect, diagnose, and plan treatment for problems long before they become visible to the naked eye. There are several types of X-rays that may be ordered by your dentist. The most common are what are referred to as "intraoral," a small film packet is placed inside your mouth. You may be asked to bite on a small cardboard tab that holds a cavity detecting X-ray film packet in place; or you may be asked to bite down on a small plastic device that helps align the film with the X-ray machine.
Other types of X-rays (called "extraoral") are taken by placing a larger film cassette near your face. You may be either seated or standing while the film is being taken.
X-rays can reveal:
Dental X-Rays are safe. People are exposed to very low levels of radiation all the time. If you drove a car for 60 miles, you would be exposed to the same tiny amount of radiation as you would receive in a dental X-ray. Dentists give you three types of protection:
X-rays may or may not be a regular part of your checkup. Your dentist will only take X-rays if there is a need for them.
Because dental personnel take many films over the course of a year, they must take precautions against what is called "cumulative X-radiation." The safest way to ensure this is for them to stand at least six feet from the X-ray unit for a brief fraction of a second when radiation is present. This is usually accomplished by them leaving the room during this period.
Occasionally patients do experience what we call a "gag reflex" when a film packet is placed in the mouth-particularly toward the back of the mouth. If you feel that you are especially prone to gagging, we can give you a special mouth rinse that temporarily numbs the soft tissue (what is called the palate).
It is true that embryonic tissues are very sensitive to X-radiation. If you are in the first trimester of pregnancy (the first three months), or think you may be pregnant, please tell us. We generally avoid taking films during this time, unless you have a specific dental emergency.
Once you are past the first trimester, if there is reason for taking X-rays, we will take every precaution to protect you and your unborn baby from any harmful radiation.
Because we care about maintaining your smile, dental X-rays are an indispensable adjunct to your clinical records. By taking them periodically we safeguard your dental health, detecting any changes or conditions early-before they become big problems.
If you have any additional questions or concerns about dental X-rays, just ask. We appreciate your concern over radiation. In this office we take only the NECESSARY X-rays in order to do a complete and comprehensive examination.
Cleaning and polishing are regular parts of a checkup for three reasons.
Here are the main steps in cleaning, scaling, and polishing teeth. As your teeth are unique, your dentist or hygienist may do these procedures in a different order.
A thorough cleaning can take some time during a checkup, but it's time well spent. Professional cleaning is important in preventing gum disease, the most common adult dental problem.
 Before a Cleaning |  After a Cleaning |
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Your hygienist or dentist may apply a fluoride solution (a gel, liquid or mouth rinse) to your teeth during a checkup. This solution helps prevent cavities by interfering with the growth of bacteria on teeth and by repairing the easiest, micro-scopic stages of tooth decay. People who live in communities with fluoridated water supplies already receive the cavity preventing benefits of fluoride. Thirty-nine percent of Canadians drink water that is naturally fluoridated or has fluoride added to it. Even if you live in a community with fluoridated water, there are three things you can do to make sure your teeth are getting fluoride's protection.
When a water supply is artificially fluoridated, only one part of fluoride is added per million parts of water.
A Dental Checkup is a two way street. Your dentist can tell a lot about your teeth and gums just by looking, but he or she can be much more effective if you do your part as well. Tell your dentist about changes in your mouth and your teeth. He or she can give you information and advice that may make the difference between maintaining good dental health or losing it. Ask you dentist questions. Be curious about what goes on during your checkup. Find out how you can take better care of your teeth and gums at home by asking some of these simple questions.
| Has your general health changed recently? | YES | NO |
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| Since your last checkup, have you become pregnant? | YES | NO |
| Since your last checkup, have you started taking any medication? Have you developed any new allergies? | YES | NO |
| Have you noticed any recent changes in your teeth, such as colour, looseness, position, small chips? | YES | NO |
| Have you noticed any changes in your gums such as colour, tenderness, a tendency to bleed when you brush or floss? | YES | NO |
| Have you had any trouble flossing recently? Has your floss been catching on rough edges or shredding? | YES | NO |
| Are your teeth or gums more sensitive to heat, cold or certain foods than usual? | YES | NO |
| Have you noticed any changes in the skin on the inside of your mouth (particularly if you are a smoker)? | YES | NO |
| Have you been experiencing more stress than usual recently? Have you noticed muscle tension in your neck and jaw? Have you been clenching or grinding your teeth? | YES | NO |
On the first visit to our office for a New Patient Examination, a one hour appointment is scheduled. During this time our patients are asked to complete a Confidential Medical & Dental History Form and to define preferences for future appointments. This is followed by a Comprehensive Oral Examination. The patients’ present oral conditions are examined and charted for both soft tissue, hard tissue and oral cancer. Necessary x-rays are taken and then combined with the examination to compile a specific treatment plan for each individual.
Our patients return to our office on a prescribed basis for support and assistance in maintaining their dental health. Recommended regular visits consist of a cleaning and re-examination.
