FAQ

Have questions that aren’t listed below?

Call us at (604) 736-2505

  • Why should I go to the dentist regularly?
  • How can I prevent gum disease & tooth decay?
  • What is Gingivitis?
  • What is Periodontal Disease?
  • How do you treat Periodontal Disease?
  • How can I improve my smile?
  • What is teeth whitening?
  • What causes morning breath?
  • Why should I floss, isn't brushing enough?
  • How can I get my kids to brush their teeth?
  • I knocked out a tooth, can it be saved?
  • What is a dental implant?
  • What are the benefits of dental implant?
  • Who is a candidate for dental implant?
  • How long do dental implants last?
When it comes to dental health, that old saying “don’t fix what isn’t broken”, does not apply. Too often, people wait to make a dentist appointment until something hurts; this is called “crisis treatment”. While it may seem that you are saving money by avoiding the dentist, it often ends up costing you much more in the long run. Our goal is to shift your focus on “preventative treatment” by visiting your dentist on a more regular basis. Early detection of cavities and other oral diseases can help you prevent root canal treatment.

Great teeth and gum care start at home. Brushing and flossing on a daily basis is the best way to take care of your teeth and gums on a continual basis. By keeping to a daily routine you will greatly minimize the risk of gingivitis or tooth decay as you age.

  • Watch your sugar intake – The bacteria that live in your mouth love sugary foods like chips, candy, and fruit. Foods like raisins and peanut butter that stick to your teeth provide a constant supply for the bacteria eating your teeth.
  • Brush after you eat – Your toothbrush isn’t something you typically bring with you wherever you go. Alternatively, rinsing your mouth with water or chewing sugarless gum can help fight plaque.
Gingivitis is a condition caused when bacteria surrounds the teeth and enters the gums. The gums can become irritated, inflamed and often bleed. In order to prevent the condition from worsening, regular hygiene visits are highly recommended. During your visit, our Hygiene team will teach you the proper flossing techniques and Oral Hygiene protocol for Home Care that will prevent the Periodontal Disease.
Periodontal Disease is a quiet disease that begins with little or no symptoms. It is caused by bacteria that surrounds the teeth and enters the gums. The immediate condition is known as ‘gingivitis’. The gums become irritated, inflamed, and often bleed. If not properly treated, the condition worsens. Noticeable symptoms now appear. They include:
  • Bad Breath
  • Gum Recession
  • Gum Sensitivity to Acidic Foods
  • Abscesses
  • Tooth Pain
  • Tooth Loss
Periodontal Disease is a chronic condition that needs immediate attention. Through a series of Periodontal Cleanings, Root Planing & Scaling, Laser Therapy, and Local Antibiotics, this condition can be controlled. Periodontal Surgery is only necessary for severe cases.
There are several ways in today’s Dental World to enhance your smile. Certain procedures include:
  • Tooth Whitening
  • Bonding
  • Porcelain Veneers
  • Porcelain Crowns
We have the ability to improve your smile using all, or some, of these procedures. For an exact consultation, please contact our office so that we may provide you with a customized treatment plan.

Teeth Whitening is a cost-effective and safe procedure to create a beautiful, healthy smile. Over the years, fluoride is has been added to the whitening product. This reduces the risk of tooth and gum sensitivity. Tooth Whitening must be monitored by your dentist and only done after a comprehensive exam and hygiene cleaning.

The whitening process can last for a number of years if maintained properly. Beverages such as coffee, tea, cola, and wine will reduce the lasting effect. Remember, if it could stain a white shirt, it will stain your smile!

Your saliva acts as a natural mouthwash but when you are asleep, production in your mouth decreases. Bacteria found on teeth in the crevices and on the taste buds of the tongue, break down the food particles, which produce sulfur compounds. It is actually these sulfur compounds which give our breath a bad odor.

Chronic, long-term mouth odor can be a sign of more serious illness. See your dentist if this is a concern.
Toothbrushes are a great tool to clean and maintain your teeth but are not an “end all be all product”. There are many hard-to-reach areas in your mouth that your toothbrush cannot get to. Flossing gets rid of plaque that eventually hardens into tartar that only your dentist can remove.

Make it fun! Children like to imitate their parents, so if you are enthusiastic about your oral hygiene routine, they will be too.

Ask the dentist for other creative ways to get children to brush their teeth.

Getting your children to brush starts with taking them to the dentist at an early age. All children should be seen by their first birthday or 6 months after the eruption of the first tooth.

Oral injuries can be painful and should be treated by a dentist right away. If you have knocked out a tooth, these tips may be able to save it:

  • Rinse, do not scrub, the tooth to remove dirt or debris
  • Place the clean tooth in your mouth between your cheek and gum or under your tongue
  • Do not attempt to replace the tooth into the socket as this could cause further damage
  • Get to the dentist. Successful re-implantation is possible only when treatment is performed promptly
  • If it is not possible to store the tooth in the mouth of the injured person, wrap the tooth in a clean cloth or gauze and immerse it in milk.
A Dental Implant is a “man-made” replacement for a missing tooth or tooth root. Made from titanium, this screw-like object is inserted under the gum and directly into the upper or lower jaw bone. There is usually minimal discomfort involved with this procedure. After a period of a few months, the Dental Implant and the bone fuse together. This creates an anchor for the new tooth to be placed onto the dental implant.
  • Dental Implants look and function like your natural tooth.
  • Dental Implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth.
  • Dental Implants are maintained by routine hygiene visits to your dental office.
  • Dental Implants decrease the possibility of bone loss, periodontal disease, tooth movement, and further tooth loss.
  • Dental Implants replace the need for a Removable Full or Partial Denture.
  • Dental Implants focus only on the tooth or teeth that are missing. A traditional bridge would involve the two or more adjacent teeth being compromised to create a false tooth in between.

With major advancements in Dentistry and Dental Implants, most people are candidates for Dental Implants. There may be exceptions due to chronic illness, heart disease, and severe osteoporosis.What does the Dental Implant Procedure Involve?

The average Dental Implant Procedure takes 3 – 4 visits. The first visit is to x-ray the area and takes an impression for a surgical guide and a temporary prosthesis to cover the Implant.

The next visit is to place the Implant. A local anesthesia is applied to the area. (Any additional sedation is no longer necessary unless deemed by the dentist). The dentist will then make a minor incision to place the implant. The implant is placed into the jaw bone. The area will then be covered with sutures. The procedure is usually completed with minor pain.

You will next return in approximately 3 months to begin creating the Porcelain Crown to place over the Implant.

With routine dental hygiene scheduled and proper home care, A Dental Implant can last approximately 30 years to a lifetime.