Our commitment to patient care also includes a Comprehensive Oral Comparison Examination every three to five years. It is our policy to substitute a routine re-examination appointment with an comprehensive examination if our patients dental health requires it. During this visit our patient will be treated as though it’s the first visit to our office with a focus on needs related to new products, new technical and clinical advancements. Updated medical history and a comparative x-ray evaluation as well as a new treatment plan will be provided.
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Veneers can improve your smile. A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain, which is bonded to the tooth to improve its colour or shape. Usually, a veneer only covers the top and front of a tooth. Veneers can be used to close spaces between teeth, lengthen small or misshapen teeth, or whiten stained and dark teeth.
When teeth are chipped or beginning to wear, veneers can protect them from damage and restore their original looks.
It takes two or more appointments to restore your teeth with veneers. On the first appointment, we shape and roughen the teeth. From impressions we make precise working models of the teeth. It's on these models that we artistically craft the veneers to precisely fit the prepared teeth.
On the second appointment, we clean and polish the prepared teeth. Then we use an adhesive to bond the veneers to the teeth. A harmless high intensity light hardens the adhesive.
Once in place, veneers virtually become part of the teeth. You can use them like you would your own teeth. The bond is extremely strong. The result is beautiful and natural looking teeth.
 Your Smile Before |  Your Smile After |
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RETURN TO TOP OF PAGEDo you shy away from being photographed or avoid smiling because your teeth are stained or dark ? You are not alone. The number-one aesthetic concern among dental patients is discoloured teeth.
Don't despair, help is available. Even if your teeth are severely stained from smoking, coffee, tea, or aging, we can safely and effectively lighten them. Although many dental whitening products are now available on store shelves they are generally ineffective. The best method of tooth whitening is under the supervision of a dentist.
Tooth whitening involves the lightening of dental discolouration by the application of a whitening agent, the most commonly used is hydrogen peroxide. If you are interested in tooth whitening we recommend a consultation appointment to establish your eligibility for a whitening procedure. If your front teeth have been altered either by fillings, crowns, veneers, or you have cavities, broken or lost restorations, periodontal disease or extensive calculus, a different approach may be required. It is important to understand that the whitening products will change the colour/shade of your natural teeth while not affecting the restorations.
On your second appointment we'll take an impression of your teeth to produce a thin whitening tray that's custom-made to fit over your teeth. The whitening tray is lightweight and can be worn comfortably. On your third appointment along with the tray you'll receive the whitening materials and be given instructions on how to use the product and the appliance. Before you start your whitening treatment we recommend that you first have a professional cleaning with one of our hygienists. Our whitening system is most effective if you wear the tray from two to four hours a day for a period of two weeks.
Lightening normally lasts from six months to three years, depending on your personal habits such as smoking, drinking red wine, or the amount of coffee or tea you consume. Most patients do not use all material for the initial whitening and are able to do touch ups from time to time as required. Should you require additional material you may purchase a small "touch up kit".
RETURN TO TOP OF PAGEChances are you or a family member have been told that a root canal is necessary to save a tooth; perhaps root canal therapy is already underway. In either case, it's important to understand what will happen during root canal treatment and why this procedure is necessary to save the tooth.
Don't be fooled by tough exteriors. Underneath the hard enamel of your tooth are soft tissues of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues-or dental pulp-and it can be injured.
Root canal (endodontic) therapy treats disorders of the nerve(pulp) of the tooth. In the past, a tooth with a diseased or infected nerve had to be removed. However, in 95% of these cases today, this is no longer true. We are able to save the tooth and with Root Canal Therapy will make every effort to save yours.
There are several reasons why you may need a root canal. The most common are:
1. Trauma- a physical blow to a tooth or a constant striking by a tooth in the opposite jaw that traumatizes the tooth.
2. Physical irritation- cracked tooth, deep decay or a very large filling.
Regardless of the initial cause, bacteria from your saliva can seep into the pulp causing it to become infected. A pocket of infection called an abscess forms beneath the tooth causing pressure and pain. In some cases your face may swell. Eventually the pulp dies, causing the bone around the tooth to be destroyed.
It is important to note that you cannot treat pulp infections with antibiotics alone. Once it has been determined (with X-rays and/or clinical examination) that root canal treatment is necessary, you will be scheduled for one or more appointment. It's important that you keep these appointments, to prevent delays in treatment and healing. It's also essential that you take all antibiotics and medications prescribed, to hasten healing and reduce swelling. Should you experience pain that cannot be controlled with the prescribed medication call you dentist immediately.
An opening is made through the crown into the pulp. Your tooth may be numbered prior to the procedure. The diseased pulp is then carefully removed. The root canal area inside your tooth is cleaned, enlarged and shaped. Then, depending on your individual case, the root canal(s) and pulp chamber may be permanently filled and sealed. In some cases, however, a temporary medication is placed in the tooth to control bacterial growth and reduce infection.
Most often, a provisional filling is placed in the opening of the tooth until the next visit. In some cases, however, the tooth may be left open. This allows the infection to drain.
At the next appointment, the inside of the tooth is sterilized to remove any remaining bacteria. Throughout the root canal procedure we take X-rays to ensure that all of the infected pulp is removed and that the walls inside the canal are smooth. Then the root canal and pulp chamber are permanently filled and sealed. Finally, the tooth is fully restored to chewing functions-most often with a full crown.
Once the root canal treatment has been completed, you should be aware of the following considerations:
Discolouration- Occasionally an endodontically treated tooth may undergo a change in colour. While this is of no great medical concern, you may be interested in having the tooth bleached. Be sure to ask about bleaching.
Brittleness- A non-vital (endontically treated) tooth is more brittle than a vital one, and is more susceptible to fracture. Therefore, we recommend that your root canal be crowned (capped) following the treatment.
Throughout your root canal treatment you may have more questions or concerns. We'll be happy to answer any questions you may have. Our concern is your comfort and confidence. Remember, our goal is to help preserve your natural teeth for a lifetime.
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It's a sad fact, but most adults will loose a tooth at some time in their lives either to accident or disease. Removable dentures and fixed bridges are always available of course, but many patients are now choosing implants as a means of tooth replacement because of their stability and natural appearance.
Advances in implant dentistry are making the choice easier for many patients. How does an implant work ? History tells us that a Swedish scientist found in the early 1950's that titanium with bone forms a viable combination. This phenomenon allows us to build missing teeth with the use of a pure titanium screw. This anchor is surgically placed directly into the jawbone. The anchor is left alone for three to six months, allowing bone to grow around it to insure it is permanently attached. In the meantime, if necessary, the existing denture (false teeth) will be put back. When healed, an artificial tooth is attached to this secured anchor marrying perfectly with the neighbouring teeth.
Implants are now providing a lifelike and secure alternative to natural teeth for thousands of patients. But you do need to be in good health. Only a clinical and x-ray examination will tell if the bone structures are sufficiently strong to support the required implants in order to replace the lost teeth. You also must be committed to a meticulous oral hygiene regimen and regular dental visits. Sometimes patients are concerned about what might seem to be a complicated procedure, however improved techniques have greatly simplified implant technology.
If you want to replace a tooth or removable denture, please call our office to arrange for a consultation. In our office, Dr. Cameron Jones as an Oral Surgeon and Dr. Parry as a restorative dentist, work closely together providing an effective implant team. Implant dentistry can be made simple, and the majority of our patients can use artificial teeth easily by using implants for support. Today implants are user friendly and there's no age limit to looking good!
RETURN TO TOP OF PAGEAs a woman, you have unique oral health needs. Changes in your body, lifestyle and medications may affect your oral health, so make informed decisions and always consult with your ODA member dentist regarding these changes. A well-balanced diet and regular dental check-ups are also vital to both good oral and overall health.
There are several ways in which changes to your body can affect your oral health:
Puberty
The surge of hormones during puberty may increase blood circulation in the gums. Your mouth may become more sensitive to irritants such as plaque, and this can lead to gingivitis. Be sure to floss and brush regularly to ensure good oral health. Dental check-ups are also vital at this time.
Menstruation
Your menstrual cycle does not usually cause changes in the gum tissue; however, the hormonal fluctuations associated with menstruation may cause changes in the gum tissues of some women. These changes cause gums to swell and bleed during the days prior to menstruation. You may experience heightened sensitivity to pain, hot and cold fluctuations and pressure in the mouth during menses. It is important to note that most studies reveal existing gum inflammation is aggravated by menstruation rather than caused by it.'
Pregnancy
Some women may experience gingivitis while pregnant, however pregnancy does not cause gingivitis.' Due to hormonal changes while pregnant, you may be more sensitive to plaque, which results in swollen gums that bleed easily. If you notice any changes to your oral health while pregnant, consult your ODA member dentist.
Oral Contraceptives
If you are taking oral contraceptives, you may be susceptible to the same oral conditions that affect pregnant women. Oral contraceptives contain the hormones progesterone and/or estrogen; therefore, if you take oral contraceptives, you may experience a heightened sensitivity to plaque, which may result in gingivitis. You should advise your dentist if you are taking oral contraceptives as this may affect certain dental treatments.
Menopause and Post-menopause
As you reach menopause or post-menopause you may experience discomfort, pain and some- times burning in your mouth and gums. You may also find that your taste perceptions may change, especially in relation to salty, peppery and/or sour foods. Experts report that gingivostomatitis during menopause affects a small percentage of women. Symptoms include gums that look dry or shiny, bleed easily or range in colour from abnormally pale to deep red. If you have developed osteoporosis, xerostomia (dry-mouth) or Burning Mouth Syndrome (burning of the tongue and oral tissues), you may experience changes in your oral health due to these illnesses and you should discuss this with your dentist. Studies have also indicated that panoramic X-rays - those that show a picture of the upper and lower jaw and upper neck - can detect lesions that have significant deposits of calcium within the soft tissues of the neck one of the many risk factors of stroke.'
References:
1. Women's Oral Health Issues: An Exploration of the Literature, Probe, Vol. 30 No. 5, 1996.
2. www.womensoralhealth.org
3. Journal of the American Dental Association, 132: 1130-1136, 2001.
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